> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2053972-principal-software-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2053972-principal-software-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Software Engineer - **Company:** Robert Half - **Location:** Knoxville, TN, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Temporary contract - **Skills:** Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Server Applications, Component-Based Software Engineering, Software Applications, Application Performance Management, Computer Programming, Databases, Django Web Framework, Amazon DynamoDB, Python (Programming Language), PostgreSQL, MongoDB, MySQL, Node.Js, NoSQL, Software Systems, Web Application Frameworks, Web Platforms, ReactJS, Flask (Web Framework), Backend, Git, Fastapi, Graphql, Api Design, NestJS, Restful APIs, Docker, Microservices - **Published:** August 14, 2026 - **Apply:** https://dejobs.org/x/x/F4981A29DAD64A3E8A959DF17AF6C87E/job/ ## About the Role * At least 8 years of experience building and delivering software applications in production environments. * Strong programming capability in Python or Node.js, with experience developing maintainable backend services. * Demonstrated experience creating front-end applications with React. * Knowledge of relational and/or NoSQL databases, including platforms such as PostgreSQL, MySQL, MongoDB, or DynamoDB. * Solid understanding of API design principles and asynchronous application behavior. * Experience using Git within collaborative software development teams. * Strong analytical thinking, clear communication, and the ability to work effectively across multiple priorities. * Commitment to producing clean, well-structured, and well-documented code. ## Description Robert Half is hiring! We are looking for a Lead Software Engineer to lead the design and delivery of modern AI-enabled software solutions for our team. This role combines hands-on engineering with technical leadership across backend services, intelligent workflow orchestration, and responsive user experiences. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in scalable application architecture and enjoys partnering with product, design, and infrastructure teams to deliver secure, high-performing systems. Responsibilities: * Lead full lifecycle software delivery, from technical planning and architecture through implementation, testing, deployment, and ongoing enhancement. * Create and refine agentic AI workflows that support intelligent automation and improve application capabilities. * Develop robust server-side applications using Python frameworks such as Django, Flask, or FastAPI, or Node.js frameworks including Express and NestJS. * Build and support API layers using RESTful and GraphQL approaches to enable reliable integration across web platforms and services. * Engineer React-based interfaces that connect smoothly with backend systems and provide a consistent user experience. * Design scalable microservices and distributed application components that support reliability, flexibility, and future growth. * Improve system efficiency by tuning application performance, refining database interactions, and optimizing cloud resource consumption. * Apply strong security practices by implementing authentication, authorization, and safeguards aligned with modern software standards. * Oversee automated delivery processes and container-based deployments using CI/CD pipelines, Docker, and related tooling. * Partner with cross-functional stakeholders and respond to production issues through monitoring, troubleshooting, and resolution in cloud environments. ## Related Videos - [Build and Deploy a Fullstack App with Open Source Tooling](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/775-build-and-deploy-a-fullstack-app-with-open-source-tooling) - [Leveraging Real time data in FSIs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/806-leveraging-real-time-data-in-fsis) - [MySQL Protocol Features You Should Be Aware Of](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100267-mysql-protocol-features-you-should-be-aware-of) - [How a Small Team Shrank a Microsoft Monorepo by 94%](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1236-how-a-small-team-shrank-a-microsoft-monorepo-by-94) - [Branch your database like your code: How schema changes and pull requests go hand in hand](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/350-branch-your-database-like-your-code-how-schema-changes-and-pull-requests-go-hand-in-hand) - [Meet Your New BFF: Backend to Frontend without the Duct Tape](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/682-meet-your-new-bff-backend-to-frontend-without-the-duct-tape) ## Related Articles - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [The 7 Most Popular Backend Frameworks for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/403-the-7-most-popular-backend-frameworks-for-developers) - [React Developer Salary [2023]](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/198-react-developer-salary-2023) - [Fully Remote Software Engineer Jobs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/447-fully-remote-software-engineer-jobs) - [20 Essential Tools For Backend Development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/218-20-essential-tools-for-backend-development) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated)