Principal Software Engineer (Java)

• Lead engineering across the value stream, remaining hands-on in architecture, coding, debugging and technical decision-making to support delivery of scalable backend services.
• Provide technical leadership in Java and Spring Boot development, guiding teams through design decisions, trade-offs and complex implementation challenges.
• Design and evolve event-driven, distributed systems, ensuring solutions are resilient, scalable and aligned to modern engineering practices.
• Actively coach and support engineers, unblocking complex issues in real time and raising the overall technical capability of the team.
• Own and drive engineering standards and best practices, including code quality, testing strategy, CI/CD, observability, performance and system resilience.
• Partner closely with Product and Architecture to ensure solutions are commercially effective, maintainable and aligned to long-term platform strategy.

We're looking for a Principal Software Engineer (Java) who brings deep technical expertise and thrives in a hands-on leadership role. This position sits at the heart of engineering delivery within a value stream, combining technical leadership with real involvement in architecture, design and problem-solving.

You'll play a critical role in shaping and delivering scalable backend systems, working closely with Product and Architecture to turn ideas into robust, production-ready solutions. This is a role for someone who enjoys staying close to the code, guiding teams through complex challenges, driving engineering standards, and ensuring high-quality delivery at pace., * Deep technical expertise in Java and Spring Boot, with a strong track record of designing and scaling backend systems, and guiding teams through complex design decisions, trade-offs and delivery challenges.

• Strong experience with event-driven and distributed architectures, including asynchronous messaging and microservices-based platforms.
• Hands-on technical leadership - comfortable contributing to architecture, coding, debugging and problem-solving, while coaching teams and unblocking complex engineering issues in real time.
• Strong ownership of engineering standards and best practices, including code quality, testing strategy, CI/CD, observability, performance and system resilience.
• Proven ability to partner with Product and Architecture to deliver scalable, maintainable and commercially effective solutions.
• Experience working in modern cloud-based environments (AWS/Azure/GCP) with a solid understanding of DevOps and continuous delivery practices.

We're always looking to recognise and reward our employees for the work they do. As a valued member of The AA team, you'll have access to a range of benefits including:

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays + holiday buying scheme
• Worksave pension scheme with up to 7% employer contribution
• Free AA breakdown membership from Day 1 plus 50% discount for family and friends
• Discounts on AA products including car and home insurance
• Employee discount scheme that gives you access to a car salary sacrifice scheme plus great discounts on healthcare, shopping, holidays and more
• Company funded life assurance
• Diverse learning and development opportunities to support you to progress in your career
• Dedicated Employee Assistance Programme and a 24/7 remote GP service for you and your family

Plus, so much more!

We're an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from everyone. The AA values diversity and the difference this brings to our culture and our customers. We actively seek people from diverse backgrounds to join us and become part of an inclusive company where you can be yourself, be empowered to be your best and feel like you truly belong. We have five communities to bring together people with shared characteristics and backgrounds and drive positive change.