Principal Engineer
7 days ago
Sheffield
Location: Salford; SheffieldSalary: 76,879 Find out more about this role by reading the information below, then apply to be considered. • 88,967 per yearEmployment: FlexibleCategory: EngineerPosted: 2026-10-28Valid to: 2026-11-09Employer: Home OfficeJob summaryThis role sits in the Shared Applications Service department, with over 650 engineers. This is the engineering capability, developing in all areas including policing, Border Force, and migration. It includes the Automation and Innovation portfolio, which this role is focused on. The Home Office Automation and Innovation portfolio delivers the government's commitment to "set the standard for excellence in the AI age" • harnessing cutting-edge technology to revolutionise public service delivery. As outlined in the Government's Generative AI Framework, we're in "a period of rapid and exciting technological changes, which offers huge potential", and we're turning that potential into reality. Our work spans Home Office mission-critical operations, such as transforming Border Security and immigration processes, to revolutionising asylum case management and enhancing Counter-Terrorism capabilities. Imagine developing technology that helps reunite families, creates safer communities, protects vulnerable people, and ensures smoother journeys for the millions travelling to and from the UK. Each area presents unique challenges where AI and automation can deliver substantial efficiency savings and improve outcomes for the public and colleagues.Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. Where this is the case, employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in the office. Applicants can raise any queries to the email address at the bottom of the advert. Watch this short video to hear from members of Home Office Digital talking about the projects they work on and their experience of working here: Working for Home Office Digital.Job descriptionThe Principal Engineer may be expected to take charge of engineering work across an ensemble of teams, or in a particular area of the business, such as the Automation Centre. You will be responsible for ensuring that engineering work can be done effectively in your area, relying on context provided by your Lead Engineers and peers. You will be expected to line manage or supervise multiple Lead Engineers. As a Principal Engineer, your work will have an external focus, feeding insights into project/program management to ensure appropriate resourcing decisions are made, including ensuring assurance teams/processes are up to standard. You will be the central point of contact for engineers in your area, ensuring the systems produced are sustainable and meet Digital, Data and Technology strategy. Along with other Senior, Lead and Principal engineers in your area, you will be responsible for ensuring that all technical approaches are appropriate and endorsed. You will take part in planning with senior stakeholders to ensure product delivery and maintenance is on a firm basis. Your remit will be across the engineering function and working closely with Architects and other professions. Tools and Technologies we use:We are keen for Engineers to continue learning new technologies, we have a large range in the Home Office including: Backend: C#, Java, Node.js, Python, PHP, Scala, Power Platform. Frontend: React, JavaScript, Typescript, Angular. Data: PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, Mongodb, Apache Cassandra. DevOps/Platforms: Azure, AWS, Kubernetes, Azure, Jenkins, Docker, Ansible, Terraform.AI: Azure ML Studio, Python, Github Copilot, OpenAI.Person specificationMain ResponsibilitiesSupporting implementation against strategy; leading multiple engineering teams in line with our architecture and professions.Planning our workforce and recruiting civil servants, building a strong technical talent pool; coaching and mentoring as necessary.Ensuring the engineering activities undertaken in teams under your supervision are following suitable standards.Supporting technical decision making, feeding into roadmaps and overall strategy for the Engineering function in your area. Presenting decisions up and down the organisation clearly.Coordinating with other engineering leads to form an overall community, acting as the central point of contact in your area and leading collaborative efforts.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. Working PatternThis role is available on a full-time basis with the option of compressed hours working. This role is also suitable for part-time working hours, with a minimum requirement to work 30 hours per week due to business requirements. Essential SkillsAs a Principal Engineer you will have a demonstrable passion for building and managing teams of engineers and experience of: Ensuring projects adhere to agreed standards, methods, architecture and tools, with a focus on security and privacy. (DLMG) (Lead essential criteria)Producing complex technical designs in collaboration with architects, whilst ensuring that these are scalable, secure and fit for purpose, and reviewing others’ designs. (SWDN)Using appropriate tooling and a modern programming language (such as Python, C# or JavaScript) to code, test and document complex programs/scripts. (PROG)Monitoring team performance. Coaching colleagues and teams to develop skills and capabilities in line with their goals. (PEMT)Formally defining the need for