Job Description

Python | Django | FastAPI | AWS | Rust | Postgres | Event-Driven Architecture | Machine Learning
Principal Engineer - We're working with a leading fintech scale-up that's transforming how small businesses access finance. Backed by a strong track record and an ambitious mission, they're now looking for a Principal Engineer to lead the next phase of innovation within one of their most critical product areas.
This is a strategic leadership role offering exceptional autonomy and influence. You'll head up the evolution of a high-impact platform responsible for generating personalised credit offers - a core driver of the business's growth and customer experience.
The Opportunity
As Principal Engineer, you'll take ownership of the technical strategy and architecture for dynamic, data-driven systems that determine the financial products offered to new customers. This is a unique chance to define the future of adaptive credit systems, driving smarter, faster and more relevant lending decisions using real-time data and experimentation.
The Principal Engineer will work closely with senior leadership across engineering, data, product and design. You'll also mentor engineers, steer long-term vision and ensure delivery aligns with key business outcomes.
What Makes This Role Stand Out?

• Strategic Impact: You'll lead the architectural vision and execution of systems at the heart of a high-growth fintech.
• Technical Ownership: Full responsibility for evolving and scaling a domain-critical platform.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with experienced teams across disciplines to shape solutions from the ground up.
• Mission-Driven Environment: Work for a business that's empowering small businesses and making finance more accessible.

What We're Looking For:

• Strong experience in systems architecture and software development (object-oriented languages).
• Proven ability to deliver large-scale technical projects in fast-paced environments.
• A business-oriented mindset: you can translate complex problems into scalable, value-driven solutions.
• A collaborative leader who has mentored teams and influenced product direction.
• Experience working with complex domain models and evolving codebases.

Bonus skills include: Python, Django, PostgreSQL, event-driven data systems, machine learning familiarity and frontend awareness.
If you're a Principal Engineer looking to combine hands-on technical leadership with real strategic influence in a product-led fintech then please reply with your CV or call Simon for a chat.
Principal Engineer - Lead Tech Strategy for a Profitable FinTech Scale-Up
Hybrid (London) or remote within the UK
Up to 160,000 per annum plus stock options
Python | Django | FastAPI | AWS | Rust | Postgres | Event-Driven Architecture | Machine Learning
Burns Sheehan Ltd will consider applications based only on skills and ability and will not discriminate on any grounds.

Skills Required