Principal Engineer

REA Group Ltd.; Richmond Shire; On-site; AUD 160,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid and flexible working

Birthday leave + extra leave

Flexible parental leave

Hackdays

Community volunteering

Job summary

REA Group Ltd. is seeking a senior software architect to shape the technical direction of a core portfolio and contribute hands-on while guiding multiple squads.

You will collaborate with product, platform, and engineering teams to ensure scalable, high-quality solutions that align with strategic goals. The role emphasizes mentoring engineers, advancing platform modernization, and maintaining system health in a hybrid, collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• 15 years of engineering or related experience in a dynamic environment.
• Strong experience with modern cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure).
• Proven ability to influence technical direction across multiple squads and senior leaders.

Responsibilities

• Design solution architecture across the Listings portfolio and guide technical strategy.
• Prototype solutions, contribute code, and solve complex engineering problems.
• Coordinate with Engineering Managers to align with architectural principles and product goals.
• Mentor engineers and foster long-term system health across squads.

Skills

Python

Scala

Java

Kotlin

Job description

Tackle complex, meaningful technical challenges at scale in an environment where quality engineering is highly valued! Shape the technical direction of a high-impact portfolio and influence how one of REA’s core product areas evolves! Permanent full time role based in Richmond We're REA With bold and ambitious goals, REA Group is changing the way the world experiences property. No matter where you're at on your property journey, we're here to help with every step - whether that's finding or financing your next home. Our people are the key to our success. At the heart of everything we do, is a thriving culture centred around high performance and care. We are purpose driven and collaborative, which drives innovation and our ability to make a real impact. As such, we’re proud to have been named in Australia’s “Top 5” Best Workplaces two years in a row, as well as being recognised as a Best Workplace for Women.

Where the team fits in

Customer Platforms & Services is part of REA’s Product group and is focused on building and improving the platforms, services and capabilities that underpin key customer experiences. The team partners closely with product, platform and engineering teams to ensure REA’s platforms, data and customer experiences can operate and evolve safely at scale.

What the role is all about

Contribute to designing solution architecture and system design across the Listings portfolio, guiding the technical direction for a broad and business-critical area. Stay hands‑on by prototyping solutions, contributing to critical code, and helping teams solve complex engineering problems using agile software development practices. Partner closely with Engineering Managers to ensure technical solutions are delivered in line with strategy, architectural principles, and product goals. Influence the direction of multiple squads by aligning technical strategy across Engineering Managers and Senior Engineering Managers, guiding work across 3 teams. Champion strong engineering practices, high-quality solution design, and long‑term system health. Work across squad boundaries to design high‑quality, user‑centric solutions and bring clarity to complex cross‑team engineering challenges. Engage in product discovery and early solution validation, helping shape the right technical approach before delivery begins. Coach and mentor experienced engineers, helping grow the next generation of technical leaders across Listings. Contribute to a connected engineering community through knowledge‑sharing, collaboration, and thought leadership across REA.

Who we’re looking for

• You will have approximately 15 years of experience in engineering or related fields, ideally in a dynamic, agile environment.
• Proficiency in one or more of the following programming languages: Python, Scala, Java, or Kotlin.
• Solid understanding of cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, or Azure).
• Deep understanding of platform architecture and mindset.
• Strong experience with modernization or transformation.
• Drive scalable, resilient, and maintainable platform solutions aligned with business and engineering goals.
• Proven experience influencing technical direction across squads, engineering leaders, architects, and product stakeholders.
• You can balance long‑term strategic thinking with pragmatic delivery outcomes.
• Background in mentoring teams or leading cross‑functional technical projects.
• Experience guiding platform evolution, system modernisation, operational excellence, and engineering best practices is desirable.
• Experience in operations and support of critical systems is beneficial.

The REA experience

The physical, mental, emotional and financial health of our people is something we’ll never stop caring about. This is a place to learn and grow.

Some of our Perks & Benefits include:

• A hybrid and flexible approach to working
• Flexible leave options including, birthday leave and purchase additional leave
• Flexible parental leave offering for primary and secondary carers
• Our Because We Care program offers employees volunteering leave, community grants, matched payroll giving and our Community Café donates 100% of revenue to charity
• Hackdays so you can bring your big ideas to life

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

We are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity, equity and inclusion. We believe teams with diverse ideas and experiences are more creative, more effective and fuel disruptive thinking.

We are an Australian-based digital media company with a passion for real estate. Our leading brand is Australia’s biggest property resource, realestate.com.au. We also operate the number one commercial property site, realcommercial.com.au, and have businesses that help property developers and other brands advertise with us. Whilst we live in Australia, we’ve also got ventures in Asia and North America, and have the vision of expanding our footprint further. Everything we do is driven by our purpose to ‘change the way the world experiences property’ – from product innovation to our international investments.