Principal Software Developer

Oracle; Redwood City (CA); On-site; USD 114,600 - 234,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) Savings and Investment Plan with company match

Flexible vacation policy

Job summary

Oracle is seeking a Principal Software Developer to lead the design and evolution of backend services and APIs within its Cloud Infrastructure division. This role is based in Redwood City, California, and requires deep expertise in distributed systems and object-oriented programming.

With a focus on scalable, reliable solutions, you will mentor other engineers and influence architectural decisions. Candidates should have over 7 years of experience and a relevant computer science degree.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional software engineering experience.
• Strong experience building highly available, scalable distributed systems.
• Deep understanding of distributed system fundamentals, object-oriented design, data structures, and algorithms.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and evolution of backend services.
• Take ownership of complex technical problems and contribute to architectural decisions.
• Mentor and support other engineers.

Skills

Distributed systems design

Object-oriented programming

Problem-solving

Technical leadership

Education

BS or MS degree in Computer Science

Tools

Java

C++

Go

Job description

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI) delivers mission‑critical applications for leading enterprises worldwide. Our cloud offers hyper‑scale, multi‑tenant services deployed across more than 50 regions globally. OCI continues to expand beyond traditional public cloud boundaries to support dedicated, hybrid, and multi‑cloud solutions, edge computing, and more.

Why Join?

At OCI, you’ll play a key technical role in shaping the design and evolution of backend cloud services that operate at a global scale. You’ll work on complex distributed systems, influence technical direction, and contribute to production services used by customers worldwide. This role offers the opportunity to lead by example, solve ambiguous technical problems, and mentor engineers while continuing to deepen your own technical expertise.

Position Location

This position is office‑based and requires onsite presence at one of the following Oracle office locations: Nashville, TN; Austin, TX; Santa Clara, CA; Seattle, WA; or Redwood Shores, CA. Relocation assistance may be available in accordance with Oracle’s relocation policies.

Responsibilities

As a Principal Software Developer, you will lead the design, development, and evolution of backend services, APIs, and core server‑side systems that support distributed cloud platforms. You will take ownership of complex technical problems, contribute to architectural decisions, and drive scalable, reliable solutions within and across teams.

You will work on large initiatives, guide design discussions, review and influence technical designs, and collaborate closely with cross‑functional partners to ensure high‑quality delivery. You will proactively identify opportunities for architectural improvement, system optimization, and operational excellence, while mentoring and supporting other engineers.

This role requires strong technical judgment, deep understanding of distributed systems, and the ability to balance near‑term delivery with long‑term architectural health.

As a member of the software engineering division, you will take an active role in the definition and evolution of standard practices and procedures. You will be responsible for defining and developing software for tasks associated with the developing, designing and debugging of software applications or operating systems.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of professional software engineering experience, with demonstrated impact on backend or platform systems
• BS or MS degree in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
• Strong experience designing and building highly available, scalable distributed systems
• Deep understanding of distributed system fundamentals, object‑oriented design, data structures, and algorithms
• Proficiency in one or more object‑oriented programming languages such as Java, C++, C#, Go, or similar
• Experience leading or influencing technical design and architecture decisions
• Strong problem‑solving skills, ability to operate in ambiguous environments, and a high sense of ownership
• Experience with microservice architectures, service reliability, and production operations
• Demonstrated ability to mentor engineers and raise overall technical quality

Benefits

Range and benefit information provided in this posting are specific to the stated locations only. US: Hiring Range in USD from: $114,600 - $234,600 per year. May be eligible for bonus, equity, and compensation deferral.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, including expert medical opinion
• Short term disability and long term disability
• Life insurance and AD&DD
• Supplemental life insurance (Employee/Spouse/Child)
• Health care and dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Pre‑tax commuter and parking benefits
• 401(k) Savings and Investment Plan with company match
• Paid time off: Flexible Vacation is provided to all eligible employees assigned to a salaried (non‑overtime eligible) position. Accrued Vacation is provided to all other employees eligible for vacation benefits. For employees working at least 35 hours per week, the vacation accrual rate is 13 days annually for the first three years of employment and 18 days annually for subsequent years of employment. Vacation accrual is prorated for employees working between 20 and 34 hours per week. Employees working fewer than 20 hours per week are not eligible for vacation.
• 11 paid holidays
• Paid sick leave: 72 hours of paid sick leave upon date of hire. Refreshes each calendar year. Unused balance will carry over each year up to a maximum cap of 112 hours.
• Paid parental leave
• Adoption assistance
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Financial planning and group legal
• Voluntary benefits including auto, homeowner and pet insurance

Career Level - IC4

Only Oracle brings together the data, infrastructure, applications, and expertise to power everything from industry innovations to life‑saving care. And with AI embedded across our products and services, we help customers turn that promise into a better future for all. Discover your potential at a company leading the way in AI and cloud solutions that impact billions of lives.

True innovation starts when everyone is empowered to contribute. That’s why we’re committed to growing a workforce that promotes opportunities for all with competitive benefits that support our people with flexible medical, life insurance, and retirement options. We also encourage employees to give back to their communities through our volunteer programs.

We’re committed to including people with disabilities at all stages of the employment process. If you require accessibility assistance or accommodation for a disability at any point, let us know by emailing [e-mail] or by calling 1-888-404-2494 in the United States.

Oracle is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability and protected veterans’ status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Oracle will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records pursuant to applicable law.