Principal Software Engineer Backend Technologies (Platform)

Role Overview

Principal Software Engineer (Backend Technologies – Platform) at Turnitin. This is a hands-on technical leadership role focused on designing, developing, and optimizing scalable backend services using Java and serverless technologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and design backend development and optimization of scalable services using Java and serverless technologies
• Provide technical leadership and ensure alignment with architectural standards and best practices
• Mentor and guide junior developers; foster continuous learning and knowledge sharing
• Perform system design reviews to ensure scalability, performance, and architectural fit
• Troubleshoot and optimize existing systems for performance, scalability, and cost efficiency
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (e.g., Product Managers, Architects, Engineering Leads) across distributed locations

Requirements

• 10+ years of backend development experience
• Deep proficiency in Java and extensive hands-on experience with serverless frameworks (e.g., AWS Lambda, Google Cloud Functions)
• Experience with distributed systems and advanced data modeling
• Strong understanding of software engineering best practices:
  • Design patterns
  • TDD and BDD
  • Clean code principles
• Familiarity with DevOps practices and Infrastructure as Code (IaC)
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Experience implementing and managing CI/CD pipelines
• Practical cloud/serverless expertise, specifically on AWS, including:
  • Lambda, DynamoDB, API Gateway, SNS/SQS, EventBridge
• Proven experience as a Tech Lead, mentoring/coaching engineers and driving adoption of best practices
• Familiarity with monitoring/observability tools (e.g., CloudWatch, New Relic, Datadog)

Nice to Have

• Frontend experience (e.g., React, Angular, Web Components)
• Experience with NoSQL databases and data modeling
• Knowledge of AI/ML
• Familiarity with agile methods (Scrum, XP, Kanban)

Remote/Location

• Full remote (listed alongside Newcastle upon Tyne, GB)