Principal Software Engineer & Tech Leader (Hybrid)

RS21; Albuquerque, Northern (NM, KY); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

RS21 is seeking a Principal Developer in Albuquerque, NM for a hybrid role that blends hands-on engineering, architecture, and cross-functional leadership. You will own software lifecycle from design to deployment, set engineering standards, and guide multi-team delivery across client engagements.

The role requires 7+ years of software development, strong AWS expertise, and experience integrating AI/LLM capabilities into production systems.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in computer science, software engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of hands-on software development experience, with at least 3 years in a senior, lead, or architect-level capacity.
• Prior experience directly managing software developers, including hiring, performance management, and career development.
• Deep, hands-on experience with modern application architectures, including microservices, API design, and event-driven systems.
• Demonstrated proficiency in one or more backend languages (e.g., Python, Java, TypeScript/Node.js, Go) and modern front-end frameworks (e.g., React).
• Proven ability to design and deliver production-grade, scalable applications and services on AWS, using services such as ECS/EKS, Lambda, API Gateway, DynamoDB, RDS, and S3.
• Demonstrated experience integrating LLM, AI, or machine learning capabilities into applications, including RAG patterns, agentic workflows, or AI service orchestration.
• Track record of client-facing work: requirements gathering, stakeholder communication, and translating business needs into scalable technical solutions.
• Experience functioning as a technical program lead owning delivery plans, managing Jira-based project tracking, and coordinating cross-functional programs.
• Strong architectural reasoning and systems thinking, able to hold the full picture while executing in the details.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with demonstrated ability to adapt technical depth to audience.

Responsibilities

• Lead staffing, performance reviews, and career development for software teams.
• Define architecture strategy and set coding standards across RS21 projects.
• Design and maintain scalable applications and services on AWS.
• Lead AI-enabled features including RAG and agentic workflows.
• Translate client needs into actionable solution designs and roadmaps.
• Coordinate technical delivery across cross-functional teams and programs.

Skills

Hands-on software development

Software architecture

Senior/lead/architect experience

AWS expertise

API design

Microservices

Event-driven systems

LLM/AI integration

Client-facing work

Jira / technical program management

Strong communication

Systems thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent in CS/SE

Tools

AWS

ECS/EKS

Lambda

API Gateway

DynamoDB

RDS

S3

Job description

RS21 is seeking a Principal Developer in Albuquerque, NM for a hybrid role that blends hands-on engineering, architecture, and cross-functional leadership. You will own software lifecycle from design to deployment, set engineering standards, and guide multi-team delivery across client engagements.

The role requires 7+ years of software development, strong AWS expertise, and experience integrating AI/LLM capabilities into production systems.