Principal Software Engineer (EdTech)

TL;DR

Principal Software Engineer (EdTech): Driving architecture and technical strategy across a suite of core school management products with an accent on system design, scalability, and architectural excellence. Focus on leading the shift to an AI-first engineering culture, mentoring technical leads, and navigating complex transitions between monolithic and distributed architectures.

Location: Remote (Must be based in the UK, no visa sponsorship provided)

Salary: £100,000 - £120,000

Company

hirify.global provides MIS and school management tools to over 12,000 schools, aiming to create more joyful and efficient working environments for educational staff.

What you will do

• Deliver target architectures, strategies, and roadmaps to support the product suite.
• Partner with Technical Leads to provide hands-on guidance on feature delivery and tech debt reduction.
• Lead the shift to an AI-first engineering approach and champion new SDLC foundations.
• Collaborate with Product Directors to align commercial goals with engineering deliverables.
• Mentor and coach Technical Leads and Senior Engineers to raise the bar for engineering excellence.
• Head up architectural reviews and ensure designs meet quality, security, and compliance standards.

Requirements

• Must have the right to work in the UK (no visa sponsorship available).
• Extensive experience leading architecture across large, complex product suites in fast-moving environments.
• Deep understanding of software architecture, system design, and scalable integration patterns.
• Proven ability to influence technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Experience navigating between monolithic and distributed architectures.
• Practical knowledge of core stack: PHP, Node, React, Python, MySQL, and AWS.

Nice to have

• Experience contributing to or leading technical communities of practice.
• Worked examples of implementing AI-first engineering practices.

Culture & Benefits

• 32 days holiday (25 days annual leave + 7 company-wide days).
• Private Dental Insurance with Bupa and 24/7 virtual GP service.
• Enhanced maternity, adoption, and paternity pay.
• Dedicated professional development training budget.
• Wellbeing support including access to Calm and financial coaching.
• Flexible working environment with a focus on work-life balance.

Hiring process

• Phone screen.
• 1st stage interview.
• 2nd stage interview.