and/or implementing training plans for engineers to meet the strategic goals of the organisation. (PDSV)Controlling, updating and distributing organisational standards including national and international, such as GDPR or OWASP. (QUMG)SFIA capability frameworkSkills for the Information Age (SFIA) version 8 is the technical framework that sets the standard capability and development of all levels in the Home Office. This is a link to the capability framework: All skills A • Z English ( ). We use set SFIA technical skills to form our interview questions and we will assess you against these technical skills during the selection process. The essential skills listed above are reflective of the Home Office Government Digital and Data Profession Career Framework (based on the industry standard SFIA framework). Use the SFIA Levels of responsibility to understand what would be expected for each technical skills listed below. Technical skillsWe'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:Systems development management (DLMG) • Level 5Software design (SWDN), • Level 4Programming/software development (PROG), • Level 3Performance management (PEMT), • Level 4Professional development (PDSV), • Level 5Quality management (QUMG), • Level 5BenefitsAlongside your salary of 76,879, Home Office contributes 22,271 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).Why work for us...Find out more information at: Benefits • Home Office Careers, but some of the primary ones are: A Civil Service Pension with employer contribution rates of at least 28.97%. In-year reward scheme for one-off or sustained exceptional personal or team achievements. 25 days annual leave on appointment, rising with service.8 days of public holidays, plus 1 additional privilege day.Where business needs allow, some roles may be suitable for a combination of office and home-based working. This is a non-contractual arrangement where all employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office. Sign-up on our website to receive emails with information about careers at the Home Office. Things you need to knowArtificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance (opens in a new window) for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.Selection process detailsThis vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Experience and Technical skills.As part of the application process, you will be asked to complete a CV and 1000-word personal statement: CV – include a brief employment history outlining for each role, the organisation, job title, dates in post, and key responsibilities and achievements. Any recent employment gaps should be explained. A second section should set out the skills and experience most relevant to this role, drawing on your career, training, and other relevant activities without repeating the employment history. Focus on the evidence that best demonstrates your capability to meet the role requirements. Personal statement • this should present a clear and coherent narrative explaining why you are applying, what you would bring to the role, and how your experience meets the essential criteria. Use well‑chosen examples to illustrate your impact, drawing on STAR‑style thinking where helpful, but ensure the statement reads as a single, flowing document rather than a set of isolated responses. Evidence of the lead essential criteria “ensuring projects adhere to agreed standards, methods, architecture and tools, with a focus on security and privacy” up to 250 words. This will be used to conduct the initial sift in the event of high volume of applications.To ensure you are assessed on merit alone, we ask you to anonymise your application. This means removing personal identifiers such as your name, age, and place of education. You do not need to remove your employment history, job titles, or any information about your work. Watch our three short videos on how to apply for our roles: Applying • Home Office Careers.Problems during the application processIf you experience problems accessing this advert, or you think you’ve made a mistake on an initial application, please contact , including the vacancy reference, at least two working days before the vacancy closes. Further information can be found on our website. Do not create or attempt to submit another application, online test or use a different Civil Service Jobs account to proceed as this would be in violation of the candidate declaration. Sift StageThe sift will be held on the CV and Personal Statement. Please read the essential skills for this position carefully. We will only consider those who meet the listed requirements.In the event of a high number of applications received, an initial sift may be held on the lead essential criteria. Those successful at this stage will then be progressed to the full sift.Interview StageCandidates reaching the required standard will then be invited to attend an interview. The interview will assess your Technical Skills (SFIA Framework) using technical-based questions.At the beginning of the interview, you will be required to deliver a presentation. The presentation topic will be provided to you before your interview. If you are invited to an interview, you will be required to bring a range of documentation for the purposes of establishing identity and to aid any pre-employment checks. Please see the attached list of Home Office acceptable ID documents. Sift and interview datesThe sift will commence