Principal Software Engineer (Drools and Java)

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Kforce has a client that is seeking a Principal Software Engineer (Drools and Java) in Durham, NC.

REQUIREMENTS:
* 10+ years of professional software engineering experience, with deep expertise in Java and enterprise application development
* 5+ years of hands-on experience building and operating Drools-based (or equivalent BRMS) solutions in production environments
* Deep knowledge of object-oriented design, domain-driven design, and clean architecture principles

Strong understanding of:
* Stateless vs. stateful rule execution models
* Decision tables, DRL, and rule flows
* Rule performance tuning, conflict resolution, and lifecycle management
* Experience using copilot (or AI in general) as part of engineering practices

Architecture & Systems Design:
* Proven ability to own and evolve rules engine architectures, including rule authoring patterns, execution strategies, versioning, and governance
* Experience designing scalable, resilient Java services that integrate rules engines with distributed systems (RESTful APIs, messaging, event-driven architectures)
* Strong understanding of performance, memory management, and operational characteristics of rules-based systems

Leadership & Influence:
* Demonstrated ability to lead technically without formal authority, influencing architecture and engineering decisions across teams
* Experience leading technical design reviews and providing architectural guidance for complex systems
* Strong mentorship mindset, with a track record of elevating senior and mid-level engineers

Collaboration & Business Enablement:
* Ability to partner closely with product owners and domain experts to translate business policy into clear, executable decision logic
* Experience supporting DevOps/SRE practices, including deployment strategy, monitoring, and observability for rules-driven services
* Comfortable representing engineering perspectives in cross-organization architectural discussions and modernization initiatives.

The pay range is the lowest to highest compensation we reasonably in good faith believe we would pay at posting for this role. We may ultimately pay more or less than this range. Employee pay is based on factors like relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, skills, seniority, location, performance, union contract and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.

We offer comprehensive benefits including medical/dental/vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), and life, disability & ADD insurance to eligible employees. Salaried personnel receive paid time off. Hourly employees are not eligible for paid time off unless required by law. Hourly employees on a Service Contract Act project are eligible for paid sick leave.

Note: Pay is not considered compensation until it is earned, vested and determinable. The amount and availability of any compensation remains in Kforce's sole discretion unless and until paid and may be modified in its discretion consistent with the law.

This job is not eligible for bonuses, incentives or commissions.

Kforce is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

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