Principal Software Engineer

CBRE Group, Inc.; Richardson, Northern (TX, KY); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

CBRE Group, Inc. is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to lead the AI and data transformation across our advisory business unit.

You will guide cutting-edge AI/ML initiatives, build scalable data platforms, and collaborate with product, design, and operations to deliver measurable client value. The role requires strong leadership, deep experience in cloud-based, enterprise-scale software, and a track record of delivering high-impact platforms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree preferred with 10 - 15 years of relevant experience
• At least 6 years of experience in software engineering or data engineering
• At least 6 years of experience in full-stack enterprise application development
• 6+ years of experience with modern enterprise application frameworks
• 6+ years of experience with enterprise relational databases
• 6+ years of experience architecting and building RESTful APIs or Microservices
• At least 2 years of experience in architecting & building platforms powered by AI/ML models

Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership to drive AI transformation and integration of AI/ML, Data, and analytics
• Spearhead operational excellence across all engineering functions and improve processes
• Solve multi-dimensional, complex operational and organizational problems
• Define and implement strategy and roadmap with business stakeholders
• Stay updated on AI/Data trends and apply learnings to improve experience
• Develop, maintain, and test high-complexity systems and oversee other systems
• Investigate and resolve advanced data, system, and software issues in production
• Liaise with clients and partners on system and data integration
• Present external thought leadership influencing industry developments
• Lead by example aligning with CBRE RISE values

Skills

Leadership

AI/ML strategy

Data platforms

Cloud architecture

Stakeholder collaboration

Software architecture

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree (preferred)

Experience-based alternative to degree

Tools

RESTful APIs

Microservices

Cloud platforms

Job description

About the Role:

As a CBRE Principal Software Engineer, you will be a pivotal leader driving the AI & Data transformation journey for a core CBRE Advisory business unit. Your strategic vision will be crucial in integrating cutting-edge AI, machine learning, and advanced analytics to deliver measurably better client outcomes and drive CBRE's continued leadership in advisory services.

This exciting opportunity requires an innovative technology leader with a proven track record of building and leading world-class global technology teams and platforms, attracting top industry talent, and possessing deep technical expertise in AI, Data, Cloud, and modern software development. You will lead the development, enhancement, and evolution of client systems of the highest complexity and importance. You will collaborate closely with Product, Design, and Business Operations partners to maximize user benefit and ROI — ultimately accelerating our transformational objectives through an iterative, client-centric approach. If you're ready to architect the future of real estate through groundbreaking innovation, seize this chance to make a monumental impact.

What You’ll Do:

• Provide visionary thought leadership to drive the AI transformation journey, integrating cuttingedge AI/ML, Data, and advanced analytics to revolutionize services and drive leadership in advisory services.
• Spearhead operational excellence across all engineering functions, ensuring the continuous delivery of high-quality, impactful software and data applications. Identify and significantly improveexisting methods, processes, and standards within the job discipline.
• Identify and solve multi-dimensional, complex, operational, and organizational problems,leveraging internal and external resources.
• Influence and collaborate with key business stakeholders at all levels to define, build,and implement a strategy and roadmap for business teams, ensuring products deliver maximum user benefit andROI.
• Stay abreast of emerging technologies and market trends in AI & Data, applying learnings toimprove business and customer experience. Drive a forward-looking data strategy that can realize long-term andcommercial objectives.
• Develop, maintain, enhance, and test systems of the highest complexity. Manage the implementation of other systems. Serveas the primary technical point of contact on engagements of the highest complexity and critical value to the organization.
• Perform or oversee the investigation and resolution of advanced and critical data, system, and software issues in the production environment.
• Liaise with clients on strategic engagements and with strategic partners on system and data integration.
• Apply mastery level expertise and breadth of knowledge of the job function and the industry. Provide an external thought leadership mentality that impacts industry developments and trends.
• Lead by example and model behaviors that are consistent with CBRE RISE values. Negotiates with senior management, customers, regulators, or vendors to influence decisions of strategic importance. Anticipate potential objections, and persuade others, often at senior levels and of divergent interest, to adopt a different point of view.
• Drive the direction and resource allocation for programs, projects, or services.
• Significantly impact the design of policies and procedures. Provide moderate impact on the business direction through the development of innovative services or products.

What You’ll Need:

To perform this job successfully, an individual will need to perform each crucial duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Bachelor's Degree preferred with 10 - 15 years of relevant experience. In lieu of a degree, a combination of experience and education will be considered.
• At least 6 years of experience in software engineering or data engineering
• At least 6 years of experience in full-stack enterprise application development
• 6+ years of experience with modern enterprise application frameworks
• 6+ years of experience with enterprise relational databases
• 6+ years of experience architecting and building RESTful APIs or Microservices
• At least 2 years of experience in architecting & building platforms powered by AI/ML models.
• Independent judgment skills to determine methods, techniques, and evaluation criteria for measuring success.
• Strong engineering and technology background - ability to learn quickly and go deep into solutions.
• Expert organizational skills and an advanced inquisitive mindset.
• Excellent listener; proven collaborator with senior leaders, peers, and staff.
• Bring energy and enthusiasm to the job and organization.
• Outcome Focused: Consistently attain/exceed individual & team goals while solving constraints through creative problem solving.
• Ability to comprehend, analyze, and interpret complex documents. Ability to solve problems involving several options in situations. Requires advanced analytical and quantitative skills. Ability to direct others and teams to these tasks.

Why CBRE:

When you join CBRE, you become part of the global leader in commercial real estate services and investment that helps businesses and people thrive. We are dynamic problem solvers and forward-thinking professionals who create significant impact. Our collaborative culture is built on our shared values — respect, integrity, service and excellence — and we value the diverse perspectives, backgrounds and skillsets of our people. At CBRE, you have the opportunity to chart your own course and realize your potential. We welcome all applicants.

Our Values in Hiring:

At CBRE, we are committed to fostering a culture where everyone feels they belong. We value diverse perspectives and experiences, and we welcome all applications.

Applicant AI Use Disclosure:

We value human interaction to understand each candidate's unique experience, skills and aspirations. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to make hiring decisions, and we ask that candidates disclose any use of AI in the application and interview process.

About CBRE Group, Inc.

CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2024 revenue). The company has more than 140,000 employees (including Turner & Townsend employees) serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE serves clients through four business segments: Advisory (leasing, sales, debt origination, mortgage serving, valuations); Building Operations & Experience (facilities management, property management, flex space & experience); Project Management (program management, project management, cost consulting); Real Estate Investments (investment management, development). Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.