Remote Principal Software Engineer Backend Technologies, Platform (UK Remote)

Turnitin, LLC; United States; Remote; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remote-first culture

Health and wellness programs

Paid time off

Education reimbursement

Retirement plan with match

Job summary

Turnitin, LLC is seeking a Principal Backend Engineer to lead the design and development of scalable backend services using Java and serverless technologies. You will architect RESTful APIs and event-driven systems, while collaborating with cross-functional teams across multiple locations, including the USA and Europe.

The role requires deep expertise in cloud-native architectures, data modeling, and building observable, performant systems.

Qualifications

• Over 10 years of backend development experience.
• Strong proficiency in Java and serverless architectures (AWS).
• Experience designing scalable distributed systems and data modeling.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor engineers across distributed teams.
• Familiarity with frontend technologies (React/Web Components) a plus.
• Experience with CI/CD, IaC, and modern DevOps practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and optimization of backend services in Java and serverless environments.
• Architect RESTful APIs and event-driven systems for high performance.
• Collaborate with Architects, PMs, and engineering leads to deliver scalable solutions.
• Contribute to frontend components when needed and ensure observability.

Skills

Java

Serverless

AWS Lambda

RESTful APIs

Distributed systems

Data modeling

CI/CD

IaC

TDD/BDD

Frontend basics

Tools

AWS DynamoDB

API Gateway

SNS/SQS

EventBridge

Job description

coding, development, and implementation of technical solutions. Lead and design, development, and optimization of scalable backend services using Java and serverless technologies (e.g., AWS Lambda). Architect and implement RESTful APIs and event-driven systems to support high-performance, distributed applications. Contribute to the development and integration of user-facing frontend components when needed. Analyze and optimize existing services to enhance performance, scalability, and cost-effi ciency. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including Architects, Product Managers, and engineering leads, to deliver innovative and impactful solutions. Over 10 years of experience in backend development with deep profi ciency in Java and extensive
hands-on experience with serverless frameworks (e.g., AWS Lambda, Google Cloud Functions). Solid understanding of frontend technologies, including React and Web Components, with the ability to contribute when needed. Expertise in designing and managing distributed systems, ensuring scalability, and advanced data modeling techniques. Demonstrated ability to lead and collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders across multiple locations, including distributed teams in Europe and the USA, to deliver impactful, high-quality solutions. Practical expertise in cloud technologies, specifically developing serverless applications on AWS using services such as Lambda, DynamoDB, API Gateway, SNS/SQS, and EventBridge. Deep understanding of software development best practices, including design patterns, test-driven development (TDD), behavior-driven development (BDD), and clean code principles. Experience implementing and managing CI/CD pipelines for automated build, deployment,
and testing. Familiarity with modern DevOps practices and infrastructure-as-code (IaC). Proven ability to conduct comprehensive system design reviews, ensuring architectural alignment, scalability, performance, and adherence to best practices. Proven experience as a Tech Lead, with a strong track record of mentoring and coaching junior engineers, promoting skill development, and driving adherence to best practices to ensure team growth and technical excellence. Exceptional collaboration skills, working effectively across cross-functional teams, including Product Managers, Architects, and other engineering leads. Strong problem-solving skills, with a track record of troubleshooting and optimizing existing systems for performance, scalability, and cost effi ciency. Ability to make strategic technical decisions while balancing project deadlines and business goals. Experience with frontend technologies such as React, Angular, or Web Components is a plus. Familiarity with monitoring
When you join Turnitin, you'll be welcomed into a company that is a recognized innovator in global education. Over 16,000 academic institutions, publishers, and corporations use our services in more than 185 countries around the world: Experience a remote-first culture that empowers you to work with purpose and accountability in a way that best suits you, supported by a comprehensive package that prioritizes your overall well-being. Our diverse community of colleagues are all unified by a shared desire to make a difference in education. Turnitin is seeking a Principal Backend Engineer with a strong focus on backend development, particularly in Java and serverless architectures, combined with solid frontend experience. This role is ideal for engineers passionate about building scalable distributed systems, data modeling, and delivering high-performing, reliable software solutions for our award-winning educational platform. This role is fully hands-on, requiring active involvement in
and observability tools (e.g., Knowledge of data modeling and working with both NoSQL databases. Understanding of agile methodologies, including Scrum, XP and Kanban. Understanding or experience with AI/ML. While salary, bonus, or commission are important, they re only part of the value you receive in exchange for your work. Beyond compensation, you ll experience the intrinsic rewards of unleashing your potential and making a positive impact on global education. In addition, our extrinsic rewards include generous time off and health and wellness programs that provide choice, flexibility, and a safety net for life s challenges. You ll also enjoy a remote-first culture that empowers you to work with purpose and accountability in the way that suits you best, all supported by a comprehensive package that prioritizes your overall well-being. Our Mission is to ensure the integrity of global education and meaningfully improve learning outcomes. And we support
education and learning around the globe. We consider different perspectives and celebrate diversity. Remote First Culture Health Care Coverage Education Reimbursement Competitive Paid Time Off National Holidays Monthly Wellness or Home Office Reimbursement/ Parental Leave Retirement Plan with match/contribution