Principal Cloud Engineer

CarMax; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

CarMax is seeking a Principal Engineer, Cloud to lead the design, build, and evolution of scalable cloud platforms that power customer-facing applications. You will mentor teams, drive automation, and ensure reliability, security, and operational excellence across multi-cloud environments.

You will collaborate with engineers, architects, and product teams to translate ideas into practical cloud solutions, shaping CarMax's next-generation infrastructure.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent experience with 7+ years in technology roles.
• 4+ years of hands-on experience building cloud infrastructure (Azure preferred; AWS or Google Cloud considered).
• 3+ years of scripting or coding experience in languages such as Python, PowerShell, or similar.
• Expertise in cloud networking, storage, virtualization, and access control, including hybrid environments.
• Proven ability to design and deploy resilient cloud architectures and manage CI/CD pipelines using tools like Azure DevOps or TeamCity.
• Strong leadership skills with experience mentoring teams and driving cross-functional initiatives.
• Passion for automation and eliminating manual processes to improve efficiency and scalability.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement self-service capabilities and automation tools to accelerate delivery and improve operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in design, product management, and architecture to transform innovative ideas into practical solutions.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and agile practices.
• Consult with internal stakeholders to evolve cloud platforms and optimize performance using modern engineering principles.
• Stay ahead of industry trends, applying best practices to enhance reliability, scalability, and security across cloud environments.

Skills

Cloud architecture

Automation

Leadership

Scripting (Python)

CI/CD

Cloud security

Mentoring

Multi-cloud

Education

CS degree or related field

Tools

Azure DevOps

TeamCity

Kubernetes

Job description

Work Authorization: Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Sponsorship will not be considered for this specific role

As a Principal Engineer, Cloud, you will play a pivotal role in shaping CarMax's next-generation cloud infrastructure. This is your opportunity to join an innovative team that is redefining the automotive retail experience through cutting-edge technology. You'll lead efforts to design, build, and evolve scalable cloud platforms, ensuring reliability, security, and resilience for our customer-facing applications. By leveraging your expertise in cloud engineering and automation, you'll help CarMax deliver a seamless, best-in-class experience that empowers customers to buy the vehicles they want - on their terms.

Why CarMax?

At CarMax, we are the nation's largest retailer of used cars with stores from coast to coast, and we are still growing. We're rethinking the way people buy cars - and it's our associates that help us do just that. We believe work should feel meaningful and rewarding, with opportunities to make an impact every day. This is where innovation meets passion - be inspired and supported to take us to the future.

Team Overview

You'll collaborate with engineers, architects, and technology leaders to define patterns and best practices for deploying cloud infrastructure. Acting as a technical mentor and trusted advisor, you will influence strategic decisions and guide teams in building secure, scalable, and automated solutions that support CarMax's customer-first mission.

Role Responsibilities

• Develop and implement self-service capabilities and automation tools to accelerate delivery and improve operational efficiency.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams in design, product management, and architecture to transform innovative ideas into practical solutions.
• Provide technical leadership and guidance, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and agile practices.
• Consult with internal stakeholders to evolve cloud platforms and optimize performance using modern engineering principles.
• Stay ahead of industry trends, applying best practices to enhance reliability, scalability, and security across cloud environments.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent experience with 7+ years in technology roles.
• 4+ years of hands-on experience building cloud infrastructure (Azure preferred; AWS or Google Cloud considered).
• 3+ years of scripting or coding experience in languages such as Python, PowerShell, or similar.
• Expertise in cloud networking, storage, virtualization, and access control, including hybrid environments.
• Proven ability to design and deploy resilient cloud architectures and manage CI/CD pipelines using tools like Azure DevOps or TeamCity.
• Strong leadership skills with experience mentoring teams and driving cross-functional initiatives.
• Passion for automation and eliminating manual processes to improve efficiency and scalability.

Work Location and Arrangement:

West Creek: This role will be based out of the CarMax Home Office at West Creek (Richmond, VA) and associates will work onsite 4 days per week

OR

Plano: This role will be based out of the CarMax Dallas Tech Hub (Plano, TX) and associates will work onsite 2 days per week

Work Authorization: Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Sponsorship will not be considered for this specific role.

About CarMax

At CarMax, we revolutionized the used car buying experience over 30 years ago by introducing transparency and integrity into the process. Our commitment to customer experience, innovation, and community has made us the nation's largest used car retailer. With over 250 store locations and over 30,000 associates, we are proud to have been recognized as one of the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® and are committed to helping our communities thrive.

As an associate, you are part of an innovative movement to empower the modern customer and drive progress. Your work fuels change - sparking ideas, overcoming challenges, and shaping what's next. Join us in creating a better future- for our company, our customers, and the communities we call home.

CarMax is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.