Principal Software Engineer Backend Technologies, Platform (UK Remote)

Overview

As a Principal Backend Engineer at Turnitin, you design and build scalable backend services using Java and serverless tech, while contributing to frontend work when needed. You’ll lead and mentor a team within a distributed, cross-functional environment and align solutions with architectural standards. You will optimize performance, scalability, and cost, delivering high-quality, impactful technology for Turnitin’s education platform. This is a hands-on role with a strong emphasis on collaboration and technical excellence.

Pay / Benefits

• Remote first culture
• Health care coverage
• Education reimbursement
• Competitive paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan with match

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of scalable backend services using Java and serverless (e.g., AWS Lambda)
• Architect RESTful APIs and event-driven systems for high-performance applications
• Provide technical leadership and ensure adherence to architectural standards
• Contribute to frontend components when needed
• Analyze and optimize services for performance, scalability, and cost-efficiency
• Collaborate with Architects, Product Managers, and engineering leads to deliver solutions
• Mentor junior developers and promote knowledge sharing
• Oversee CI/CD pipelines for reliable software delivery
• Maintain code quality through peer reviews, testing, and best practices
• Create documentation for shared components and usage guidelines

Key requirements

• 10+ years backend development experience with strong Java proficiency
• Hands-on experience with serverless frameworks (AWS Lambda, Google Cloud Functions)
• Frontend knowledge (React, Web Components) and ability to contribute when needed
• Designing and managing distributed systems with a focus on scalability
• Experience leading cross-functional teams across multiple locations
• Cloud-native development on AWS (Lambda, DynamoDB, API Gateway, SNS/SQS, EventBridge)
• Strong knowledge of software engineering best practices (TDD, BDD, clean code)
• Experience implementing and managing CI/CD and IaC
• Proven Tech Lead experience and mentoring ability
• Excellent communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making in balance with deadlines

• collaboration
• mentoring
• clear communication
• Java
• serverless architectures (AWS Lambda, Google Cloud Functions)
• React / Web Components familiarity

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