Principal Software Engineer Job Description Template

Elen Muradian

Last updated on November 13, 2024 | 6 min read

Job Description TemplateSoftware development

General overview of the role

The Principal Software Engineer is responsible for leading the architecture, design, and development of high-impact software solutions that drive organizational success. In this role, you will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product managers, data scientists, and DevOps engineers, to deliver scalable, reliable, and high-performance systems that meet evolving business needs. You will also mentor senior engineers, providing guidance on best practices, code quality, and technical decision-making. This position demands not only deep technical expertise but also a strategic mindset focused on aligning development initiatives with broader business objectives. The ideal candidate is innovative, proactive, and capable of anticipating future technology trends to ensure long-term scalability and efficiency. Additionally, you’ll play a key role in improving development processes, championing continuous integration, and fostering a culture of technical excellence.

Typical duties and responsibilities

1. Lead software development efforts, including the design, implementation, and maintenance of solutions using technologies such as C#, Scala, Spark, and Java.
2. Develop and support a LifeRay portal and ensure seamless integration with Java and Javascript-based systems.
3. Translate user stories into actionable components using Wave Analytics and create datasets from internal Salesforce and external data sources.
4. Build and optimize data lenses and dashboards for internal and external use.
5. Define the technical roadmap, architecture, and long-term strategy for software solutions, ensuring alignment with business objectives.
6. Troubleshoot and resolve issues with partner-facing web applications by employing innovative problem-solving techniques and quick, accurate execution.
7. Manage escalations of critical customer issues, collaborating with key stakeholders to analyze, resolve, and ensure timely completion.
8. Conduct code reviews to ensure quality, identify design gaps, and provide mentorship to senior developers.
9. Provide technical leadership in design decisions, driving best practices in software architecture, scalability, and performance.
10. Collaborate with other teams and departments to ensure solutions align with organizational objectives and technology stack.

Required skills and experience

• Expertise in software development using C#, Scala, Spark, Java, and Javascript.
• Strong knowledge of integration tools and technologies such as ESB, Web Services, REST.
• Experience in cloud environments like AWS or Azure.
• Experience with microservices architecture, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and cloud-native applications.
• Hands-on experience with data management, including PL/SQL and Oracle databases.
• Familiarity with DevOps practices, including CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure as code (IaC), and monitoring tools.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related discipline.
• At least 10 years of experience in a technical role supporting large-scale projects for government or industry clients.
• Deep understanding of software engineering best practices and Agile methodologies.

Nice to have/preferred skills and experience (not required)

• Familiarity with LifeRay portal development and Salesforce Wave Analytics.
• Previous experience working with mainframe systems and data integration.
• Knowledge of Hadoop technologies like HDFS, MapReduce, and Hive.
• Strong communication skills and experience leading teams in a fast-paced environment.
• Prior experience in handling escalations and customer-facing issues, providing quick resolutions with a focus on service excellence.

What we offer

• Extensive health and wellness coverage.
• Work-from-home options and flexible hours.
• Paid time off for vacations, holidays, and sick leave.

Here are a few more benefits that, according to Forbes, are valued by employees:

• Retirement savings plans with employer matching, such as 401(k) plans, are highly valued by employees.
• Early leave on Fridays.
• 4-day work week.
• Private dental insurance.

About us

We recommend including general information about the company, such as its mission, values, and industry focus. For instance, you could say:

“DevsData LLC is an IT recruitment agency that connects top tech talent with leading companies to drive innovation and success. Their diverse team of US specialists brings unique viewpoints and cultural insights, boosting their capacity to meet client demands and build inclusive work cultures. Over the past eight years, DevsData LLC has successfully completed more than 80 projects for startups and corporate clients in the US and Europe.”

Explore sample resumes

Explore this effective resume example to guide your focus and priorities during the candidate review.

Contact DevsData LLC

If you’re looking to hire a qualified Principal Software Engineer, reach out to DevsData LLC at [email protected] Copy email

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They are renowned for their rigorous 90-minute interviews to assess candidates’ technical skills and problem-solving abilities.

Additionally, DevsData LLC holds a government-approved recruitment license, ensuring compliance with industry standards and regulations.