Principal Software Engineer

We believe in better. And we make it happen.

Better content. Better products. And better careers.

Working in Tech, Product or Data at Sky is about building the next and the new. From broadband to broadcast, streaming to mobile, SkyQ to Sky Glass, we never stand still. We optimise and innovate.

We turn big ideas into the products, content and services millions of people love.

And we do it all right here at Sky.

What you'll do

The role is in our fast-paced Product Engineering Research and Development team. The team is responsible for developing high-quality, proof-of-concept consumer electronics products; ultimately leading the way to bring new and novel ways to enrich the experience in Sky customer homes. Our product designs push boundaries, require the latest technology and are deployed around the globe.

• Define software requirements, architecture, and project plans for PoC.
• Navigating a large company, the role involves driving changes and improvements by effectively engaging multiple stakeholders. A significant part of the role is evangelizing new ideas and making them happen.
• Define the tools used to develop the product, e.g. compilers, debuggers etc.
• Be the first to develop software to bring up new hardware.
• Support the hardware team when selecting components for new designs.
• Evaluate existing products for efficiency gains (energy usage and performance).
• Design and create AI systems for enhancing products beyond their original use-cases.
• Work with 3rd party partners and suppliers to integrate their solutions into Sky products.
• Ability to read and understand complex circuit diagrams and PCB layouts.
• Develop high-quality code and supporting documentation against an agreed development plan.
• Explain and discuss complex topics effectively through excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Provide a supportive and mentoring attitude to less experienced members of the team.
• Develop a software build environment for use when the product goes into production

What you'll bring

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will play a key role at the heart of the proof-of-concept (PoC) product design team. You should possess a can-do attitude and have the desire to deliver high quality exciting software into a very dynamic market sector. You will have the opportunity to work on leading system architecture design, product bring-up and software component development amongst other highly technical work streams. Sky’s drive to be Carbon Neutral by 2030 is paramount to our design choices, and effects the product design at every level; our software architecture and implementation endeavours to reflect this in every line of code.

• Extensive experience of development in C / C++ / Python languages.
• Experience developing Linux kernel drivers for hardware components.
• Experience of developing software for Linux targets including using Yocto or Buildroot.
• Experience of software development for various microprocessors and microcontrollers.
• •Experience with interfaces and protocols such as Ethernet, TCP/IP, SPI, I2C, USB, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth.
• Experience with IoT, client-server architectures (HTTP / MQTT / CoAP / JSON etc.)
• Ultra-low power device software development.
• Experience with AI modelling using TensorFlow, PyTorch or other SoC toolkits.
• Familiarity of debugging software using JTAG, SWD etc.
• Familiarity using lab equipment (Logic Analysers, Oscilloscopes).
• Familiar with Linux scripting (Bash/Perl).
• Familiarity with A/V streaming over networks.

Team overview

Design & Sky Labs Brentwood And Aalborg

Coming up with fresh ideas. Pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. Creating unforgettable customer experiences. Our Design & our Sky Labs Brentwood & Aalborg teams make things happen. That’s why we’re at the heart of delivering the hardware and software for devices that keep our customers entertained. From UX and UI to product strategy and hardware engineering, we bring new devices like Sky Glass and NOW to life at top speed and support them throughout the lifecycle.

The rewards

There's one thing people can't stop talking about when it comes to #LifeAtSky: the perks. Here’s a taster:

• Sky Q, for the TV you love all in one place
• The magic of Sky Glass at an exclusive rate
• A generous pension package
• Private healthcare
• Discounted mobile and broadband
• A wide range of Sky VIP rewards and experiences

Inclusion & how you'll work

We are a Disability Confident Employer, and welcome and encourage applications from all candidates. We will look to ensure a fair and consistent experience for all, and will make reasonable adjustments to support you where appropriate. Please flag any adjustments you need to your recruiter as early as you can.

We’ve embraced hybrid working and split our time between unique office spaces and the convenience of working from home. You’ll find out more about what hybrid working looks like for your role later on in the recruitment process.

Your office space

Brentwood

This location takes some beating: we’re practically in Brentwood station, which has regular trains to London Liverpool Street. If you find it easier to drive, there’s some onsite parking, while Chatham Way car park is a short walk away.

We'd love to hear from you

Inventive, forward-thinking minds come together to work in Tech, Product and Data at Sky. It’s a place where you can explore what if, how far, and what next.

But better doesn’t stop at what we do, it’s how we do it, too. We embrace each other’s differences. We support our community and contribute to a sustainable future for our business and the planet.

If you believe in better, we’ll back you all the way.

Just so you know: if your application is successful, we’ll ask you to complete a criminal record check. And depending on the role you have applied for and the nature of any convictions you may have, we might have to withdraw the offer.