Principal Software Engineer

IONA

Cranfield

1 year ago

Applications closed

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Software Engineer to join our team full time. This is a hands-on role where you will be deeply involved in the development of drone related backend systems, contributing across the entire stack. You will also have the opportunity to expand into leadership responsibilities, including managing external consultants and freelancers, mentoring other developers, and driving strategy and improvements in processes and toolchains. You will report to the Head of Product and will be entrusted with most of the technological decisions.

The ideal candidate is a full-stack expert with strong system architecture skills who thrives in challenging environments where you always need to learn and level up quickly. You will shape the technical foundation of our Transportation Management System (TMS), encompassing vehicle routing, fleet management, predictive maintenance, and more. Additionally, you will oversee the deployment and integration of shared support services.

Tasks

Hands-On Development of an UAV-enabled TMS and NOC:

Design, develop, and maintain scalable micro-service applications to deliver on customer needs for a Transportation management system (TMS),
Lead the development of features across the stack and all the way to deployment and monitoring. The key services to work on are vehicle routing optimization (utilizing Google OR Tools), fleet and predictive maintenance, advanced resource scheduling, compliance management, staffing management.
Wrangle with a variety of SQL, noSQL and streaming databases. Later on, you will also be responsible for building a data lake/warehouse and the foundation of business intelligence.
Support the creation of a Network Operating Center (NOC) on the software & system side and other strategic initiatives such as design and development of digital twin infrastructure.
Own the definition of done, performance, security, and usability.

System Architecture and Integration:

Drive the design and implementation of modular, scalable system architectures for TMS and related services.
Ensure seamless integration and deployment of shared support services such as IAM/user authentication, email and notification systems, and support ticketing tools.
Own CI/CD pipeline and internal processes around it

Leadership and Mentorship:

Mentor other developers, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
Actively explore and test various AI-enabled tools, then drive their adoption, development process improvements, and putting in place best practices to enhance team productivity.
Oversee and guide external consultants and freelancers to deliver high-quality results.

Requirements

Required Qualifications and Skills

At minimum 10 years of work experience in software development roles
Strong programming skills in Go, React and JavaScript
Great understanding of PostgreSQL, MongoDB and data streaming pipelines
Proven experience designing and implementing scalable system architectures along SOA & clean code principles.
Proven experience in solving complex algorithmical challenges (think of traveling salesman, complex web interconnected variables and calculations affecting cargo load management and 3D binning, 4-dimensional object collisions, constraint-based 4-dimensional flight route finding)
Docker (Compose, DNS, Swarm), Github Actions,
Very good at proactive communication and empathy

Preferred Qualifications

Any experience working with GIS data, Solace, on-prem infrastructure, Terraform, Ansible
Experience from both fast-paced startups and large corporations

Benefits

Equity Options: significant participation in the company’s equity scheme is available for the right candidate.
Growth Opportunities: cross-functional learning and high growth potential within a dynamic start-up environment.
High Autonomy:Minimal bureaucracy and the ability to make impactful decisions.
Collaborative Environment:Work with a passionate team committed to revolutionizing the transportation and logistics space.

IONA is an innovative logistics provider utilising drone technology to address delivery challenges in rural and remote areas. Backed by an expert team with strong ties to renowned institutions such as Cranfield University, Carbon13 and The National Robotarium, the company is developing the first drone designed for the needs and regulations of rural deliveries.

The Sonnet Quad has a patented design and tilting rotor, making it four times more energy efficient than any alternative. This provides extended range, larger cargo capacity and lower costs. The solution increases margins from existing segments like medical deliveries and opens new ones such as day-to-day rural logistics. It reaches breakeven with only 200 residents in a community, i.e., ten times fewer than delivery vans require, and saves 500kg of CO2e emissions and £400 in purchasing power per year per person due to reduced car dependency and decarbonisation.

Subscribe to Future Tech Insights for the latest jobs & insights, direct to your inbox.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

Feb 3, 2026

Jobs

What Hiring Managers Look for First in UAV Job Applications (UK Guide)

Whether you’re aiming for roles in UAV design, robotics/controls engineering, autonomy & computer vision, flight test & certification, embedded systems, operations, ground control software, systems integration or regulatory compliance, the way you present yourself in an application can make or break your chances — and that often happens before the hiring manager reads past your first few lines. In the UK UAV/jobs market, recruiters and hiring managers scan applications rapidly. They look for relevant experience, measurable delivery, technical credibility, domain awareness and safety/regulatory understanding — often making a decision within the first 10–20 seconds. This guide breaks down exactly what hiring managers look for first in UAV applications, why those signals matter, and how to structure your CV, portfolio and cover letter so you get noticed — not filtered out.

Jan 24, 2026

Education

The Skills Gap in UAV Jobs: What Universities Aren’t Teaching

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) — commonly known as drones — are among the fastest-growing technologies globally. From infrastructure inspection and agriculture to emergency response, surveying, logistics and defence, UAVs are transforming how organisations gather data, deliver services and improve efficiency. In the UK, demand for UAV professionals is increasing rapidly. Yet despite a growing number of graduates with engineering, robotics or aerospace backgrounds, employers continue to report a persistent problem: Many graduates are not ready for real UAV jobs. This is not a reflection of intelligence or academic effort. It is a widening skills gap between what universities teach and what employers actually need in the UAV sector. This article explores that gap in depth — what universities do well, where programmes fall short, why the divide exists, what employers actually want, and how jobseekers can bridge the gap to build a successful career in UAVs.

Jan 18, 2026

Jobs Careers

UAV Jobs for Career Switchers in Their 30s, 40s & 50s (UK Reality Check)

UAVs (drones) have moved far beyond hobby flying. In the UK, they are now used every day for surveying, infrastructure inspection, construction progress, environmental monitoring, emergency response, film production, agriculture, offshore work & security. That growth has created a wide range of UAV job opportunities — and many of the most realistic routes into the sector are well suited to career switchers in their 30s, 40s & 50s. This article gives you a straight UK reality check on UAV careers: what roles genuinely exist, what training you really need, how long it takes to become employable, where the money is, what employers actually look for & whether age matters (usually far less than people assume).