Principal, Software Engineer

Walmart Walmart · Retail · Seattle, WA

Principal Software Engineer to lead architecture and technical direction of scalable, secure, and high-performance software systems. Drives design and evolution of distributed platforms, influencing multiple engineering teams. Partners with stakeholders to align long-term technical strategy with organizational goals.

What you'd actually do

  1. Define and drive technical strategy and architecture across multiple teams and systems.
  2. Help design and oversee scalable distributed systems, APIs, and data platforms with a focus on performance, reliability, and security.
  3. Lead design reviews and help guide critical technical decisions across the organization.
  4. Ensure systems are observable, resilient, and maintainable, leveraging strong CI/CD and automation practices.
  5. Identify and resolve scalability challenges, performance bottlenecks, and technical risks.

Skills

Required

  • .NET
  • C#
  • system design
  • software architecture
  • Relational databases (PostgreSQL, MySQL)
  • NoSQL/datastores (MongoDB, DynamoDB, Redis, Elasticsearch)
  • microservices
  • distributed systems
  • cloud platforms (AWS and/or Azure)
  • DevOps practices (CI/CD, IaC)
  • troubleshooting
  • debugging
  • performance optimization
  • communication skills
  • analytical skills

Nice to have

  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science (or equivalent experience)

What the JD emphasized

  • 10+ years of software engineering experience
  • significant time operating at a senior or staff level
  • Expert proficiency in .NET and C#
  • deep knowledge of system design and software architecture
  • Proven experience building and scaling microservices and distributed systems.
  • Strong expertise in cloud platforms (AWS and/or Azure)
  • modern DevOps practices (CI/CD, IaC)
  • Exceptional ability to troubleshoot, debug, and optimize performance in complex systems.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead through influence
  • driving alignment across teams without direct authority
  • Strong analytical mindset
  • track record of solving ambiguous, large-scale engineering problems