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# Principal Software Development Engineer

- **Company:** F5 Networks, Inc.
- **Location:** Spokane Valley, WA, United States
- **Salary:** $36,150.0 - $45,157.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Automation of Tests, C++ (Programming Language), Python (Programming Language), Software Architecture, Software Engineering, Software Systems, Software Testing Automation Framework, Technical Data Management Systems, Information Technology, Restful APIs, Grpc, Docker, Golang, Microservices
- **Published:** October 14, 2026
- **Apply:** https://www.jofdav.com/jobs/60104660-principal-software-development-engineer

## About the Role

* Deep QA Expertise: Deep expertise in software and hardware quality assurance engineering methodologies, enterprise network architectures, and modern testing paradigms.
 * Modern Tech Stack: Extensive development experience with microservices (REST API, gRPC) and hands-on experience with Docker and Kubernetes.
 * Automation & Source Code Proficiency: Advanced ability to analyze product source code and construct scalable, reusable test automation frameworks using languages like Python, Go, Java, or C++.
 * Conceptual & Critical Thinking: Ability to understand advanced technical issues, evaluate complex trade-offs between release velocity and long-term quality, and explain them effectively to non-technical stakeholders.
 * Problem Solving: Exceptional analytical and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to bring order to unstructured problems and resolve complex issues in creative and efficient ways.
 * Leadership & High-Impact Communication: Superior communication skills with a proven ability to influence technical strategy, mentor engineers, and drive team-wide adherence to engineering best practices., * Requires a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with a minimum of 10 years of related experience; or a Master's degree with 8 years of experience; or a PhD with 5 years of experience; or equivalent work history.
 * Progressive experience in both software development and software/hardware quality assurance engineering, including extensive test framework development.

## Description

The Principal Software Design Engineer in Test serves as a key technical leader responsible for both the architectural design of software systems and the strategic implementation of quality assurance. This role applies broad expertise to solve complex issues in creative ways, ensuring that quality is embedded throughout the entire product development lifecycle. The Principal Engineer owns the design and development of scalable, enterprise-grade automated test frameworks, establishes quality standards for major product lines, and provides technical leadership on design, development, and testability to drive the successful delivery of high-quality, resilient software., * Architectural Design & Testability: Owns medium to large platform initiatives, providing technical leadership on software architecture with a primary focus on testability, observability, and resilience.

 * Quality Strategy & Vision: Collaborates with engineering leadership to define and communicate the strategic vision and technical roadmap for quality assurance, ensuring alignment with product goals and business objectives.
 * Advanced Automation Frameworks: Leads the architectural design, development, and enhancement of enterprise-grade automated test frameworks. Analyzes product source code to identify and address quality gaps.
 * Cross-Functional Quality Leadership: Partners with Product, Software Engineering, and Hardware teams to establish and enforce quality standards, metrics, and controls as an integral part of the development lifecycle.
 * Complex Troubleshooting: Performs deep system-level analysis and troubleshooting of complex software and hardware defects. Evaluates system trade-offs and drives root-cause resolution across product engineering teams.
 * Mentorship & Technical Guidance: Guides and mentors other engineers on advanced testing methodologies, automation best practices, and designing for quality.
 * Technical Influence: Presents complex technical data, quality metrics, and risk assessments to senior management to direct action and guide strategic decisions.