Principal Software Engineer

Cars.com LLC; United States; Remote; USD 175,800 - 219,750; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision healthcare plans

New-hire stipend for home-office set-up

Generous paid time off

Paid holidays, floating holidays, volunteer day, recharge day

Recognition program for paid time for learning and growth

Job summary

Cars.com LLC is seeking a Principal Software Engineer for a 100% remote role. The position involves leading and architecting full stack solutions that enhance a fast, frictionless buying and selling experience for millions of users.

Candidates should have over 10 years of software engineering experience and a strong background in designing high-traffic distributed systems. The role includes mentoring engineers and collaborating cross-functionally.

Attractive compensation includes a base salary of $175,800–$219,750, with eligibility for bonuses and excellent benefits.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of aggregate software engineering experience.
• 5+ years architecting high‑traffic, large‑scale distributed systems and establishing best practices.
• Strong coaching ability – design training programs for new technologies and architectures.

Responsibilities

• Lead and architect full stack solutions for buying and selling experiences.
• Collaborate with product, marketing, and data teams on technical solutions.
• Mentor and coach engineers at all levels.

Skills

Software engineering experience

Architecting distributed systems

Technical vision crafting

Coaching ability

Technical leadership in remote environments

Job description

Position

Principal Software Engineer – Marketplace (Cars.com)

Remote Work

100% remote (may require onsite interviews).

Responsibilities

• Lead and architect full stack solutions that enable a fast, frictionless buying and selling experience for millions of users.
• Champion technical excellence, best practices in software design, operational maturity, and engineering quality across the team.
• Collaborate with product, marketing, analytics, and data teams to align technical solutions with business goals.
• Act as a trusted partner to Marketplace, iOS, and Android teams, guiding architecture and design decisions.
• Mentor and coach engineers at all levels, facilitating growth in technical depth and leadership.
• Continuously evaluate emerging technologies and industry trends to modernize the tech stack.
• Lead cross‑functional projects and ensure tight feedback loops for continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of aggregate software engineering experience.
• 5+ years architecting high‑traffic, large‑scale distributed systems and establishing best practices.
• Experience crafting a technical vision and selling it to stakeholders.
• Background in web and mobile applications, including backend services supporting mobile apps.
• Strong coaching ability – design training programs for new technologies and architectures.
• Technical leadership experience in a 100% remote environment, influencing stakeholders across design, engineering, and technology.
• Bonus: AI agent development experience or knowledge.

Compensation

Base salary range: $175,800–$219,750 per year. Eligible for bonus and equity programs and a comprehensive benefits package.

Benefits

• Medical, dental & vision healthcare plans.
• New‑hire stipend for home‑office set‑up.
• Generous paid time off.
• Paid holidays, floating holidays, volunteer day, recharge day.
• Recognition program for paid time for learning and growth.

Eligibility

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States. Visa sponsorship not available.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are an equal‑opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.