Sr Principal Software Engineer

Alcon MX; Fort Worth (TX); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible time off

Remote work 1 day/week (summer)

Job summary

Alcon is seeking a Sr. Principal Software Engineer to own core systems within the Alcon Digital Health platform. You will define architecture for high-scale, cloud-native platforms and lead from the front, while shaping outcomes with senior stakeholders.

You will build and evolve microservices using Java, Spring Boot on AWS, and drive AI/GenAI capabilities into real products, not PoCs, with a focus on reliability, security and DevOps excellence.

Qualifications

• Strong expertise in Java, Spring Boot and microservices.
• Proven track record building cloud-native systems on AWS.
• Experience integrating AI/GenAI into real products; Bedrock a plus.
• Demonstrated hands-on technical leadership across teams.

Responsibilities

• Define and own architecture for high-scale, cloud-native platforms.
• Lead from the front while guiding engineering teams.
• Build and evolve microservices ecosystems (Java, Spring Boot, AWS).
• Drive AI/GenAI capabilities into real products, not PoCs.
• Collaborate with Product Management & Customer Ops to shape outcomes.
• Set engineering standards for DevOps, CI/CD, security and reliability.

Skills

Java

Spring Boot

Microservices

AWS cloud-native

AI/GenAI integration

Leadership (hands-on)

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent

Tools

Kubernetes

Helm

Container platforms

Job description

Build what matters. Scale what heals. At Alcon, you won’t just ship code—you’ll build platforms that directly impact how patients see the world. We are looking for a hands‑on Sr. Principal Software Engineer to take ownership of core systems within the Alcon Digital Health (ADI) platform—our global digital ecosystem powering customer and healthcare professional experiences at scale.

https://www.myalcon.com/professional/adi/

The Role (What You’ll Own)

• Define and own architecture for high-scale, cloud-native platforms used globally
• Lead from the front: stay hands‑on while guiding engineering teams
• Build and evolve microservices ecosystems (Java, Spring Boot, AWS)
• Drive adoption of AI/GenAI capabilities (AWS Bedrock preferred) into real products—not PoCs
• Partner directly with Product Management & Customer Ops leaders to shape outcomes
• Set the bar for engineering excellence (DevOps, CI/CD via Azure DevOps, security, reliability)
• Influence technical direction across teams—not just within your scope

What Sets You Apart

• You own problems end‑to‑end, not just components
• You can switch seamlessly between architecture, coding, and stakeholder discussions
• You’ve built and scaled distributed systems that actually run in production at scale
• You bring pragmatism to AI adoption (you know what works vs. hype)
• You elevate teams—through mentorship, standards, and example

Core Experience

• Strong expertise in Java, Spring Boot, microservices architectures
• Proven track record building cloud‑native systems on AWS
• Experience integrating or scaling AI/GenAI solutions (Bedrock a strong plus)
• Demonstrated ability to lead technically while staying hands‑on
• Experience working across global teams and senior stakeholders

Bonus Points

• Kubernetes, Helm, container platforms
• API security and system design at scale
• Experience in digital health or regulated environments

Why This Role Matters

• You’ll shape a global digital health platform used across markets
• You’ll work on real products with measurable business impact
• You’ll operate at the intersection of cloud, AI, and healthcare
• You’ll have high visibility and influence across product and engineering leadership

What You Get

• Flexible time off
• Option to work remotely one day per week during summer months
• High‑impact role with strong leadership exposure
• Global, fast‑moving engineering environment
• Relocation Available
• Up to 10% travel

What You’ll Bring to Alcon

• Bachelor’s Degree or Equivalent years of directly related experience (or high school+15 yrs. Assoc.+11 yrs.; M.S.+4 yrs.; PhD+3 yrs.)
• The ability to fluently read, write, understand, and communicate in English
• 7 Years of Relevant Experience

Bottom Line

If you’re looking for a role where you can own architecture, stay deeply technical, and drive real‑world impact at scale—this is it.

ALCON IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND PARTICIPATES IN E-VERIFY Alcon takes pride in maintaining an inclusive environment that values different perspectives and our policies are non‑discriminatory in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, marital or veteran status, disability, or any other legally protected status. Alcon is also committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. If, because of a medical condition or disability, you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, or in order to perform the essential functions of a position, please send an email to [e-mail] and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. At Alcon, we are committed to helping people see better. We believe patients should have access to quality eye care regardless of their economic circumstances; however, barriers to good eye health exist for patients in both developed and emerging markets. Alcon develops and manufactures innovative devices to serve the full life cycle of eye care needs. Its surgical group is one of the largest makers of equipment used for cataract removal and laser vision correction. Its consumer products include the well‑known Opti‑Free line of contact lens solutions and related products. Alcon, which was founded in 1945, sells its products in 180 countries worldwide.