Principal Software Engineer

CarMax Business Services; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

CarMax Business Services in Richmond, Virginia, is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to design and develop scalable backend APIs for the Nexus platform. The ideal candidate has over 7 years of experience with .NET Core and Microsoft Azure, and will lead technical initiatives while mentoring team members. This hybrid position involves collaboration with various teams around innovative solutions. CarMax is dedicated to diversity and providing a high-integrity work environment.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in .NET Core/C#/Microsoft Azure offerings.
• Strong expertise in REST API design and development.
• Demonstrated ability or interest in technical leadership.

Responsibilities

• Design and develop scalable backend APIs and services.
• Lead technical initiatives and mentor engineers.
• Implement continuous integration and DevOps practices.

Skills

Teamwork and leadership skills

Expertise in REST API design

Experience with .NET Core

Knowledge of backend architecture

Experience with SQL Server

Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field

Tools

Microsoft Azure

SQL Server

Git

Job description

About this job

At CarMax, we are industry disruptors. At the heart of our innovation is new digital products. Working on many different aspects of the customer experience, our Senior Engineers research and discover new opportunities and shape products to fulfil them. From inception to completion, you will develop tools and technology, learning quickly from our spirit of experimentation. You will have a direct impact on improving the performance of our business and ensuring customers can buy the vehicles they want in a way that is right for them!

What you will do - Essential Responsibilities

• Design and develop scalable backend APIs and services that power the Nexus platform using modern cloud-based technologies
• Collaborate with product management, systems architecture, and partner engineering teams to develop innovative solutions that solve complex business problems
• Lead technical initiatives and mentor engineers, providing guidance on best practices, architecture decisions, and implementation approaches
• Drive technical excellence across the team by establishing coding standards, conducting code reviews, and championing engineering best practices
• Develop cloud solutions using services, functions, and other key cloud platform components
• Implement continuous integration and DevOps practices, including automated testing, monitoring, and alerting
• Stay on top of industry trends and emerging technologies to continuously improve our technical capabilities and ensure our solutions remain cutting-edge
• Collaborate effectively with multiple teams across the organization to deliver cohesive, high-quality solutions
• Market your innovative ideas internally and evolve them according to feedback and critique within an agile environment

About Nexus

Nexus is building intelligent data platforms that transform how critical business information is managed, shared, and leveraged across CarMax. Our mission is to deliver scalable, intelligent data experiences that create business impact and enable data-driven decision making. We’re focused on building systems that handle complex data at scale, creating the foundation for insights that will transform how the business operates.

Purpose of the role

We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer who will help architect and build the technical foundation of our data platform. It takes a passion for technology and leadership to develop ground-breaking products that handle complex data at scale. Working collaboratively and creatively as part of a close-knit product team, you will be part of the development process from end to end: consulting users, carrying out experiments, tackling complex technical challenges around data management and API design, and implementing scalable solutions. You can balance technical excellence with business goals and know how to deliver backend solutions that enhance business value. As a Principal Engineer with leadership aspirations, you will not only write code but also guide technical direction, mentor team members, and help shape the future of our engineering organization. Creative, curious, and highly analytical, you never stop learning and thrive on building systems that unlock new possibilities.

Qualifications and Requirements

Basic Qualifications

• Strong teamwork and leadership skills, ability to learn quickly, excellent written and spoken communication required
• 7+ years of experience with .NET Core/C#/Microsoft Azure offerings
• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, a related field, or equivalent alternative education, skills, and/or practical experience is required
• Strong teamwork skills, ability to learn quickly, excellent written and spoken communication required.
• Demonstrated ability or strong interest in technical leadership and mentoring engineers

Experience in the following Required

• Strong expertise in REST API design and development
• Knowledge and passion towards backend architecture, app tier/service layer methodologies
• Experience with SQL Server and NoSQL database technologies
• Experience integrating cloud-based technologies and solutions (PaaS/IaaS/CaaS)
• Experience with version control systems (Git, GitHub, etc.)
• Experience working with Agile and DevOps methodologies
• Knowledge of JSON and XML concepts, frameworks, and standards
• Experience implementing CI/CD pipelines and Infrastructure as Code
• Experience implementing security best practices for APIs and services
• Experience collaborating with multiple teams across an organization

Experience in the following preferred

• Experience mentoring and developing other engineers
• Experience with API Gateway technologies
• Knowledge of React.js and front-end architecture
• Python experience
• Experience working within a product organization
• Understanding of monitoring tools and observability practices
• Experience with microservices architecture

Work Location and Arrangement

This role will be based out of the Richmond Midtown or Plano Tech hub and have a Hybrid work arrangement.

• Associates based in Richmond work on-site 4 days per week.
• Associates based in Plano work on-site 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

CarMax disrupted the auto industry by delivering the honest, transparent and high-integrity experience customers want and deserve. This innovative thinking around the way cars are bought and sold has helped us become the nation’s largest retailer of used cars, with over 200 locations nationwide.

Our amazing team of more than 25,000 associates work together to deliver iconic customer experiences. Along the way, we help every associate grow their career and achieve their best, at work and in their community. We are recognized for our commitment to training and diversity and are one of the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For®.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

CarMax is committed to bringing together people from different backgrounds and perspectives, providing employees with a safe, welcoming, and inclusive work environment.

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

Upon an applicant's request, CarMax will consider reasonable accommodation to complete the CarMax Job Application.