Principal/Senior Software Engineer

Turnitin is seeking a Principal Fullstack/Backend Engineer with a strong focus on backend development, particularly in Java and serverless architectures. This role is ideal for engineers passionate about building scalable distributed systems, data modeling, and delivering high-performing, reliable software solutions for our award-winning educational platform.

As a core contributor to our shared services team, you will play a key role in developing and enhancing the foundational systems that power both existing and new applications. This role is fully hands-on, requiring active involvement in coding, development, and implementation of technical solutions.

Responsibilities: 

• Lead and design, development, and optimization of scalable backend services using Java and serverless technologies (e.g., AWS Lambda).
• Architect and implement RESTful APIs and event-driven systems to support high-performance, distributed applications.
• Provide technical leadership to the team, ensuring alignment with architectural standards and best practices.
• Contribute to the development and integration of user-facing frontend components when needed.
• Analyze and optimize existing services to enhance performance, scalability, and cost-efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Architects, Product Managers, and engineering leads, to deliver innovative and impactful solutions.
• Mentor and guide junior developers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing.
• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of CI/CD pipelines to ensure efficient and reliable software delivery.
• Maintain high standards of code quality through rigorous peer reviews, comprehensive testing, and adherence to industry best practices.
• Create comprehensive documentation for the developed shared components, including usage guidelines and examples.

Requirements:

• Over 10 years of experience in backend development with deep proficiency in Java and extensive hands-on experience with serverless frameworks (e.g., AWS Lambda, Google Cloud Functions).
• Solid understanding of frontend technologies, including React and Web Components, with the ability to contribute when needed.
• Expertise in designing and managing distributed systems, ensuring scalability, and advanced data modeling techniques.
• 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.
• Deep understanding of software development best practices, including design patterns, test-driven development (TDD), and clean code principles.
• Experience implementing and managing CI/CD pipelines for automated build, deployment, and testing.
• Familiarity with modern DevOps practices and infrastructure-as-code (IaC).
• Proven ability to conduct comprehensive system design reviews, ensuring architectural alignment, scalability, performance, and adherence to best practices.
• 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.
• Exceptional collaboration skills, working effectively across cross-functional teams, including Product Managers, Architects, and other engineering leads.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with a track record of troubleshooting and optimizing existing systems for performance, scalability, and cost efficiency.
• Ability to make strategic technical decisions while balancing project deadlines and business goals.

• Preferred Skills:
• 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 and Kanban.
• Understanding or experience with AI/ML.