Join Us

At Sainsbury’s Tech, you’ll help power one of the UK’s largest and most-loved multi-channel, multi-brand retailers. As a Principal Engineer, you will drive engineering excellence, shape modern technology standards, and influence the future of retail technology for millions of customers.

You’ll work in a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative engineering community—one that values experimentation, innovation, and evidence-based decision making. If you’re passionate about modern engineering practises and want the freedom to explore, lead, and deliver at scale, this is the place to thrive.

What You’ll Do

Setting and evolving engineering strategy, standards, and best practises across your domain. Influencing innovation, modern ways of working, and technical direction across engineering teams. Leading by example through deep technical expertise, supporting Staff Engineers and teams to deliver scalable, high‑performance technology solutions. Guiding engineers and senior leaders with expert insight on technical risk, impact assessment, and prioritisation. Designing and overseeing the delivery of large‑scale, high‑availability systems using cutting‑edge technologies. Driving the adoption and continuous improvement of engineering practises, using data and evidence to support decision‑making. Leverage AI and intelligent automation to modernise our systems, streamline decision making, and ensure the organisation remains future fit in a rapidly evolving technology landscape. Shaping engineering culture by developing talent, mentoring engineers, and contributing to a thriving community of practise.

Essential Criteria

Technical Excellence:

Deep hands‑on expertise in at least one modern backend language (e.g., Java, .NET, Golang, Node.js, Python, Kotlin). Strong understanding of engineering ecosystems, software architectures, and scalable system design. Experience leading the development of complex, high‑performance, distributed systems. Proven ability to define, evolve, and govern technical standards and engineering best practises.

Leadership & Influence:

Proven experience in a senior or principal engineering role within a modern technology organisation. Proven ability to influence engineering strategy and shape technology direction across multiple teams or domains. Experience working with Senior Engineering Managers and technical leaders to guide engineering vision and delivery.

Ways of Working:

Strong advocate for agile methodologies and modern engineering practises. Proven ability to build collaborative, inclusive relationships across engineering communities. Comfortable making data‑driven decisions and evaluating trade-offs at scale.

Culture & Mentorship:

Strong experience developing colleagues, mentoring engineers at all levels, and contributing to engineering culture. Passion for innovation, continuous improvement, and enabling others to succeed.

Why Sainsbury’s Tech?

Influence technology used by millions of customers every day Freedom to innovate, experiment, and drive real change Supportive engineering community and career‑long development Flexible working and strong work‑life balance Be part of shaping the future of retail technology

What’s in It for You

Flexible working with a balanced approach to home and office Colleague discounts across Sainsbury’s, Argos and Habitat Private health cover Generous holiday allowance Bonus scheme Car allowance Pension plan Discounts on gyms, restaurants, holidays, retail and more