Principal Software Engineer (Backend Technologies, Platform)

• Turnitin is seeking a Principal Backend Engineer with a strong focus on backend development, particularly in Java and serverless architectures, combined with solid frontend experience
• 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
• You will also be called upon to lead more junior engineers and collaborate with other teams
• 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-effi ciency
• 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 effi cient 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

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

• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Solid understanding of frontend technologies, including React and Web Components, with the ability to contribute when needed
• Proven ability to conduct comprehensive system design reviews, ensuring architectural alignment, scalability, performance, and adherence to best practices
• Deep understanding of software development best practices, including design patterns, test-driven development (TDD), behavior-driven development (BDD), and clean code principles
• Strong problem-solving skills, with a track record of troubleshooting and optimizing existing systems for performance, scalability, and cost effi ciency
• Exceptional collaboration skills, working effectively across cross-functional teams, including Product Managers, Architects, and other engineering leads
• 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
• Experience implementing and managing CI/CD pipelines for automated build, deployment, and testing
• Ability to make strategic technical decisions while balancing project deadlines and business goals
• Expertise in designing and managing distributed systems, ensuring scalability, and advanced data modeling techniques
• Familiarity with modern DevOps practices and infrastructure-as-code (IaC)
• Practical expertise in cloud technologies, specifically developing serverless applications on AWS using services such as Lambda, DynamoDB, API Gateway, SNS/SQS, and EventBridge
• 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
• Over 10 years of experience in backend development with deep profi ciency in Java and extensive hands-on experience with serverless frameworks (e.g., AWS Lambda, Google Cloud Functions)
• Familiarity with monitoring and observability tools (e.g., CloudWatch, New Relic, Datadog)
• Experience with frontend technologies such as React, Angular, or Web Components is a plus
• Knowledge of data modeling and working with both NoSQL databases
• Understanding of agile methodologies, including Scrum, XP and Kanban
• Understanding or experience with AI/ML