Principal Engineer (db & Storage)

Principal Engineer (DB & Storage Platforms) - 6 months+ - Hybrid/Sheffield - Umbrella £550/£570

We're recruiting an experienced Principal Engineer to play a critical leadership role within our clients Global Database Platform function. This is a high-impact contract position for someone who combines deep database expertise with storage and data protection SME capability, and the credibility to influence decisions in a highly regulated environment.

You'll operate at the sharp end of technology strategy - advising, challenging, and delivering robust, secure, and resilient services that underpin mission-critical systems.

The role:

• Acting as a technical authority for database and storage platform design across file, object, and block storage
• Leading and shaping Storage & Data Protection Services, including vendor solutions such as Dell, HPE, Pure, and vault/backup technologies
• Driving DevOps best practices - not just implementing them, but setting the standard and embedding them across teams
• Influencing architectural and investment decisions using data-driven insight
• Designing services with availability, resiliency, security, and safety as non-negotiables
• Mentoring senior engineers and raising the bar for engineering excellence
• Collaborating with product, security, risk, and delivery teams to build next-generation platform services
• Operating confidently within regulated, compliance-heavy environments, balancing control with innovation

To apply you should bring the following skills and experience:

• 5+ years Principal/Senior Engineering position
• Deep expertise in Database platforms, complemented by strong infrastructure and storage engineering skills
• SME knowledge of file, object, and block storage technologies
• Hands-on experience with enterprise storage vendors (Dell, HPE, Pure, or equivalent)
• Strong background in data protection, backup, vaulting, and recovery strategies
• A DevOps mindset with real-world experience implementing CI/CD, automation, and platform reliability practices
• The gravitas to lead, advise, and challenge senior stakeholders
• Comfortable influencing decisions in complex, regulated environments
• Calm under pressure, pragmatic, and relentlessly focused on outcomes

Why this one?

• 2 years worth of work
• Operate at principal level with real influence over strategy and direction
• Work on globally significant platforms supporting critical data services
• High autonomy, high trust, and high visibility
• A chance to leave a lasting technical Legacy - not just keep the lights on

If you're a Principal Engineer who thrives on ownership, complexity, and influence - we'd like to hear from you.

Interviews ASAP, start February/beginning of March 2026.