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# Principal Software Engineer

- **Company:** Vitality
- **Location:** Stockport, UK
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Amazon Web Services, Application Integration Architecture, Mobile Application Development, Cloud Engineering, Continuous Integration, DevOps, PostgreSQL, Software Engineering, Software Systems, SQL Databases, Systems Integration, Enterprise Software Applications, Application Enhancement Tool, Event Driven Architecture, Containerization, Solid Principles, Kubernetes, Data Analytics, Apache Kafka, Docker
- **Published:** November 2, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.apply4u.co.uk/jobs/principal-software-engineer/54686463

## About the Role

Good knowledge of PostgreSQL, SQL and data-driven application design.
Experience integrating APIs, services and enterprise platforms.
Knowledge of event-driven architectures and technologies such as Kafka.
Strong understanding of software design principles, DevOps, CI/CD and container technologies such as Kubernetes and Docker.
A passion for continuous learning, innovation and the practical use of AI-assisted development tools.

## Description

About The RoleTeam - UK Health, Adviser & Employer EngineeringWorking Pattern - Hybrid - 2 days per week in the Vitality London, Bournemouth or Stockport Office. Full-time hours per week. We are happy to discuss flexible working!Top 3 skills needed for this roleStrategic Enterprise Technology LeadershipRecognised Java Engineering ExpertiseAdvanced Architecture & Systems Integration CapabilityWhat this role is all aboutWe'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 design, development and delivery of full stack software solutions.
Provide technical leadership, shaping engineering standards, architecture and best practice.
Solve complex technical challenges and improve the reliability, scalability and performance of key platforms.
Work closely with engineers, architects, product teams and business stakeholders to deliver customer-focused solutions.
Drive continuous improvement through modern engineering practices, tooling and automation.
Coach and mentor engineers, helping to grow technical capability across the organisation.
Explore opportunities to use AI-powered tools and automation to improve engineering productivity and quality.
Stay curious about emerging technologies, bringing new ideas and improvements into the team. What do you need to thrive?
Strong experience building and supporting enterprise-scale full stack applications using Java.
Experience with AWS and modern cloud-native development.