Principal Software Engineer Backend Technologies Platform

🇬🇧Remote - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom1w ago

K-12 Engineering Backend Development Software Engineering Cloud Computing Full Stack Development Devops

Role Snapshot

Principal Backend Engineer role at Turnitin focused on designing and optimizing scalable backend services using Java and serverless architectures for their educational platform. Acts as a technical leader and core contributor to shared services, mentoring junior engineers while delivering high-performance distributed systems.

Key Responsibilities: Lead design and development of scalable backend services using Java and AWS Lambda, architect RESTful APIs and event-driven systems, and optimize existing services for performance and cost-efficiency. Provide technical leadership, mentor junior developers, maintain CI/CD pipelines, conduct peer reviews, and create comprehensive documentation for shared components.

Skills & Tools: Expert-level proficiency in Java, serverless architectures (AWS Lambda), and backend system design; strong knowledge of RESTful APIs, event-driven systems, and distributed architecture patterns. Leadership, mentoring, and cross-functional collaboration skills with demonstrated ability to guide technical teams and maintain code quality standards.

Qualifications: Extensive backend engineering experience with proven expertise in Java and serverless technologies, plus demonstrated architectural and leadership capabilities. Experience with CI/CD pipelines, cloud platforms (AWS), and mentoring junior developers required.

Location: Remote - Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom

Compensation: Not provided by employer. Typical compensation for this role is £120,000 – £160,000/year based on Principal-level seniority, backend engineering expertise, and UK location.

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Job Description

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.

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-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.