Principal Software Engineer

Who you are

• Significant experience building and operating large-scale backend systems
• Strong expertise in Java and modern cloud technologies
• Experience with AWS serverless services such as Lambda, DynamoDB, API Gateway, SNS, SQS, and EventBridge, as well as Kubernetes (K8s) and related cloud-native technologies
• Experience with CI/CD tools, including build, deployment, and test automation
• Strong understanding of distributed systems, APIs, scalability, and software architecture
• Experience influencing technical direction and leading complex engineering initiatives
• Excellent collaboration and communication skills within distributed teams
• Passion for mentoring and supporting the growth of other engineers
• Experience with AI/ML technologies
• Experience in SaaS or EdTech environments
• Familiarity with modern frontend technologies such as React
• At Turnitin, we recognize it’s unrealistic for candidates to fulfill 100% of the criteria in a job ad. We encourage you to apply if you meet the majority of the requirements because we know that skills evolve over time. If you’re willing to learn and unleash your potential alongside us, join our team!

What the job involves

• We are looking for a Principal Software Engineer to join our Shared Services team and help shape the technical direction of core platform capabilities used across Turnitin products
• This is a highly influential individual contributor role for an experienced engineer with deep expertise in backend development, cloud-native architectures, and large-scale distributed systems
• You will partner with engineering leaders, architects, and product teams to deliver scalable, reliable, and secure solutions that support millions of users worldwide
• Lead the design and development of shared backend services and platform capabilities
• Drive architectural decisions and technical strategy across multiple teams
• Build scalable, highly available cloud-native solutions using Java and AWS technologies
• Mentor engineers and promote engineering excellence throughout the organization
• Collaborate with product, architecture, and engineering teams to solve complex technical challenges
• Champion best practices in software quality, performance, reliability, and security

Benefits

• Social impact programs
• Charity donation matching
• Paid volunteer days
• Employee Resource Groups
• Great Place To Work community
• Virtual and in-person team events
• Tuition reimbursement
• Action & Ownership recognition
• Focused development plan
• Access to LinkedIn Learning
• Annual learning festival
• Remote-first working arrangements
• Mental health & coaching support
• Wellness/Home office allowance
• Company & national holidays
• Self-care days