Principal Software Engineer, Web UI Platform

GitHub; United States; Remote; USD 145,000 - 387,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative firm is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to lead UI architecture and enhance frontend performance. This role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to develop scalable, accessible solutions that empower millions of developers. You will play a crucial role in defining the future of UI at a leading AI-powered platform, ensuring high standards of performance and accessibility. Join a diverse and inclusive environment that fosters growth and innovation while making a significant impact in the tech industry.

Qualifications

• 11+ years in Software Engineering with expertise in JavaScript, Go, or Ruby.
• Experience in large-scale frontend applications supporting millions of users.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture and development of GitHub's Web UI platform.
• Collaborate with teams to optimize user experience and performance.

Skills

JavaScript

Go

Ruby

React

TypeScript

Node.js

Frontend Performance

Accessibility

Technical Leadership

Education

Doctorate in Computer Science or related field

Master's Degree in Computer Science or related field

Bachelor's Degree in Computer Science or related field

Associate's Degree in Computer Science or related field

Tools

Webpack

Ruby on Rails

Job description

About GitHub

As the global home for all developers, GitHub is the complete AI-powered developer platform to build, scale, and deliver secure software. Over 150+ million developers, including more than 90% of the Fortune 100 companies, use GitHub to collaborate and experiment across 420+ million repositories. With all the collaborative features of GitHub, it has never been easier for individuals and teams to write faster, better code.

Locations

Remote, United States

Overview

GitHub is revolutionizing the way developers collaborate and build software. We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to pioneer the UI Platform space, focusing on frontend performance, accessibility, consistency, and availability. This role offers the opportunity to define GitHub's future UI architecture and position it as an industry leader in UI innovation. You will empower millions of developers worldwide by delivering exceptional and accessible user experiences.

Responsibilities

1. Lead UI Architecture at Scale: Own the architecture and development of GitHub's Web UI platform, ensuring scalability, reliability, accessibility, and performance for millions of users.
2. Cross-Functional Leadership: Collaborate with engineering, product, and design teams to drive frontend initiatives that optimize user experience and performance.
3. Mentorship and Technical Leadership: Guide engineering teams with best practices, coding standards, and continuous improvement.
4. Architect for Scale, Performance, and Accessibility: Ensure frontend systems meet high standards and perform at scale, making the platform fast, accessible, and consistent.
5. Balance Strategic and Hands-On Work: Make architectural decisions while actively coding and solving problems as needed.
6. Advocate for Platform Priorities: Drive the strategic vision for the Web UI platform, securing support and resources aligned with company goals.
7. Build at Global Scale: Develop frontend solutions supporting a large, distributed user base with high reliability and performance.

What Success Looks Like in the First Year

1. Understanding GitHub’s Systems: Gain deep knowledge of GitHub’s systems and apply it to drive impactful initiatives.
2. Leading Initiatives for Scalability: Deliver a robust UI platform that enhances performance and accessibility at scale.
3. Driving Frontend Strategy: Collaborate to create and execute strategic initiatives for the Web UI platform.
4. Mentoring Engineering Teams: Promote best practices for scalable, high-performance frontend development.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications:

• 11+ years of experience in Software Engineering, with proven experience in languages such as JavaScript, Go, or Ruby.
• Or an Associate’s Degree with 10+ years of relevant experience, or a Bachelor’s Degree with 9+, or a Master’s Degree with 7+, or a Doctorate with 5+ years, or equivalent experience.
• 7+ years of experience in large-scale frontend applications and backend systems supporting hundreds of millions of users.
• 7+ years of technical leadership and mentorship experience.
• 3+ years of leading cross-team work involving backend services, APIs, or infrastructure.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience integrating concerns like accessibility, performance, and UX consistency.
• Deep expertise in React and related technologies.
• Active involvement in evolving frontend architecture trends and best practices.
• Experience with TypeScript, Node.js, and UI architecture.
• Experience managing large, distributed codebases.
• Experience with backend technologies like Ruby on Rails.
• Proficiency with build tools such as Webpack.
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Compensation Range

The base salary range is USD $145,600 - $386,400 per year, depending on location and experience. GitHub offers benefits, bonuses, stock options, and potential sales incentives based on role and impact.

Values and Principles

• Customer-obsessed
• Ship to learn
• Growth mindset
• Own the outcome
• Better together
• Diverse and inclusive

Leadership and Managerial Principles

• Create clarity
• Generate energy
• Deliver success

Who We Are

GitHub is the leading AI-powered developer platform with a vast open-source community. We foster innovation, diversity, and remote work, offering competitive pay, growth opportunities, and supportive benefits. Join us to make an impact and change the world together.

EEO Statement

We value diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds. We are committed to an inclusive hiring process and accommodations for applicants with disabilities.