Principal Software Engineer (Backend Technologies, Platform)

Join Turnitin, a leading educational technology company, as a Principal Software Engineer. In this hands-on role, you will focus on backend development using Java and serverless architectures, while also contributing to frontend components when needed. You will lead the design, development, and optimization of scalable backend services, provide technical leadership to the team, and collaborate with cross-functional teams. Additionally, you will mentor junior developers and oversee the implementation and maintenance of CI/CD pipelines. This position offers a remote-first working arrangement and a range of benefits, including social impact programs, tuition reimbursement, and wellness support.

• Lead the design, development, and optimization of scalable backend services using Java and serverless technologies.
• Provide technical leadership to the team, ensuring alignment with architectural standards and best practices.
• Mentor and guide junior developers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing.
• Ability to make strategic technical decisions while balancing project deadlines and business goals
• Proven ability to conduct comprehensive system design reviews, ensuring architectural alignment, scalability, performance, and adherence to best practices
• Demonstrated ability to lead and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders across multiple locations, including distributed teams in Europe and the USA, to deliver impactful, high-quality solutions
• Practical expertise in cloud technologies, specifically developing serverless applications on AWS using services such as Lambda, DynamoDB, API Gateway, SNS/SQS, and EventBridge
• Solid understanding of frontend technologies, including React and Web Components, with the ability to contribute when needed
• Deep understanding of software development best practices, including design patterns, test-driven development (TDD), behavior-driven development (BDD), and clean code principles
• Expertise in designing and managing distributed systems, ensuring scalability, and advanced data modeling techniques
• Experience implementing and managing CI/CD pipelines for automated build, deployment, and testing
• Familiarity with modern DevOps practices and infrastructure-as-code (IaC)
• Exceptional collaboration skills, working effectively across cross-functional teams, including Product Managers, Architects, and other engineering leads
• Over 10 years of experience in backend development with deep profi ciency in Java and extensive hands-on experience with serverless frameworks (e.g., AWS Lambda, Google Cloud Functions)
• Proven experience as a Tech Lead, with a strong track record of mentoring and coaching junior engineers, promoting skill development, and driving adherence to best practices to ensure team growth and technical excellence
• Strong problem-solving skills, with a track record of troubleshooting and optimizing existing systems for performance, scalability, and cost effi ciency
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Experience with frontend technologies such as React, Angular, or Web Components is a plus
• Familiarity with monitoring and observability tools (e.g., CloudWatch, New Relic, Datadog)
• Knowledge of data modeling and working with both NoSQL databases
• Understanding of agile methodologies, including Scrum, XP and Kanban
• Understanding or experience with AI/ML