Principal Software Engineer Backend Technologies Platform

🇬🇧Remote - Leeds, United Kingdom1w ago

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

Role Snapshot

Principal Backend Engineer leading the design and development of scalable, distributed backend services using Java and serverless technologies for Turnitin's educational platform. This hands-on role combines technical leadership with active coding responsibilities and mentorship of junior engineers.

Key Responsibilities: Lead architecture and optimization of backend services using Java and AWS Lambda, design RESTful APIs and event-driven systems, and oversee CI/CD pipeline implementation. Mentor junior developers, collaborate cross-functionally with product and architecture teams, and maintain code quality through peer reviews and comprehensive testing.

Skills & Tools: Expert-level Java and serverless architecture (AWS Lambda) proficiency, RESTful API and event-driven system design, system performance optimization, CI/CD pipeline management, and strong full-stack capabilities including frontend development. Demonstrated leadership, mentoring ability, and excellent communication for cross-functional collaboration.

Qualifications: 10+ years of software engineering experience with proven expertise in backend systems, distributed architectures, and Java development, plus demonstrated technical leadership and mentoring experience. Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent professional experience required.

Location: Remote - Leeds, United Kingdom

Compensation: Not provided by employer. Typical compensation for this role is £120,000 – £160,000/year based on title, seniority, and 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.