> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3111294-principal-software-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3111294-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:** The Technical - **Location:** Boulder, CO, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Application Integration Architecture, Business Logic, Mobile Application Development, Distributed Systems, Graph Database, Neo4j, Systems Integration, Large Language Models, Backend, Kubernetes, Front End Software Development, Software Coding, Terraform - **Published:** September 27, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.juju.com/job/16_3b53345d4 ## About the Role * Top 20% Engineer: Strong analytical ability, judgment, and breadth of experience. You think from first principles and have a track record of solving complex, real-world problems. * Hands-On Builder: You're happiest writing code and shipping production systems in a fast paced startup - not just managing others. * Self-Directed & Autonomous: You thrive in a lightly structured environment, decomposing ambiguous problems and independently driving them to completion. * Backend, Security & Systems Focused: Most work centers on backend and business logic development and integrations. Security-centric SRE experience is preferred. Frontend development is helpful but not central. * Startup & Enterprise Experience: You balance startup agility with enterprise-scale thinking and rigor. * Smart, Not Hard: You work efficiently and sustainably, typically producing exceptional results within a 45-50 hour workweek. * AI & LLM Experience: You're excited by building in an AI-native environment, leveraging Claude Code and other LLM-assisted tools to enhance development velocity and creativity. * Collaborative & Solution-Oriented: No lonewolves. You communicate thoughtfully, contribute positively to discussions, and pair every critique with a constructive solution. ## Description * Architect and implement core systems for an AI-powered enterprise collaboration platform, as a core engineer. * Define, design, and deliver innovative solutions in distributed systems, backend logic, and AI integration. * Collaborate closely with product, design, and AI research peers to shape both strategy and implementation. * Ensure infrastructure reliability, scalability, and security through modern cloud and Kubernetes technologies. * Work with other Senior Staff Engineers to foster a culture of technical excellence, autonomy, and curiosity., * We value leverage over brute force - working smart, not long hours. Engineers are trusted to define their own work, prioritize high-impact projects, and deliver results with minimal oversight. * The team collaborates through lightweight, peer-driven conversations rather than rigid sprint cycles or daily standups. You'll work alongside senior peers solving challenging systems problems in a small, high-trust team where every hire makes a visible impact. * This is an environment for creative, disciplined problem solvers who thrive in freedom and accountability. Technical Environment and required experience: * AI-native development using Claude Code and LLM-assisted tools. * Work at the bleeding edge of containerization, Agentic platforms, MCP, and distributed systems. * A modern, cloud-first infrastructure built on Knowledge Graph using Neo4J and Terraform and Kubernetes. * High-impact autonomy: engineers research, design, and deliver major systems end-to-end. ## Related Videos - [Putting the Graph In GraphQL With The Neo4j GraphQL Library](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/257-putting-the-graph-in-graphql-with-the-neo4j-graphql-library) - [Developing the Backend with Stefan Lingler, CTO at Shpock](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100360-developing-the-backend-with-stefan-lingler-cto-at-shpock) - [Infrastructure as Code: The Developer's Secret Weapon](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1221-infrastructure-as-code-the-developer-s-secret-weapon) - [You are not an AI developer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1148-you-are-not-an-ai-developer) - [Cyber Sleuth: Finding Hidden Connections in Cyber Data](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/893-cyber-sleuth-finding-hidden-connections-in-cyber-data) - [The Software Engineer 2030: From Coder To AI Orchestrator? - Patrick Schnell](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1825-the-software-engineer-2030-from-coder-to-ai-orchestrator-patrick-schnell) ## Related Articles - [Navigating the AI Shift](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/629-navigating-the-ai-shift) - [Dev Digest 120 - Apple and peers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/455-dev-digest-120-apple-and-peers) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [Are Software Engineer Wages Being Pushed Down? A Report on Tech Salaries](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/417-are-software-engineer-wages-being-pushed-down-a-report-on-tech-salaries) - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer) - [Is Software Engineering Over-Saturated?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/418-is-software-engineering-over-saturated)