Job Specifications
Job Description
We are a technology-driven company building high-performing, scalable, and resilient software solutions. Our teams work with a modern tech stack including .NET, MongoDB, AWS, Jenkins, SQL Server, and streaming technologies.
We’re looking for a hands-on Principal Engineer who can code, design scalable systems, manage Staff Engineers, and drive technical excellence across multiple teams. This role is perfect for a technical leader who still enjoys writing code while shaping architecture and mentoring engineers.
About The Role
As a Principal Engineer, you will play a critical role in:
Architecting scalable, high-performance systems
Coding and reviewing mission-critical features (at-least 60% hands-on)
Managing and mentoring Staff Engineers & Senior Developers
Driving best practices in software development and AI-powered engineering
Owning non-functional requirements (NFRs) such as security, scalability, and reliability
Optimising cloud infrastructure and CI/CD pipelines
If you thrive on solving complex technical challenges, leading by example, and empowering teams, this is the role for you!
Key Responsibilities
Hands-on coding (at least 60% of the time), working on core application components and system architecture
Technical leadership – guiding multiple teams and ensuring best practices
Managing & mentoring Staff Engineers – supporting career growth and technical excellence
Architecting and scaling distributed systems and cloud-native applications
Defining and enforcing non-functional requirements (NFRs) – scalability, security, performance
Implementing Test-Driven Development (TDD) and automation best practices
Optimising CI/CD pipelines with Jenkins & AWS
Leading containerisation efforts with Docker & Kubernetes
Collaborating with cross-functional teams to align technical solutions with business needs
Research and implement AI-driven development tools to boost productivity
What We’re Looking For
Proven experience as a Principal Engineer / Lead Engineer / Software Architect
Proven hands-on coding experience with .NET, SQL Server, MongoDB, Angular/NextJS, AWS, and streaming technologies
Strong experience in building scalable and high-performance applications
Strong experience managing Staff Engineers & Senior Developers
Solid understanding of Test-Driven Development (TDD) and modern testing frameworks
Experience with Docker & Kubernetes for containerisation and cloud deployment
Strong knowledge of CI/CD pipelines, automation, and deployment best practices
Experience with AI-assisted development tools is a plus
Excellent leadership and communication skills – able to coach and influence team
About Us
AJ Bell is one of the fastest-growing investment platform businesses in the UK offering an award-winning range of solutions that caters for everyone, from professional financial advisers to DIY investors with little to no experience. We have over 593,000 customers using our award-winning platform propositions to manage assets totalling more than £90.4 billion. Our customers trust us with their investments, and by continuously striving to make investing easier, we aim to help even more people take control of their financial futures.
Having listed on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange in December 2018, AJ Bell is now a FTSE 250 company.
Headquartered in Manchester with offices in central London and Bristol, we now have over 1,500 employees and have been named one of the UK's 'Best 100 Companies to Work For’ for six consecutive years and in 2024 named a Great Place to Work®.
At AJ Bell you can expect a friendly working environment with a strong sense of teamwork, we have a great sense of pride in what we do, and this is reflected in our guiding principles.
Our Perks And Benefits
Starting holiday entitlement of 26 days, increasing up to 31 days with length of service plus a holiday buy and sell scheme
A choice of pension schemes with matched contributions up to 7%
Discretionary bonus scheme
Annual free share awards scheme
Buy As You Earn (BAYE) Scheme
Health Cash Plan – provided by SimplyHealth
Discounted private healthcare scheme and dental plan
Free gym membership
Employee Assistance Programme
Bike loan scheme
Sick pay+ pledge
Enhanced maternity, paternity, and shared parental leave
Loans for travel season tickets
Death in service scheme
Paid time off for volunteer work
Charitable giving opportunities through salary sacrifice
Calendar of social events, including monthly payday drinks, annual Christmas party, summer party and much more
Ongoing technical training
Professional qualification support
Talent development programmes
Peer recognition scheme, with rewards including restaurant and shopping vouchers or time off
Monthly leadership breakfasts and lunches
Casual dress code
Access to a range of benefits from our sponsorship deals
Hybrid working
At AJ Bell, our people are the heart of our culture. We believe in building strong connections by working together. That's why we offer a hybrid working model, where you’ll spend a minimum of 50% of your working time per month in the office. For new team members, an initial period will be full-time in the office to help you immerse yourself in our business and build valuable relationships with your colleagues.
AJ Bell is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and all employees are empowered to bring their whole self to work.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, pregnancy, religion, physical and mental disability, marital status and any other characteristics protected by the Equality Act 2010. All decisions to hire are based on qualifications, merit and business need.
If you like the sound of the above, or just want to know more about the company and the role, we'd love to speak to you.
About the Company
AJ Bell was formed in 1995 and is now one of the leading online investment platforms in the UK. We provide customers and advisers with wide investment choice, low-cost delivery, market leading online functionality and first class service to help them manage investment portfolios within SIPPs, ISAs and Dealing accounts. We are a fast growing and profitable company, with over 593,000 customers and PS90.4 billion of assets under administration. We are part of the FTSE 250 on the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange.
Know more