Principal Backend Engineer

Job Description

Principal Software Engineer Backend Technologies, Platform | Turnitin

The Tone:
This is a full-time role at Turnitin, located remotely in the UK. Turnitin is seeking an experienced Principal Software Engineer to contribute to its award-winning educational platform. This role is crucial for enhancing and building the foundational shared services that power both existing and new applications. The position focuses on developing scalable distributed systems, robust data modeling, and delivering high-performing, reliable software solutions.

The TL;DR
• Role: Full Time
• Type: Full-time
• Location: Remote – UK
• Team: Shared Services Team
• Mission: Develop and enhance foundational systems that power existing and new applications.
• Tech Stack: Java, AWS Lambda, Google Cloud Functions, React, Web Components, DynamoDB, API Gateway, SNS/SQS, EventBridge, CloudWatch, New Relic, Datadog

What You’ll Actually Do
• Lead: Design, develop, and optimize scalable backend services using Java and serverless technologies (e.g., AWS Lambda).
• Architect: Implement RESTful APIs and event-driven systems that support high-performance, distributed applications.
• Guide: Provide technical leadership and mentorship to junior developers, ensuring alignment with architectural standards and best practices.
• Collaborate: Work with cross-functional teams, including Architects and Product Managers, to deliver innovative and impactful solutions.
• Oversee: Implement and maintain CI/CD pipelines, ensuring efficient and reliable software delivery and high code quality through rigorous peer reviews.

The Must-Haves
• Background: This is a Principal-level full-time role for an experienced backend developer, focusing on building scalable distributed systems and platform-level shared services for an educational technology platform.
• Experience: Over 10 years in backend development with deep proficiency in Java, extensive hands-on experience with serverless frameworks (e.g., AWS Lambda, Google Cloud Functions), and proven experience as a Tech Lead.
• Skills: Expertise in designing and managing distributed systems, advanced data modeling techniques, and practical experience developing serverless applications on AWS (Lambda, DynamoDB, API Gateway, SNS/SQS, EventBridge). Deep understanding of software development best practices (design patterns, TDD, BDD, clean code), CI/CD pipeline implementation, and modern DevOps practices including infrastructure-as-code (IaC). Demonstrated ability to conduct comprehensive system design reviews and effectively lead, mentor, and collaborate with cross-functional and distributed teams.
• Bonus: Experience with frontend technologies such as React, Angular, or Web Components; familiarity with monitoring and observability tools (CloudWatch, New Relic, Datadog); knowledge of data modeling and working with NoSQL databases; understanding of agile methodologies (Scrum, XP, Kanban); or understanding/experience with AI/ML.