GLO - Principal Software Engineer (Programmer VI)

GLO - Principal Software Engineer (Programmer VI) Texas General Land Office | Posted Mar 13 | Full-time | Austin | Negotiable | Unknown Apply on the Texas State website. The Texas General Land Office is seeking a Principal Software Engineer (Programmer VI) within the Information Technology Services Department. The role involves highly advanced and/or supervisory computer programming and software engineering work, addressing complex and precedent-setting technical challenges, designing cross-domain solutions, and advancing the agency's long-term technical direction through architecture, platform, and SDLC standards. Responsibilities include defining and evolving enterprise architecture, shared frameworks, and delivery standards; guiding adoption of standards across applications and platforms; providing hands-on leadership for complex implementations; and advising leadership and technical staff on feasibility, risk, and design approaches. The position ensures consistency, scalability, reliability, and long-term sustainability across the application portfolio while serving as an individual contributor. The role works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for initiative and independent judgment. It serves as a principal technical authority without formal supervisory responsibilities. All levels in this series perform hands-on software development, with increasing scope and complexity as the level rises. About the Information Technology Services Department The ITS team advances the mission of the Texas General Land Office through technology, delivering secure, reliable, and innovative solutions that enable efficient and transparent service to Texans. ITS operates with a growth mindset, focusing on sustainability, operational excellence, customer service, and safeguarding information resources. It leverages modern cloud, automation, and data technologies to drive efficiency, innovation, and resilience across the enterprise. About the Role The Principal Software Engineer designs, modernizes, and sustains enterprise application solutions that support the agency's mission. This hands-on senior technical contributor leads development of scalable, secure, and high-performing software systems across cloud and hybrid environments, with a focus on Microsoft Azure and enterprise SaaS integrations. The role advances modernization strategy through resilient architectures, improved development standards, and DevSecOps practices. Key Contributions Software Development & Delivery – Implement and review complex, novel, or cross-domain software solutions; develop reference implementations and production code demonstrating enterprise standards. System Analysis, Design & Implementation – Define and evolve architecture standards, design frameworks, and integration patterns; guide solution design for complex initiatives. Quality, Reliability & Support – Establish enterprise expectations for reliability, resilience, and operational readiness; lead or support resolution of critical technical issues. Automation, Tools & Continuous Improvement – Define shared frameworks, tooling strategies, and modernization approaches to improve consistency and maintainability. Documentation, Standards & Compliance – Develop and maintain enterprise architecture standards, technical guidance, and governance artifacts; ensure alignment with security and policy requirements. Technical Leadership & Knowledge Sharing – Mentor senior contributors, lead advanced code reviews, and advise leadership on technical direction and risk. Minimum Qualifications Bachelor's degree in computer science, information systems, computer engineering, or a related field; or equivalent professional experience (one year of experience per year of education). Preferred Qualifications Extensive experience designing scalable, maintainable, high-performance enterprise applications. Hands-on development and integration within cloud platforms, especially Microsoft Azure, and integration of custom applications with SaaS platforms such as Dynamics 365. Experience with server-less compute, cloud storage, API-driven, service-oriented, or event-based architectures. Leadership in modernization efforts involving legacy system enhancement, refactoring, or migration to cloud-enabled solutions. Strong understanding of application lifecycle management, automation, DevOps principles, and secure cloud practices. Experience in complex enterprise environments where reliability, scalability, and performance are critical. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of Advanced software engineering, scalable system design, and performance optimization. Cloud-enabled application development, hybrid environments, and Microsoft Azure. Integration strategies with SaaS and enterprise platforms. Modern architectural patterns: hybrid deployment, API-driven services, distributed systems, event-based design. Application lifecycle practices: design, build, test, release using CI/CD and DevSecOps. Skill in Writing, reviewing, and optimizing complex, production-grade code. Implementing integrations across cloud, SaaS, and on-premises systems. Decomposing complex problems into maintainable solutions. Leading advanced design and code reviews with high quality standards. Choosing platform capabilities versus custom development. Diagnosing and resolving high-impact technical issues. Leading modernization of legacy components. Ability to Serve as a senior technical lead while remaining hands-on. Influence engineering direction with credibility and mentorship. Exercise independent judgment in ambiguous situations. Translate evolving business needs into scalable solutions. Drive modernization while maintaining operational stability. Elevate engineering maturity and consistency. Physical Requirements Primarily sedentary office work; routine mobility for carrying materials up to 20 pounds. Extensive computer and telephone use required. Ability to read printed materials and screens. Ability to learn, recall, and apply policies and procedures. Compensation and Benefits Free parking. Defined retirement benefit plan with optional 401(k) and 457 accounts. Medical insurance – State pays 100% of the health plan premium for eligible full-time employees and 50% for dependents; 50% for eligible part-time employees, 25% for dependents. Optional dental, vision, and life insurance. Minimum 96+ hours of annual leave, increasing with length of service. Professional development opportunities through LinkedIn Learning and an EAP provider. Veterans Use your military skills to qualify for this position. Translate military experience into civilian terms using the State of Texas Skills Tool. How to Apply Complete a State of Texas Application for Employment and apply online via www.workintexas.com or the CAPPS Career Section. Applications must be fully completed; incomplete applications may lead to disqualification. Resumes are not accepted in place of a completed application. All hired personnel must verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States upon hire. The position is security sensitive under Texas Labor Code Section 301.042. Applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S.; the agency does not sponsor visas. J-18808-Ljbffr