Principal, Software Engineering

Northern Trust Corp; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Northern Trust Corp is hiring a Principal Software Engineer in Chicago, IL. This role combines technical leadership and hands-on execution across complex, cloud-native software initiatives. The ideal candidate has 10+ years in software engineering with deep expertise in Java, modern application frameworks, and Azure cloud services. Responsibilities include mentoring engineers, providing guidance through code reviews, and fostering a culture of high engineering standards and continuous improvement. Join a dynamic team focused on engineering excellence and scalable product development.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of professional software engineering experience.
• Deep expertise in Java and modern application frameworks.
• Strong experience with Azure cloud services and cloud-native application development.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and hands-on execution across complex software initiatives.
• Mentor and groom engineers to elevate their technical skills.
• Act as a trusted technical advisor to product, QA, and platform teams.

Skills

Java

Azure cloud services

Software engineering

Technical leadership

AI-assisted development

Education

Microsoft Azure Architect Certification

Job description

We are seeking a highly experienced **Principal Software Engineer** to provide technical leadership and hands‐on execution across complex, cloud‐native software initiatives. This role combines deep engineering expertise with mentorship, architecture influence, and strong collaboration across global teams. The ideal candidate is passionate about **engineering excellence**, **AI‐assisted development**, and **building high‐quality, scalable products** using modern development practices.* **Mentor and groom engineers** to elevate technical skills, design thinking, and ownership mindset.* Provide guidance through code reviews, design discussions, and technical deep dives.* Foster a culture of **high engineering standards**, accountability, and continuous improvement.* Act as a trusted technical advisor to product, QA, and platform teams.* 10+ years of professional software engineering experience, with a strong **hands‐on** track record.* Deep expertise in **Java** and modern application frameworks.* Strong experience with **Azure cloud services** and cloud‐native application development.* Solid understanding and practical application of: + Test‐Driven Development (TDD) + Spec‐driven / contract‐first development + CI/CD and DevOps practices* Working knowledge of **cloud databases**, data modeling, and performance tuning.* Proven ability to lead by influence rather than authority.* Excellent verbal and written communication skills.* Strong problem‐solving, design, and decision‐making abilities.* Comfortable operating in fast‐paced, evolving environments.* **Microsoft Azure Architect Certification** (strongly preferred).* Experience integrating or enabling **AI‐assisted engineering tools** within development workflows.* Exposure to large‐scale modernization, cloud migration, or distributed systems.* Experience working in regulated or enterprise‐grade environments.