[USA] Principal Software Engineer

Spectrum Effect•Kirkland, WA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer with a strong aptitude for designing, developing, and deploying high-performance software solutions while defining best practices and technical standards. The ideal candidate will excel in navigating ambiguity, driving cross-functional collaboration, and translating complex technical concepts or insights into thoughtful solutions. We are looking for someone who can: Solution Ownership: Lead the rapid design, development, and iteration of software solutions and features. System Translation: Work with system engineers to translate complex technical RF requirements and deliver top-tier software solutions that are technically sound, feasible, and aligned with business objectives. Comfort with Ambiguity: Thrive in a fast-paced startup environment with shifting priorities. Maintain a pragmatic, solutions-oriented outlook and balance speed versus quality trade-offs effectively. Bring structure and clarity when navigating situations with high uncertainty. Technical Communication: Communicate complex software concepts effectively to both internal and external stakeholders, including executive audiences. Mentoring: Provide technical guidance to software engineers, particularly in areas like improving engineering processes, ensuring software quality and security standards, and ensuring system reliability and performance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering or equivalent
Minimum of 7 years of Python, Go, Rust, C++, or similar related experience and 10+ years of general software development experience
Experience designing, building and working with real-time systems, with demonstrated comfort handling low level details (e.g., manual memory management, profiling experience)
Familiarity working without a traditional operating system
Strong curiosity and willingness to learn domain-specific telecom industry knowledge as appropriate
Exceptional ability to work independently and proactively with minimal oversight
Strong knowledge of software architecture principles and ability to contribute to architectural discussions
Strong judgment, decision-making, and problem-solving skills
Experience working in a leadership or senior engineering role
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of engaging with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
U.S. Person status is required for this position due to contractual obligations.
The candidate should be based in the Greater Seattle Area.

Nice To Haves

Experience with technologies such as Kubernetes, Docker, Kafka, or NoSQL databases (e.g., MongoDB, InfluxDB)
Understanding of machine learning techniques and its applications is considered a plus
Familiarity with Java or modern frontend technologies and frameworks (e.g., JavaScript)
Experience working with modern deployment techniques and practices, such as CI/CD pipelines and deployment automation
Understanding of RAN (Radio Access Network) concepts, including cells, sites, controllers, and topologies

Responsibilities

Lead the rapid design, development, and iteration of software solutions and features.
Work with system engineers to translate complex technical RF requirements and deliver top-tier software solutions that are technically sound, feasible, and aligned with business objectives.
Thrive in a fast-paced startup environment with shifting priorities.
Maintain a pragmatic, solutions-oriented outlook and balance speed versus quality trade-offs effectively.
Bring structure and clarity when navigating situations with high uncertainty.
Communicate complex software concepts effectively to both internal and external stakeholders, including executive audiences.
Provide technical guidance to software engineers, particularly in areas like improving engineering processes, ensuring software quality and security standards, and ensuring system reliability and performance.