> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2970247-principal-software-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2970247-principal-software-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Software Engineer - **Company:** Vitality Corporate Services Limited - **Location:** Stockport, UK - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Amazon Web Services, Amazon S3, Advanced Message Queuing Protocol, Code Review, Database Applications, DevOps, Java Platform Enterprise Edition (J2EE), Lightweight Directory Access Protocols (LDAP), PostgreSQL, Object-Oriented Software Development, Redis, Software Engineering, Software Systems, SQL Databases, Event Driven Architecture, Solid Principles, Kubernetes, Apache Kafka, Docker, Jenkins - **Published:** September 18, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.totaljobs.com/job/principal-software-engineer/vitality-corporate-services-limited-job107996039 ## About the Role * Proven expertise in designing, developing and deploying enterprise-scale Java/JEE applications, with a strong focus on performance, scalability and engineering best practice. * Strong experience working with AWS cloud technologies, including services such as S3 and Redis, to build resilient and highly available solutions. * Solid knowledge of PostgreSQL and SQL, with the ability to design, optimise and support robust data-driven applications. * Experience integrating complex systems and services, alongside a strong understanding of authentication technologies such as LDAP, certificates and similar security frameworks. * Hands-on experience with messaging and event-driven architectures, using technologies such as Kafka, AMQP or equivalent platforms. * Deep understanding of object-oriented design and SOLID principles, combined with experience using modern DevOps and containerisation tools such as Jenkins, Kubernetes and Docker to deliver high-quality software at scale. ## Description Team - UK Prospect, Direct & Life Adviser Engineering, We're looking for a Principal Software Engineer to join Vitality's Engineering function, providing technical leadership across complex enterprise platforms and customer-facing solutions. This is a highly influential role responsible for shaping engineering standards, driving architectural decisions, leading large-scale technical initiatives and ensuring the successful delivery of integrated software solutions that support critical business outcomes. The role operates across multiple teams and works closely with senior stakeholders, architects and third-party partners to deliver technology that enables seamless customer journeys and long-term business growth. Key Actions * Lead the delivery of software solutions across the full development lifecycle, ensuring applications are designed, built, tested, released and supported to high standards of quality, reliability and performance. * Take ownership of complex technical challenges, driving root cause analysis and resolution across multiple systems while improving the resilience, scalability and stability of business-critical platforms. * Provide technical leadership across engineering teams, contributing to architecture decisions, shaping technical direction and promoting best practices in software design, development and delivery. * Design and deliver integrated solutions across a diverse technology landscape, ensuring alignment with architectural principles, security requirements, operational standards and business objectives. * Drive continuous improvement through code reviews, technical governance, engineering standards and the adoption of modern development practices, tools and ways of working. * Build strong relationships with business and technology stakeholders, translating complex requirements into practical technical solutions and providing clear guidance on delivery approaches and technical decisions. * Collaborate closely with architects, product teams, delivery managers and third-party partners to ensure solutions are effectively planned, integrated and delivered to meet customer and business needs. * Coach and mentor engineers across the organisation, sharing knowledge, developing technical capability and helping to create a culture of continuous learning, innovation and engineering excellence. ## Related Videos - [Reducing LLM Calls with Vector Search Patterns - Raphael De Lio (Redis)](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1714-reducing-llm-calls-with-vector-search-patterns-raphael-de-lio-redis) - [Docker Compose: Rediscovered](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1978-docker-compose-rediscovered) - [From DevOps to Scaled DevOps: How We’re Rebuilding Continuous Delivery as a Platform](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100018-from-devops-to-scaled-devops-how-we-re-rebuilding-continuous-delivery-as-a-platform) - [Navigating the Corporate Jungle: Life as a Developer in a large Company](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/621-navigating-the-corporate-jungle-life-as-a-developer-in-a-large-company) - [Accelerating Authentication Architecture: Taking Passwordless to the Next Level](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/733-accelerating-authentication-architecture-taking-passwordless-to-the-next-level) - [Building Systems that Last](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1389-building-systems-that-last) ## Related Articles - [How We Built a Worry-Free System That Runs for 10+ Years – And What We’d Do Again](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/751-how-we-built-a-worry-free-system-that-runs-for-10-years-and-what-we-d-do-again) - [The Best X (Twitter) Accounts for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/294-the-best-x-twitter-accounts-for-developers) - [The Best Software Developer Blogs to Read](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/156-the-best-software-developer-blogs-to-read) - [Dev Digest 120 - Apple and peers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/455-dev-digest-120-apple-and-peers) - [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated)