Principal Software Engineer

The Principal Software Engineer (Cloud, AI, and Modern Development) position will spearhead the development of modern, cloud-native solutions and AI-based applications, champion best coding practices, and serve as a mentor to other developers. Leveraging advanced proficiency in contemporary development paradigms (microservices, containerization, DevOps, Agile) and applied AI solutions, you will ensure our technology stack and processes continuously evolve to meet the changing needs of the business.

Responsibilities

• Champion cutting-edge software design patterns and development methodologies (e.g., microservices, event-driven architecture).
• Drive adoption of agile development methodologies and test-driven development across the team.
• Research, prototype, and implement AI/ML solutions that align with the organization’s strategic goals.
• Evaluate and integrate AI frameworks/libraries, ensuring scalability, security, and ethical considerations.
• Collaborate with data teams to develop data pipelines and transform raw datasets for AI-powered applications.
• Architect and implement cloud-native applications, leveraging platforms such as Azure (or similar).
• Evaluate and integrate cloud services to optimize performance and control costs.
• Adhere to security best practices in cloud environments to safeguard data and workloads.
• Provide hands-on mentorship, guidance, and code reviews for junior and mid-level developers.
• Collaborate with the Senior Programmer/Analyst IV to lead technical initiatives, offering fresh perspectives on complex projects.
• Serve as a key influencer in architectural decisions, particularly where AI solutions intersect with broader system design.
• Develop and maintain RESTful APIs and system integrations to facilitate seamless data flow across enterprise systems.
• Implement best practices for API governance, documentation, and versioning.
• Own the CI/CD pipeline setup, maintenance, and optimization to ensure rapid, reliable releases.
• Measure and improve deployment success rates, staying attuned to emerging DevOps tools and practices.
• Take end-to-end ownership of projects, from requirements gathering and design to deployment and post-implementation review.
• Partner with users and ETS leadership to identify opportunities for automation, efficiency improvements, and technology refresh.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to align technical solutions with broader business objectives.
• Maintain rigorous testing standards (unit, integration, load tests) to ensure high-quality deliverables, free of major defects.
• Keep clear, comprehensive documentation on system designs, AI models, data sources, and operational procedures.
• Enforce secure coding practices and align solutions with relevant standards and regulations (including ethical considerations for AI).
• Proactively detect and mitigate vulnerabilities in application architectures and deployment pipelines.
• Stay updated on emerging trends in AI, cloud computing, DevOps, and software engineering.
• Recommend and implement process improvements, new tools, and modernization initiatives.

Results/Accountability

• Timely, High-Quality Deliverables: Consistently deliver projects on time with minimal defects.
• AI & Innovation: Develop AI-driven solutions that streamline operations and provide measurable value to the business.
• Mentorship Impact: Improve team productivity by actively mentoring and onboarding new developers.
• DevOps Maturity: Increase velocity and reliability of software releases through optimized CI/CD pipelines.
• Cloud Adoption: Leverage cloud services to drive measurable efficiency gains and cost savings.
• Business Alignment: Ensure solutions align with overall enterprise goals and drive value for stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in C#/.NET, including modern frameworks (.NET Core, .NET 6+).
• Strong background in DevOps practices: version control, CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure-as-code, containerization.
• Cloud computing experience (Azure, AWS, or GCP) with cloud-native architectural principles.
• Experience with Infrastructure as Code (IaC): Azure Resource Manager, Terraform or similar.
• AI/ML experience strongly preferred: familiarity with machine learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, ML.NET), generative models or similar.
• Proficiency in RESTful API development, integration patterns, and microservices architecture.
• Solid knowledge of relational databases (SQL) and familiarity with NoSQL databases.
• Agile/Scrum methodologies, TDD/BDD, automated testing frameworks.
• Knowledge of modern front-end frameworks (React, Angular, or Blazor) a plus.
• Effective mentorship and leadership capabilities, with demonstrated experience guiding junior teammates.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills; ability to translate complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders.
• Proactive problem-solving mindset and willingness to explore emerging technologies.
• Valid driver’s license, current automobile insurance, and reliable personal transportation for occasional travel within NC and SC.

General Requirements

• Excellent attention to detail; maintains rigorous standards of code quality and documentation.
• Strong communication skills, written, and verbal skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Comply with all company policies, procedures, and safety guidelines.
• Demonstrate character traits and qualities as defined by the True Difference, serving as a role model for the organizational culture.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position at least 75% of the time.
• Occasionally moves about the office to access file cabinets, office equipment, etc.
• Constantly operates a computer and other office equipment.