Principal Developer

The Principal Developer works on challenging technical problems, which require broad thinking while remaining hands-on developing software. You will be expected to actively deliver but will have more of a focus on ensuring delivery quality and overall service value. You will be working on large scale problems on critical services, setting strategy and standards for the wider team to follow.

You will be working on the National Communications Data Service (NCDS), a critical capability within UK law enforcement, providing secure, reliable, and scalable services for the acquisition and analysis of communications data to support investigations and protect the public. Operating at the heart of national security and policing, NCDS ensures compliance with legal frameworks while delivering innovative technology solutions that enable rapid, accurate, and ethical data handling.

You may be called upon to take part in planning with senior stakeholders to make sure that technical designs match strategy. In this you will be expected to help ensure that all engineers, architects and other professionals are working together. You will also identify, test and advocate for new tools or approaches.

You will support the assurance of our solutions and help resolve any discrepancy between approach and organisational strategy.

As a Principal Developer, you will be expected to mentor other senior engineers in technical tasks, as well as support recruitment and assessment activities.

You will be expected to understand and use the latest AWS technology as well as applying Secure by Design principles. We are currently looking for 2 roles. One is working in the Homeland Security Group and the other is within Policing.

We are keen for Engineers to continue learning new technologies; we have a large range in the Home Office but would especially welcome applications from candidates with experience in the below:

• Languages and Frameworks: React, Vue, Node.js
• Other Languages used across the service include: Python, PHP, Drupal, Databases, PostgreSQL and/or MySQL, AWS, Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins, Terraform

• Databases: Oracle RDBMS Enterprise Edition 11gR1, Oracle WebLogic 11gR1
• Elastic

• Carrying out challenging implementation tasks, whilst maintaining strong stakeholder engagement and keeping the relevant documentation up to date.
• Delivering new designs and implementations, working with architects/security and other stakeholders.
• Pioneering new software architectural and build/integration approaches, ensuring they adhere to organisational strategy.
• Implementing effective test and QA across a number of individuals/systems.
• Being the technical authority in your area, providing arbitration for complex technical decisions.

Like many organisations we need to maintain our services 24/7, therefore, on occasions there may be a requirement to work out of hours, for which you will be paid an additional allowance.

Please note that this role requires Security Check (SC) clearance, which would normally need 5 years' UK residency in the past 5 years. Candidates must also hold or be prepared to undergo NPPV3 clearance.

However, in exceptional circumstances security clearance applications for candidates who have been present in the UK for at least 3 of the last 5 years may be considered. Failure to meet this residency requirement will result in your security clearance application being rejected.