The Principal Software Engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for supporting the engineering of and delivering complex, high-impact software solutions that support operations and their integration with external systems. The role exists to provide deep technical expertise, foundational direction leadership, and innovation while working closely with researchers and solution analysts. This position drives the creation of scalable, secure, and maintainable software through modern cloud, microservices, and data-driven technologies. Ultimately, this role ensures that cutting-edge research and operational systems are supported by best-in-class software engineering practices.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
- Engineer and maintain complex database and microservices-based solutions using modern cloud and web technologies
- Lead the engineering of Lab applications supporting new business initiatives
- Construct and maintain RESTful (and where applicable GraphQL) web services for system integration
- Code, test, and implement software using high-performance, loosely coupled systems with strong test coverage
- Establish and maintain technical standards, system patterns, and best practices across teams.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define requirements and deliver high-quality user experiences.
- Mentor and provide technical guidance to engineers.
- Proactively review systems for improvements, automation, and reliability; conduct RCAs when needed.
- Participate in Agile ceremonies and continuous improvement activities; perform other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, or related field.
- Minimum of 6+ years of IT experience, with at least 4 years building front-end and/or back-end systems; demonstrated technical leadership.
- Strong experience with microservices, REST/GraphPL, API's cloud technologies, containerization (Docker), CI/CD, and DevOps practices.
- Familiarity with laboratory, grading, or operational technology environments is preferred but not required.
- Proven track record of delivering complex, cross-system solutions; mentoring engineers; and delivering secure, scalable systems.
Job Competencies
- Advanced knowledge of OO modeling, system organization, and integration patterns.
- Deep expertise in backend (Spring, Micronaut preferred) and frontend engineering (Typescript, React/NestJS preferred).
- Strong understanding of OWASP security principles and authentication/authorization patterns.
- Expertise in relational and NoSQL databases and data integration.
- Experience working with AWS required.
- Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and decision-making skills.
- Strong communication abilities.
- Ability to lead by example.
- Commitment to code quality, testing, and documentation.
- Ability to work effectively in diverse, collaborative environments.
Additional Requirements
- Participation in Agile practices (Scrum)
- Willingness and ability to travel domestically and/or internationally, if needed.
- Role is primary office-based.
Work Environment/Physical Demands
- Work is performed in a professional office environment
- Extensive use of computer, phone, and other standard office equipment
- Prolonged periods of sitting, typing, and screen usage are required.
Disclaimer: This job description indicates in general terms, the type and level of work performed as well as the typical responsibilities of employees in this classification and it may be changed by management at any time. Other duties may also apply. Nothing in this job description changes the at-will employment relationship existing between the Company and its employees.
