IT Principal Engineer – Physical Infrastructure, Networking, Critical Applications

Role Overview

• Play a key role in the development, optimisation and ongoing evolution of our physical infrastructure, networks, and critical application platforms
• Act as a key technical authority for a team of around 20 engineers providing expert guidance
• Work closely with teams across IT to ensure data centre, network and platform capabilities meet application needs
• Provide strategic direction and hands‑on technical leadership across key infrastructure domains
• Support and guide our Critical Applications team, strengthening operational resilience
• Define and embed engineering standards, architectural guardrails and best practices

Requirements

• Strong track record of working across complex infrastructure environments
• Experience navigating and solving challenging engineering problems across compute, networking, storage, virtualisation, security and resilience
• Comfortable working with a range of technologies, understanding how they integrate
• Clear communication skills, translating complex technical topics for various audiences
• A collaborative mindset, working effectively with engineers, stakeholders and leaders
• The confidence to influence architecture and shape future technology direction
• A commitment to high-quality engineering, continuous improvement and operational excellence
• A proactive approach to learning and staying current with emerging technologies, especially those that strengthen resilience and security

Benefits

• Annual discretionary bonus scheme
• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (rising by 1 day per year of service up to 30 days)
• Holiday trading scheme
• Matching employer pension contribution up to 10%
• Colleague mortgage (conditions apply)
• Salary sacrifice scheme for hybrid & electric vehicles
• Commitment to ongoing training and development
• Private medical insurance for all colleagues
• 3 paid volunteering days per year
• Inclusive colleague networks (e.g., Carers, Pride Alliance)
• Health and wellbeing support, including cycle‑to‑work and discounted gym membership