Principal Software Engineer

DescriptionPrincipal Software EngineerJob SummaryThe Principal Software Engineer is responsible for leading the design, development, and evolution of scalable, resilient, reliable, and intelligent software systems. This role combines deep technical leadership with hands-on engineering expertise and requires a customer-centric, forward-looking mindset to integrate AI-driven development practices and agent-based architectures into modern software delivery.The Principal Software Engineer serves as a technical authority and innovation leader, shaping architecture, mentoring engineers, and driving engineering excellence. Expertise in cloud-native architectures, modern development frameworks, and software engineering best practices is essential for delivering high-quality, secure, and scalable solutions.Key ResponsibilitiesSoftware Engineering & DeliveryDesign and develop full-stack applications while ensuring alignment with enterprise architecture standards.Participate in Agile software development practices and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.Design, modify, develop, and implement modern application components, tools, and services that support strategic business objectives.Build scalable, maintainable, resilient, and highly available distributed systems.Apply software security best practices throughout the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).Identify, prevent, and remediate security vulnerabilities to protect systems and sensitive data.Serve as a technical leader and mentor, promoting innovation, accountability, and engineering excellence.Contribute to architectural decisions and technology strategy.AI-Driven Development & Agentic EngineeringLeverage AI-assisted development tools (e.g., GitHub Copilot and similar technologies) to improve engineering productivity and code quality.Design and implement agentic workflows throughout the software development lifecycle.Utilize AI technologies for:Code generationCode refactoringCode optimizationAutomated code reviewQuality analysisIntelligent test generationDefect detectionDevelop and integrate AI-powered applications and services.Build customer-facing solutions utilizing Large Language Models (LLMs).Implement AI-driven automation for engineering and operational processes.Develop multi-agent workflows for orchestration and automated decision-making.Apply advanced AI solution patterns including:Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG)Prompt engineeringContext managementAgent orchestrationTool integrationEnsure secure, compliant, and responsible use of AI technologies, particularly when handling regulated financial data.Required QualificationsBachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline.7+ years of hands-on software development experience delivering and supporting commercial software applications.Demonstrated experience leading, mentoring, and developing engineering talent.Strong experience developing applications using Node.js and modern Node.js frameworks.Hands-on experience with Java, Spring, and Spring Boot.Experience with modern front-end frameworks such as Angular, React, or similar technologies.Strong understanding of authentication and security protocols including OAuth and SAML.Experience implementing security controls and protecting enterprise systems and data.Experience building and supporting containerized applications using Docker, Kubernetes, and/or OpenShift.Cloud platform experience with AWS, Microsoft Azure, and/or Google Cloud Platform (GCP).Experience developing and deploying solutions that manage sensitive or regulated data.Strong knowledge of Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) processes.Experience with CI/CD pipelines and DevOps tooling, including:JenkinsHarnessGitBitbucketNexusExperience with relational databases including:MySQLPostgreSQLOracleExperience with NoSQL databases such as MongoDB.Strong understanding of data structures and algorithms.Experience utilizing code quality and code coverage tools.Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.Hands-on experience using AI-assisted development tools such as GitHub Copilot or equivalent.Familiarity with Large Language Models (LLMs) and AI application development concepts.Preferred QualificationsExperience developing applications with Go and/or Python.Experience working with streaming and event-driven platforms including:KafkaAmazon KinesisAmazon SQSApache Storm3+ years of experience within financial services, consumer banking, wealth management, or trading environments.Understanding of banking systems, operations, and financial services processes.Experience with Domain-Driven Design (DDD).Experience implementing Command Query Responsibility Segregation (CQRS).Cloud certifications such as:AWS Certified Solutions ArchitectAWS Certified DeveloperEquivalent Azure or GCP certificationsTechnical SkillsProgramming LanguagesNode JSJavaPythonGOFront-End TechnologiesAngularReactFrameworksSpringSpring BootNode.js FrameworksCloud PlatformsAWSAzureGCPContainerization & OrchestrationDockerKubernetesOpenShiftDatabasesMySQLPostgreSQLOracleMongoDBDevOps & CI/CDJenkinsHarnessGitBitbucketNexusSecurityOAuthSAMLSecure SDLC PracticesAI & Emerging TechnologyGitHub CopilotLarge Language Models (LLMs)Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)Prompt EngineeringAgentic AI WorkflowsAgent OrchestrationAI AutomationWhat Sets This Role ApartLead digital-first banking transformation initiatives.Drive adoption of AI-powered and agentic software engineering practices.Influence enterprise architecture and next-generation development methodologies.Partner with engineering leaders to shape the future of software delivery and innovation.Hours & Work ScheduleHours per Week: 40Work Schedule: Monday - FridaySome job boards have started using jobseeker-reported data to estimate salary ranges for roles. If you apply and qualify for this role, a recruiter will discuss accurate pay guidance.Equal Employment OpportunityCitizens, its parent, subsidiaries, and related companies (Citizens) provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all colleagues and applicants for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, citizenship, physical or mental disability, perceived disability or history or record of a disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, genetic characteristic, marital or domestic partner status, victim of domestic violence, family status/parenthood, medical condition, military or veteran status, national origin, pregnancy/childbirth/lactation, colleague’s or a dependent’s reproductive health decision making, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other category protected by federal, state and/or local laws. At Citizens, we are committed to fostering an inclusive culture that enables all colleagues to bring their best selves to work every day and everyone is expected to be treated with respect and professionalism. Employment decisions are based solely on merit, qualifications, performance and capability.Why Work for UsAt Citizens, you'll find a customer-centric culture built around helping our customers and giving back to our local communities. When you join our team, you are part of a supportive and collaborative workforce, with access to training and tools to accelerate your potential and maximize your career growthPosting End Date: 08/31/2026