The Opportunity
We are currently hiring a Principal Developer to join the software engineering team at the Parliamentary Digital Service.
This full-stack Principal Developer role is critical to the Software Engineering function and is a technical expert across many areas. You will work as a senior technical leader in a multidisciplinary directorate to ensure implementation of the technical strategy and development standards that you will also help shape and embed. You will be passionate about working on complex puzzles to benefit the smooth running of parliamentary business across the Houses of Parliament. You are invested in developing the capability of colleagues around you, helping to shape career paths and working generously to share your own expertise and learning.
You enjoy working closely with users to build an empathetic understanding of their needs, and work to translate these into outcome-based deliverables. You are an expert in agile principles and will thrive on collaborating with technical minds across Software Engineering, as well as other teams in the Parliament Digital Service. You will strive to remain close to the detail on emerging technologies, identifying, testing and championing their adoption where appropriate, to help shape the maturity of Parliament’s engineering function.
What You Need
- ability to develop and embed technical strategy and standards.
- strong experience across the following technical profeciencies: C#, .NET Core and .NET Framework., Web frameworks including MVC and Web API, MSSQL, Database design to satisfy data storage and retrieval requirements, ORM experience. Specific knowledge of Entity Framework and EF Core, Creating/designing RESTful services and APIs, Performance profiling of apps and writing performant code, Working with Git source control, Dependency injection container configuration , Service orientated architecture, including the ability to consider integrations with other applications and services, Abstracting code into core libraries and creating reusable components, Unit testing / integration testing, Debugging and system analysis, Azure cloud concepts / a similar cloud platform, HTML 5, CSS 3/SASS (or other pre-processors), JavaScript and TypeScript, Code review
- ability to build trust-based relationships with stakeholders to establish business requirements and support the high-quality delivery of products and services.
- able to lead, coach and mentor colleagues as part of their day-to-day work whilst upholding the values of equality, diversity and inclusion and build effective development teams that deliver high-quality outcomes and value for money with a strong focus on capability-building for developers, talent pipelines and wider team succession planning.
- strong understanding and application of the most appropriate modern standards and practices in addition to influencing industry-based models for the development of new technology applications.
- the ability to pass security clearance, backed by the right to work in the UK
About The Team
You’ll be working in the Software Engineering function, which is one of three teams within the Products
Directorate: in the Parliamentary Digital Service. The Digital Service is a joint department of both Houses of Parliament, providing technology and services to all Parliamentary users. Software Engineering in a multi-disciplinary function, and is responsible for developing, supporting and enhancing approximately fifty bespoke digital products used by Parliament.
About Us
UK Parliament is steeped in history and tradition. It is an important part of UK life and we need to ensure as many people as possible can engage with its work. This is why we are at the start of a huge transformation programme powered by technology. The Parliamentary Digital Service (PDS) works with the House of Commons and the House of Lords with all their IT and digital needs. We are here to realise the digital ambitions of a modern Parliament and welcome you to join us in building a digital democracy.
Our Package
Please refer to our Candidate Information Pack for a full list of our benefits which include:
- up to 35 days annual leave in addition to bank holidays
- generous maternity pay policy up to 6 months full pay
- great pension scheme options (contributory and non-contributory)
- on-site subsidised gym, nursery, catering, post office, travel office and GP
- flexible options including hybrid working and family friendly policies
How To Apply
Please make sure you're clear on the requirements of the role. These can be found in the Job Description and Candidate Information Pack. You will need to upload your CV to show how you meet up to the first five criterion. Our application process is anonymous, so please remove any personal information from it.
Interview Process
This will be a two-stage interview process:
Interview 1: Introductory call (15 minutes) with Tom Kelly - Head of Software Engineering. Tom will provide further information about the role and answer any questions. He will also provide you with a take-home exercise.
Interview 2: Pair programming task (1 Hour) followed by an interview (30 minutes)
Apply By: 13th August 2023 at 23:55
Interviews: Introductory Call: w/c 21st Aug 2023
Pair programming task and Interview: 13th & 15th September
Format: Assessment + Panel Interview (Remote)
Our Culture
For our people, we provide an amazing opportunity to bring their talents to an institution that sits right at the heart of society in the UK. We are helping to change UK Parliament and strengthen democracy. What matters here is your potential for growth and your commitment to playing your part in our ongoing success.
We are passionate about providing an environment which promotes inclusion, diversity and equality. Regardless of your age, gender, ethnicity, beliefs or any of the other things that make you, you. We welcome applications from people who feel under-represented in the workforce. This includes those who may feel disadvantaged because of their socioeconomic circumstances.