Principal Software Engineer Backend Technologies, Platform (UK Remote)

As a Principal Backend Engineer at Turnitin, you design and pull together scalable backend services using Java and serverless tech, while also contributing to frontend work when needed. You will lead and mentor a hybrid team, shaping core shared services that power Turnitin’s education platform. Expect to solve performance, scalability, and cost-efficiency challenges in a distributed, data-driven environment. This role offers impact at scale, partnering with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality, reliable software that supports global learning outcomes.

• remote-first culture
• healthcare coverage
• education reimbursement
• competitive paid time off
• self-care days
• parential leave (varies by country)

• Lead design, development, and optimization of scalable backend services using Java and serverless technologies (e.g., AWS Lambda).
• Architect and implement RESTful APIs and event-driven systems for high-performance distributed applications.
• Provide technical leadership and ensure architectural alignment with standards.
• Contribute to frontend components when needed to support product goals.
• Analyze and optimize existing services for performance, scalability, and cost efficiency.
• Collaborate with Architects, Product Managers, and engineering leads to deliver impactful solutions.
• Mentor junior developers and foster continuous learning.
• Oversee CI/CD pipeline implementation and maintenance for reliable delivery.
• Maintain code quality through peer reviews, testing, and best-practice adherence.
• Create documentation for shared components including usage guidelines.

• 10+ years in backend development with strong Java and serverless experience (AWS Lambda, Google Cloud Functions).
• Frontend basics with React and Web Components ability to contribute.
• Expertise in designing distributed systems, scaling, and advanced data modeling.
• Proven track record leading cross-functional teams across multiple locations.
• Hands-on cloud experience with AWS serverless services (Lambda, DynamoDB, API Gateway, SNS/SQS, EventBridge).
• Strong knowledge of design patterns, TDD/BDD, and clean code.
• Experience with CI/CD and modern DevOps practices and IaC.
• Ability to perform system design reviews for scalability and performance.
• Tech Lead experience with mentoring and enforcing best practices.

• collaboration across cross-functional teams
• excellent communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders
• problem-solving and troubleshooting
• Java
• serverless architectures (AWS Lambda, Google Cloud Functions)
• React and Web Components