Principal Engineer

Rooftop; Colombia; Remote; COP 231,676,507 - 257,418,342; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Covered PTO, including public holidays

Flexible hours allowing overlap with US time zones

Job summary

An innovative software development startup is seeking a Principal Engineer fluent in both English and Spanish, to lead and manage the engineering team while maintaining hands-on coding responsibilities. This 100% remote position requires extensive experience in startup environments and a strong background in modern programming languages and AI tools. Ideal candidates are proactive, adaptable, and possess a strong results orientation. Flexible hours and competitive hourly rates are offered.

Qualifications

• Proven record of managing engineering teams and delivering complex products remotely.
• Experience with Ruby on Rails is a plus.
• Familiarity with modern product design/UX workflows is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Head the engineering team while remaining hands-on with coding.
• Thrive in a dynamic startup environment with agile teams.
• Lead initiatives with accountability and empathy.

Skills

Extensive experience in startup environments

Fluent level of English (C1) and Spanish (C2)

Proven experience architecting solutions on AWS or GCP

Expertise in leveraging AI tools for application development

Professional experience with Node, Next & Python

Job description

Overview

We are looking for a Principal Engineer with advanced English proficiency (C1+), based in any LATAM country, to join an innovative software development startup. This is not just a leadership role.

The Principal Engineer will head the engineering team while staying hands-on with code.

100% REMOTE across LATAM!

Requirements

MUST HAVE:

• Extensive experience in startup environments, thriving in dynamic, rapidly evolving contexts with agile, cross-functional teams
• Professional experience with Node, Next & Python, and modern front-end frameworks.
• Proven experience architecting and operating scalable solutions on AWS or GCP.
• Proven record of managing engineering teams and shipping complex products in a remote environment.
• Absolute expert—or excited to become one—in leveraging AI tools (LLMs, code-generation frameworks, AI-assisted infrastructure) to build applications single-handedly and teach others to do the same.
• Fluent level of English (C1) and Spanish (C2)

NICE TO HAVE:

• Proven experience working with Ruby on Rails
• History of personal side projects or open-source contributions.
• Experience with infrastructure as code, DevOps, or SRE practices.
• Familiarity with modern product design/UX workflows.

SOFT SKILLS:

• Startup DNA: Self-starter who thrives in fast-moving, ambiguous environments
• Flexible and adaptable, comfortable wearing multiple hats
• Entrepreneurial spirit with a proactive, hands-on attitude
• Curious and eager to learn new technologies (including AI, though not required)
• Strong results orientation with the ability to thrive in fast-paced environments
• Empathetic and people-oriented; treats others with respect and professionalism
• Excellent follow-through and accountability in leading initiatives
• Forward-thinking, innovative, and open to experimentation

About the Proposal

• Contractor, long term
• Flexible hours (collaboration overlap with US time zones required).
• Hourly Rate: USD 45–50/hour
• PTOs: Covered, including public holidays (can follow the employee’s local country holidays)