Principal Software Engineer

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Kforce has a client that is seeking a Principal Software Engineer in Salt Lake City, UT.

Summary:
We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to provide technical leadership across enterprise platforms, cloud infrastructure, and front-end architecture. This role operates at a strategic and hands-on level, influencing system design, engineering standards, and large-scale modernization initiatives across multiple teams. This position is ideal for a senior technologist who thrives in complex environments, enjoys mentoring and elevating engineering teams, and can balance long-term architectural vision with practical execution.

Responsibilities include:
* Principal Software Engineer will lead complex technical efforts, including cloud-native architecture and Kubernetes migrations, platform development, and reusable component strategies
* Partners closely with architecture, engineering, and product leaders to deliver scalable, reliable, and well-engineered solutions
* Driving platform and developer experience initiatives, guiding front-end architecture and design systems, influencing backend and data architecture decisions, and ensuring systems support web and mobile experiences cohesively

REQUIREMENTS:
* Advanced backend engineering experience with Java (Java 21 preferred)
* Strong platform engineering background, including developer experience (DevX), internal tools, and shared services used across an organization
* Strong AWS experience with deep, hands-on expertise in EKS (Kubernetes), including leading or contributing to migrations to EKS
* Experience with AWS Lambda and cloud-native, event-driven architectures
* Proven experience building and maintaining design systems and reusable UI component libraries
* Experience building reusable components and frameworks consumed by multiple teams
* Experience with Kafka or similar distributed messaging systems
* Strong database architecture experience with Oracle, PostgreSQL, and AWS RDS
* Angular 21 expertise (critical) with senior-level front-end architecture experience
* Understanding of mobile strategy and how mobile, web, and backend systems integrate
* Strong communication skills, the ability to influence without authority, and comfort operating across organizational boundaries
* Ability to collaborate effectively with architecture teams and influence technical direction
* Experience in EdTech or education-focused platforms is preferred

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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