from 10/11/2026. Interviews are expected to take place from 25/11/2026. (Subject to the Panel’s operational requirements/priorities). Interviews will be conducted remotely via MS Teams. We will try to meet the dates set out in the advert. There may be occasions when these dates will change. You will be provided with sufficient notice of the confirmed dates. Further InformationIf you have previously made an unsuccessful application for a role with the same essential skills and are not able to demonstrate how you have developed these skills since your last application, please reconsider applying as your application is unlikely to be successful. In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms directly. If you are doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing stating the job reference number in the subject heading. Reserve listA reserve list of successful candidates will be kept for 12 months. Should another role become available within that period you may be offered this position. Reserve lists may be held for each location. Candidates will be appointed in merit order by location where this applies. Similar RolesJob offers to this post are made based on merit. We often have similar roles available at different grades. If a candidate is suitable for a similar role or a lower grade than they have applied for, we may offer the candidate that role without the need to go through a further selection process providing the role has the same competencies and essential skills. UK residency and security requirements For meaningful security checks to be carried out, individuals need to have lived in the UK for a sufficient period of time. Learn more on our website. Security Checks • Home Office Careers. Please note that this role requires Security Check (SC) clearance, which would normally need 5 years’ UK residency in the past 5 years. 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. Visa Sponsorship We are unable to sponsor any individuals via Skilled Worker Sponsorship / Tier 2 (General) work visas as we do not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License. Capability AllowanceThe advertised role is part of the Home Office Government Digital and Data Profession. This role has access to a digital capability-based allowance. Applicants who are successful at interview will be invited to complete a Capability and Skills Assessment post-interview. Any allowance awarded will be based on the assessment of your capability against the six skills advertised for this role. Please see the Home Office Pay Framework Allowance Careers page for more information. The allowance values are set by the Home Office, subject to remaining in a qualifying role. This allowance is non-contractual, subject to an annual review and could be withdrawn at any time. For both new entrants and existing civil servants, the total compensation offer is a combination of base salary and, if applicable, a capability-based allowance. The pay ranges for this role are National: 76,879 • 84,567 and London: 80,879- 88,967. New entrants to the Civil Service will start on the pay range minimum. For existing civil servants, our policies on level transfer and promotion will apply. Reasonable AdjustmentsIf a person with disabilities is at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes. If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should: Contact Government Recruitment Service via as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs. Complete the “Assistance Required” section in the “Additional Requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you are deaf, a language service professional. If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the ‘Contact point for applicants’ section. FeedbackFeedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.SecuritySuccessful candidates must undergo a basic (or equivalent) criminal record check.Successful candidates must meet the security requirements before they can be appointed. The level of security needed is security check (opens in a new window).See our vetting charter (opens in a new window).People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.Nationality requirementsThis job is broadly open to the following groups:UK nationalsnationals of the Republic of Irelandnationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UKnationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil ServiceFurther information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)Working for the Civil ServiceThe Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.Diversity and InclusionThe Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).Apply and further informationThis vacancy is part of the Great Place to Work for Veterans (opens in a new window) initiative.Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.Contact point for applicantsJob contact : Name : AC RecruitmentEmail : teamEmail : informationIf you feel that your application has not been treated in accordance with the Civil Service Recruitment Principles. xrnqpay and you wish to make a complaint, then contact the Government Recruitment Service via If you are not satisfied with the response that you receive, then you can contact the Civil Service Commission.Attachmentscandidateinformationv18July2026 Opens in new window (pdf, 8MB)2 Pre-employment Checking • Document Requirements (V17) (1) Opens in new window (pdf, 642kB)
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