Remote Principal Software Engineer Backend Technologies, Platform (UK Remote) in Wolverhampton

When you join Turnitin, you'll be welcomed into a company that is a recognized innovator in global education. Over 16,000 academic institutions, publishers, and corporations use our services in more than 185 countries around the world. Experience a remote-first culture that empowers you to work with purpose and accountability in a way that best suits you, supported by a comprehensive package that prioritizes your overall well-being. Our diverse community of colleagues are all unified by a shared desire to make a difference in education.

Turnitin is seeking a Principal Backend Engineer with a strong focus on backend development, particularly in Java and serverless architectures, combined with solid frontend experience. This role is ideal for engineers passionate about building scalable distributed systems, data modeling, and delivering high-performing, reliable software solutions for our award-winning educational platform.

This role is fully hands-on, requiring active involvement in coding, development, and implementation of technical solutions:

• Lead and design, development, and optimization of scalable backend services using Java and serverless technologies (e.g., AWS Lambda).
• Architect and implement RESTful APIs and event-driven systems to support high-performance, distributed applications.
• Contribute to the development and integration of user-facing frontend components when needed.
• Analyze and optimize existing services to enhance performance, scalability, and cost-efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Architects, Product Managers, and engineering leads, to deliver innovative and impactful solutions.
• Oversee the implementation and maintenance of CI/CD pipelines to ensure efficient and reliable software delivery.
• Maintain high standards of code quality through rigorous peer reviews, comprehensive testing, and adherence to industry best practices.

Qualifications:

• Over 10 years of experience in backend development with deep proficiency in Java and extensive hands-on experience with serverless frameworks (e.g., AWS Lambda, Google Cloud Functions).
• Solid understanding of frontend technologies, including React and Web Components, with the ability to contribute when needed.
• Expertise in designing and managing distributed systems, ensuring scalability, and advanced data modeling techniques.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders across multiple locations, including distributed teams in Europe and the USA.
• Practical expertise in cloud technologies, specifically developing serverless applications on AWS using services such as Lambda, DynamoDB, API Gateway, SNS/SQS, and EventBridge.
• Deep understanding of software development best practices, including design patterns, test-driven development (TDD), behaviour-driven development (BDD), and clean code principles.
• Experience implementing and managing CI/CD pipelines for automated build, deployment, and testing.
• Familiarity with modern DevOps practices and infrastructure-as-code (IaC).
• Proven ability to conduct comprehensive system design reviews, ensuring architectural alignment, scalability, performance, and adherence to best practices.
• Proven experience as a Tech Lead, with a strong track record of mentoring and coaching junior engineers, promoting skill development, and driving adherence to best practices.
• Exceptional collaboration skills, working effectively across cross-functional teams, including Product Managers, Architects, and other engineering leads.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with a track record of troubleshooting and optimizing existing systems for performance, scalability, and cost efficiency.
• Ability to make strategic technical decisions while balancing project deadlines and business goals.
• Experience with frontend technologies such as React, Angular, or Web Components is a plus.
• Familiarity with monitoring and observability tools.
• Knowledge of data modeling and working with both NoSQL databases.
• Understanding of agile methodologies, including Scrum, XP, and Kanban.
• Understanding or experience with AI/ML.

While salary, bonus, or commission are important, they’re only part of the value you receive in exchange for your work. Beyond compensation, you’ll experience the intrinsic rewards of unleashing your potential and making a positive impact on global education. In addition, our extrinsic rewards include generous time off and health and wellness programs that provide choice, flexibility, and a safety net for life’s challenges.

Our Mission is to ensure the integrity of global education and meaningfully improve learning outcomes. We consider different perspectives and celebrate diversity.

Remote First Culture ~ Health Care Coverage ~ Education Reimbursement ~ Competitive Paid Time Off ~ National Holidays ~ Monthly Wellness or Home Office Reimbursement ~ Parental Leave ~ Retirement Plan with match/contribution.