Principal, Software Engineer
About The Position
As a Principal Software Engineer, you will define the technical direction for a core capability within WatchTower, the engineering operating system for Marketplace. You will solve complex engineering problems, influence architecture across multiple teams, and build platforms that help thousands of engineers develop, deploy, operate, and support software. The role combines deep technical expertise with strategic influence to shape engineering across Marketplace. The Marketplace Platform Reliability team develops and maintains engineering systems that enable thousands of engineers to deliver reliable, scalable, high-performing software. The team manages platforms, operational intelligence, AI capabilities, and engineering standards to improve productivity and system reliability. It focuses on innovation and continuous improvement, advancing technical excellence through collaboration, strategic alignment, and program management. Team members design robust, scalable solutions that support business growth, optimize operational efficiency, and maintain high quality standards across Marketplace. The annual salary range is $110,000–$220,000. Additional compensation includes annual or quarterly performance bonuses, and certain positions may also include stock.
Requirements
- Deep expertise in designing and building large-scale distributed systems or platform software.
- Strong background in cloud-native architecture, microservices, Kubernetes, and modern software engineering practices.
- Experience leading architecture across multiple teams and influencing technical direction through engineering leadership.
- Proven ability to solve complex technical problems and deliver scalable platform capabilities.
- Experience with developer platforms, operational tooling, AI, observability, or infrastructure engineering.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence engineers and leaders across large organizations.
- Bachelor's degree in computer science, computer engineering, computer information systems, software engineering, or a related area and 5 years of experience in software engineering or a related area; or 7 years of experience in software engineering or a related area.
Nice To Haves
- Master’s degree in computer science, computer engineering, computer information systems, software engineering, or a related area and 3 years of experience in software engineering or a related area.
- Knowledge of implementing Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.2 AA standards and assistive technologies.
- Knowledge of accessibility best practices and experience creating accessible digital products and services.
Responsibilities
- Define the technical vision and architecture for a core WatchTower platform capability.
- Design and build highly scalable distributed systems that improve reliability, developer productivity, and operational intelligence.
- Partner with engineering leaders to drive architecture, engineering standards, and technical strategy across Marketplace.
- Mentor engineers and provide technical leadership across multiple teams without direct organizational authority.
- Drive innovation through AI, automation, cloud-native technologies, and modern software engineering practices.
Benefits
- Medical, vision, and dental coverage.
- 401(k), stock purchase plan, and company-paid life insurance.
- Paid time off, including sick leave, parental leave, family care leave, bereavement leave, jury duty, and voting leave.
- Short-term and long-term disability.
- Company discounts.
- Military Leave Pay.
- Adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement.
- Live Better U: Walmart-paid education programs, including tuition, books, and fees for eligible associates.
- Performance-based bonus awards.
- Stock may be included as additional compensation for certain positions.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Principal
