Principal Software Engineer (Full-Stack)

Walgreens; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 125,000 - 219,000; Full time

Job summary

Walgreens is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to join our technology organization in Deerfield, Illinois. This role is hands-on full-stack with emphasis on backend Java and enterprise applications, requiring Azure experience.

The candidate will mentor engineers, shape engineering practices, and partner with product, business, and IT to deliver scalable solutions. Strong Java, backend architecture, and modern frontend skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Engineering or related field.
• 6+ years of Engineering or Software Engineering experience.
• Experience building complex online apps, microservices, or mobile apps.
• Experience with architecture, automation, and documentation.
• Experience leading cross-functional teams and engaging with executives.
• Willing to travel up to 10% for business purposes.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain full-stack enterprise applications with primary Java backend focus.
• Lead the technical design of scalable, reliable software solutions.
• Develop backend services, APIs, integration components, and business logic in Java.
• Build frontend applications using Angular and/or React.
• Collaborate with product, business, and IT partners to deliver hands-on solutions.
• Provide technical leadership across the SDLC and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

Java backend

Angular

React

Azure

Oracle

REST APIs

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Oracle Tuxedo

Job description

Job Summary

Walgreens is seeking a highly experienced Principal Software Engineer to join our technology organization in Deerfield, Illinois. This is a hands-on full-stack engineering role with a strong emphasis on backend development and enterprise Java applications. Working knowledge of Azure is required.

The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in Java and backend architecture, along with solid experience developing modern user-facing applications using Angular and/or React and has good working knowledge of Azure SQL and Oracle. Working knowledge of Tuxedo and Centura is also highly desirable.

Beyond technical expertise, this individual will serve as a senior technical leader who can mentor junior and mid-level engineers, influence engineering practices, communicate effectively with technical and business stakeholders, and help teams deliver reliable, scalable enterprise solutions. The candidate must be able to work closely with product, business, and IT partners to deliver hands-on solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, test, and maintain complex full-stack enterprise applications, with primary emphasis on Java-based backend systems.
• Lead the technical design and implementation of scalable, maintainable, and reliable software solutions.
• Develop backend services, APIs, integration components, and application business logic using Java and related enterprise technologies.
• Build and enhance frontend applications using Angular and/or React.
• Work with Oracle databases, including application integration, SQL, data access, and performance considerations.
• Contribute to applications and integrations involving Tuxedo where applicable.
• Provide technical leadership throughout the software development lifecycle, including architecture, design, development, testing, deployment, and production support.
• Conduct code reviews and promote sound software engineering practices, maintainability, security, performance, and code quality.
• Troubleshoot complex application and integration issues across frontend, backend, database, and middleware components.
• Serve as a technical mentor to junior and mid-level software engineers, helping build their technical capabilities and problem-solving skills.
• Collaborate effectively with product owners, architects, engineering teams, business partners, and other technology stakeholders.
• Translate complex technical topics into clear recommendations for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Help drive continuous improvement in engineering standards, development practices, and application architecture.
• Must be able to work with product and business to understand expected outcomes and to ensure what is built achieves these goals.
• Must understand how to analyze and read data to understand patterns, scenarios, and to make educated design decisions.

About Walgreens

Founded in 1901, Walgreens (www.walgreens.com) proudly serves nearly 9 million customers and patients each day across its approximately 8,500 stores throughout the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Walgreens has approximately 220,000 team members, including nearly 90,000 healthcare service providers, and is committed to being the first choice for pharmacy, retail and health services, building trusted relationships that create healthier futures for customers, patients, team members and communities.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and at least 6 years of experience in Engineering, Software Engineering or related field OR a High School Diploma/GED and at least 9 years of experience in Engineering, Software Engineering or related field
• Experience writing code for complex online applications, microservices or mobile applications
• Experience in algorithms, systems, architecture, bits and bytes and automation
• Experience writing and maintaining process documentation
• Experience creating coding solutions to fix complex problems/issues
• Experience engaging at the executive level
• Experience leading cross-functional teams
• At least 2 years of experience contributing to financial decisions in the workplace.
• At least 5 years of direct leadership, indirect leadership and/or cross functional team leadership.
• Willing to travel up to 10% of the time for business purposes (within state and out of state).

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong experience with Oracle databases and Oracle-based enterprise applications.
• Advanced hands-on development experience with Java and Java-based backend technologies.
• Strong experience designing and developing REST APIs, services, integrations, and backend application components.
• Full-stack development experience, including hands-on experience with Angular and/or React.
• Experience with Oracle Tuxedo
• Experience modernizing or integrating legacy enterprise platforms with modern Java services and web applications.
• Experience working in complex, high-volume enterprise technology environments.
• Knowledge of modern software development practices, including automated testing, CI/CD, source control, application monitoring, and production support.
• Experience providing technical direction across multiple applications, services, or development teams.
• Experience building and deploying software in Microsoft Azure

We will consider employment of qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

The Salary below is being provided to promote pay transparency and equal employment opportunities at Walgreens. The actual hourly salary within this range that you will be offered will depend on a variety of factors including geography, skills and abilities, education, experience and other relevant factors. This role will remain open until filled.

Salary Range: $125000 - $218750 / Salaried