Principal Software Engineer/ Tech Lead (Python/ Azure) - Financial Services

Sterlings are currently working with a leading UK Financial Services organisation that is investing heavily in modernising its technology estate, and we’re looking for a Principal-level engineer/ technical leader to play a key role in that journey. This is a genuinely hands-on technical position, combining Python development, Azure, API integration, cloud-native architecture and technical leadership. You’ll be working on complex, high-profile initiatives and helping shape how modern integration solutions are designed and delivered. What you’ll be doing: • Designing and developing scalable Python-based cloud applications, APIs and microservices • Working across Azure Functions, serverless, containers, APIM and cloud services • Designing event-driven and integration architectures across complex enterprise environments • Providing technical direction on architecture, design decisions, standards and engineering practices • Working closely with architects, product owners, delivery teams and senior stakeholders • Mentoring engineers and helping raise technical capability across the wider team • Driving modernisation, automation, CI/CD and continuous improvement What we’re looking for: 🔹 Strong commercial Python engineering experience 🔹 Solid hands-on Microsoft Azure or AWS experience 🔹 Strong understanding of REST APIs, microservices and event-driven architecture 🔹 Experience with secure integration 🔹 Good understanding of cloud-native and serverless development 🔹 Experience influencing architecture and technical direction 🔹 Comfortable communicating complex technical concepts to both technical and non-technical audiences 🔹 Experience working within Agile/Scrum/Kanban environments Experience with Azure DevOps/GitLab CI, Terraform, IBM ACE or API Connect would be advantageous. This would suit someone who is still technically hands-on, but is looking for the opportunity to operate at a Principal/Technical Lead level and have genuine influence over engineering and architecture decisions. This role is 2/3 days in the London office.