Principal Software Developer

Principal Software Developer

We value:

• Writing code rather than documents
• Shipping products rather than talking about roadmaps
• Big features rather than changing button colors

If this sounds like you, let's talk.

• We're looking for engineers of accomplishment who are passionate about our mission and have a strong desire to make a meaningful impact. You should be able to demonstrate the tangible value you've delivered in previous roles.
• The ideal candidate will be proficient in Python/Java or similar language, an expert in the majority of language constructs, and able to apply them fluently to solve complicated and complex problems.
• You thrive in environments that demand continuous learning and adaptation, embracing new technologies and approaches as the software engineering landscape evolves. You're not afraid to venture into uncharted territory and actively leverage AI tools to amplify your engineering capabilities and deliver greater impact.

• Work in a fast-paced, collaborative environment where ideas are discussed and challenged openly.
• Deliver new features and improve reliability of our core services including the major read/write paths for customer intake, application screening, and information dissemination.
• Identify major system bottlenecks or flaws in business logic, and proactively address them.
• Take ownership over core product problems, develop solutions you're proud of, and prove through data that they deliver impact at scale.
• Work across the stack to solve problems -- there is no reliance on another engineer or team to get something done for you.
• Lead a team of Developers to engineer and develop software to solve complex user problems.
• Communicate technical decisions and trade-offs effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

• Demonstrated track record of delivering high-impact software solutions in professional settings.
• Proven ability to design and implement distributed systems (multi-tier architectures) including storage layers, caching layers, application layers, with understanding of failure modes.
• Verifiable experience with microservice architectures, especially in high-throughput and low-latency systems.
• Portfolio of work showing expertise with system transformations (e.g., applying strangler patterns to evolve monoliths to microservices).
• Experience with complex systems migrations involving multiple phases (dark reads, dark writes, light reads, light writes).

• Expert-level proficiency in at least one modern programming language (Java, Python, or similar).
• Expert-level proficiency in cloud engineering paradigms, especially high-scale asynchronous systems and secure service integration patterns.
• Deep understanding of design patterns, reliability, and scaling principles.
• Strong architectural and system design capabilities.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Experience mentoring engineers, leading technical teams, or serving as a tech lead.
• Ability to influence technical direction and advocate for sound engineering practices.

• Track record of learning and adapting to new technologies, frameworks, and methodologies.
• Demonstrated embrace of AI and automation tools to enhance productivity and engineering outcomes.
• Comfort with ambiguity and willingness to venture into new problem domains.

• Must be a US Citizen and able to obtain and maintain Public Trust 6C.
• Position is remote, with approximately 10-25% travel to DC.

Note:

We value demonstrated accomplishment and impact over years of experience. If you can show us the value you've created, the problems you've solved, and your ability to grow with the evolving demands of modern software engineering, we want to hear from you.

The likely salary range for this position is $161,500 - $218,500. This is not, however, a guarantee of compensation or salary. Rather, salary will be set based on experience, geographic location and possibly contractual requirements and could fall outside of this range.

Our benefits package for all US-based employees…