Principal Engineer; Backend

Base pay range

$70.00/hr - $90.00/hr

Our client is seeking a Principal Backend Engineer to help lead the transformation of a monolithic SAP Hybris system into a modern, cloud-native, and personalized commerce experience. This role blends deep backend engineering knowledge with architectural thinking, ERP integrations, and a strong product mindset.

SAP Hybris Experience is not required for this role

You will play a key part in reimagining how backend services are exposed and extended via APIs, enabling dynamic personalization and performance tuning. Working closely with cross-functional leaders, this role will influence platform design, vendor evaluations, and the long-term roadmap for a scalable, user-tailored commerce system.

• Architect scalable backend services to decouple SAP Hybris and Commerce Cloud components from monolithic patterns.
• Lead decision-making around commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions vs. custom build options (e.g., evaluating tools like Bloomreach for experience layer integrations).
• Define patterns and standards that enable AI-driven personalization capabilities atop an API-first commerce architecture.

• Contribute to and review services built using Java, Node.js, or Type Script, focusing on clean architecture and cloud-native patterns.
• Support the shift to containerized services orchestrated via Kubernetes.

• Design and implement integrations with SAP S/4
  
  HANA and other ERP systems for seamless backend commerce data flow.
• Ensure integration layers follow resilient, scalable design using asynchronous patterns where appropriate.
• Embed operational excellence through ITSM-aligned development (e.g., bite‑size, traceable, and auditable changes).
• Promote observability, deployment hygiene, and maintainability of backend services.

• 10+ years of backend engineering experience, with strong emphasis on eCommerce systems
  .
• Deep expertise in Java and/or Node.js
  , along with Type Script in backend contexts.
• Solid understanding of API gateway architecture
  , containerization
  , and Kubernetes
  .
• Ability to design and guide systems in cloud environments, with a cloud-native mindset
  .
• Strong knowledge of search engines (e.g., Solr, Open Search) and experience fine‑tuning relevancy models.
• Familiarity with personalization technologies
  , AI-driven recommendations, and user segmentation strategies.
• Comfortable working with COTS vendors or building platform components in house from scratch.

Seniority level:
Mid-Senior level

Employment type:

Full‑time

Job function:
Engineering and Information Technology;
Industries:
Retail and Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain and Storage