Principal Software Engineer

Position Overview

We are recruiting a Principal Software Engineer to serve as a senior individual contributor and technical authority within our product‑led IT Software Engineering team focused on Digital Engineering and Integrations. The role is based in Madison, Wisconsin, and reports to the Senior Director of Software Engineering. The Principal Software Engineer will partner with product and engineering teams to design scalable, secure, and maintainable platforms, champion non‑functional requirements, and shape architecture across squads.

• Apply expert knowledge to complex initiatives and demonstrate creativity and mastery of specialized techniques.
• Use independent judgment in methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria to achieve results.
• Diagnose and troubleshoot high‑complexity issues for major software platforms.
• Provide guidance and coaching to engineers and product teams, and share technical expertise.
• Collaborate with product teams to design lasting platforms for large‑scale business or technology projects.
• Lead the quality of platforms and organizational practices that influence delivery and approach.
• Interpret and communicate enterprise, technical, project, and operational strategies, considering company dynamics.
• Build partnerships with IT leadership, peers, SMEs, stakeholders, and decision‑makers.
• Manage vendor and external relationships.
• Work on high‑complexity projects across multiple business units, including acquisition integration and cross‑functional programs.
• Maintain attendance, act with an inclusion mindset, and uphold company mission and values.
• Support and comply with quality management system policies and procedures.

• Bachelor’s Degree in Data Science, Computer Science, Information Systems, Mathematics, or Engineering; or high school diploma/general education degree plus 12 years of relevant experience.
• Expert in one or more object‑oriented programming languages.
• Experience with RESTful web services, relational databases (Postgres, SQL Server), and ORM technologies (JPA2, Hibernate, Entity Framework).
• Designing and developing cloud‑based applications using Azure, Amazon AWS, or equivalent SDKs.
• Proficient with agile development tools (e.g., JIRA, Confluence).
• Programming languages: C, C++, Java, JavaScript, Python, SQL, PL/SQL, .NET, Google Web Toolkit.
• Demonstrated ability to perform the essential duties with or without accommodation.

• Experience assessing and designing systems for international scale, including data residency, localization, latency, and regulatory variance.
• Experience defining and championing non‑functional requirements (performance, scalability, availability, observability, security).
• Experience in leading or contributing to team design and domain ownership initiatives.
• Expertise with integration architecture patterns (HL7, FHIR, middleware, event‑driven platforms such as Kafka).
• Familiarity with UX design systems and supporting engineering practices.
• Experience in healthcare, life sciences, or other internationally regulated industries.

Salary Range: $ – $. The position is full‑time, bonus eligible, and located in Madison, WI.

• Paid time off (vacation, holidays, volunteering, personal time)
• Paid leave for parents and caregivers
• Retirement savings plan
• Wellness support
• Health benefits including medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage

Exact Sciences is an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, protected veteran status, and any other status protected by applicable local, state, or federal law.