Principal Software Engineer (BE)

• Undergraduate or graduate degree in a computer related field, coding bootcamp certificate, OR a thorough demonstration of self-taught software development skills
• 8+ years of software development experience
• 2-3+ years of application software architecture experience, including familiarity with common design patterns and approaches for solving typical application problems for their discipline
• Ability to write complex software and demonstrated proficiency in explaining the “why” behind code
• Strong technical communication acumen; can explain complex technical problems to technical and non-technical audiences (clients, project members, team members, peers, etc.)
• Strong understanding of the development process and ability to maintain an iterative approach throughout the project lifecycle
• Strong proficiency in C# and .NET development, including designing, building, and maintaining scalable, production-ready applications and services.
• Hands-on experience with Microsoft Azure, including developing, deploying, and maintaining cloud-based applications and services.
• AI-forward development mindset, with demonstrated experience incorporating AI-assisted development tools into daily software engineering workflows, including code generation, debugging, testing, and optimization.
• Proficiency in context and specification-driven AI development, including providing structured context, defining clear technical requirements, and validating AI-generated solutions for quality, security, and maintainability.

• Introductory systems architecture experience
• Has experience or demonstrates the ability to participate in client pitches
• Exposure to full stack applications and coding skills outside of your specialization
• Experience developing AI-powered applications, including LLM integrations, AI agents, agentic workflows, or AI orchestration frameworks.
• Experience participating in technical solutioning, including requirements discovery, solution design, technical feasibility assessments, and presenting proposed approaches to clients or stakeholders.

• Oversee the entire technical lifecycle of a product including, but not limited to software/language/framework decisions, breaking down features into technical stories, and production readiness
• Write and demonstrate comprehension of complex software using expert level understanding of code patterns, application architecture, and best practices
• Serve as the technical lead for a team of software engineers
• Own the technical quality of their product
• Leading fruitful discussions about and documenting architectural decisions
• Adapt the development process to fit the team and client needs
• Foster cross-functional collaboration as a technical liaison between engineering and other project disciplines (Design, Quality, Project Management, Strategy, Product, etc.).
• Own the technical review process for team members and provide ongoing technical feedback and recommendations
• Participate in the internal leadership of their respective domain; provide input to the strategic direction of the domain, assist with domain initiatives, and maintain best practices within the domain
• Utilize deep technical communication acumen to explain complex technical concerns across multiple levels of abstraction and audiences
• Assess the technical skills of prospective candidates and provide recommendations to hiring managers
• Provide ad-hoc technical support to other practitioners in the domain as needed
• Assist with sales requests as needed by providing technical recommendations and estimates to prospective clients
• Participate in other duties as assigned

• $164,500-$200,000/per year

• Health & Wellness: Choose from two comprehensive medical plans (including an HSA-eligible option), plus high-quality dental and vision insurance.
• Financial Security (Company-Paid): We provide peace of mind by fully covering the cost of several essential plans: Basic Life and AD&D Insurance, Short-Term Disability (STD), and Long-Term Disability (LTD) coverage.
• Comprehensive Support: Take advantage of discounted, employee-paid options to protect your family, pets, and assets, including Voluntary Life and AD&D, Accident, Critical Illness, and Hospital Indemnity insurance, Pet Insurance, and plans offering Legal Support and Identity Theft Protection.
• Retirement: We offer a 401(k) plan with a company match of up to 3.5% with immediate vesting.
• Time Off: Nerds enjoy flexible time off with Flex PTO that can be used for vacation, personal time, personal illness, or time off to care for dependents.
• Remote Work: Nerdery is a remote-friendly workplace. Our Minnesota office space is available for Nerds who prefer an in-office environment or collaborative setting.
• Professional Growth: All Nerds have dedicated resources and access to funds to pursue professional development, attend industry conferences, and obtain certifications.

• Customer-Focused Execution and Communication: Excels at translating deep customer understanding into impactful work, ensuring that every project and decision delivers exceptional user value. Able to effectively explain technical decisions to non-technical stakeholders.
• Tenacious Problem-Solving: Relentlessly unravels complex problems, developing innovative solutions to overcome any challenge that stands in the way of progress.
• Integrity-Driven Work: Builds trust by consistently upholding high standards in all work and advocating for the right approach, ensuring quality and transparency.
• Collaborative Impact: Actively elevates the team's capabilities by fostering a collaborative environment, sharing knowledge, and prioritizing collective success over individual credit.
• End-to-End Ownership: Takes full accountability for an initiative's entire lifecycle, from concept to completion, ensuring the final result successfully achieves its intended goals.
• Dedication to Craftsmanship: Driven by a passion for their craft to continuously learn, deepen their expertise, and strive for excellence in their chosen field.

• Sitting for extended periods: will spend significant time in meetings, presentations, and computer use.
• Occasional standing and walking: will need to move around during presentations and client interactions.
• Computer Use: Extensive use of a keyboard, mouse, and computer screen for extended periods. Ability to adjust focus between screen and documents.
• Public Speaking: requires public speaking, including presenting to clients.
• Reaching: Reaching for items on a desk, retrieving documents, or working with equipment is required.
• Lifting: Occasional lifting of light objects (e.g., laptops, peripherals) may be necessary.
• Office Environment: The work environment is primarily an office setting, with typical office equipment and noise levels.
• On-site client work: some work might involve on-site client visits and demonstrations, possibly requiring some walking and standing for extended periods.

Compensation