Sr. Principal Software Engineer

NOKIA; Sunnyvale (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

Nokia is seeking an experienced software engineer to lead the development of a massively distributed edge compute platform. You will apply deep knowledge of hyperscalers (AWS, Azure, GCP) to design and operate large-scale systems, ensuring fault tolerance, data privacy, and scalable traffic routing.

You will mentor teams, drive architectural governance, and collaborate with AI/ML, hardware, and security teams to deliver secure, high-performance infrastructure.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience with hyperscaler technologies (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Proven track record designing and operating large-scale distributed systems.
• Strong fundamentals in distributed systems, consistency, and fault tolerance.
• Proficiency in API design and development, including versioning and SDK foundations.
• Experience with Kubernetes and containerization for resource management.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement a massively distributed edge compute platform with high availability.
• Develop external-facing APIs with versioning and customer interactions in mind.
• Optimize high-throughput L7 traffic routing for efficient data processing.
• Collaborate with AI/ML systems engineers, hardware architects, network teams, security and compliance teams.
• Mentor engineering teams on distributed systems best practices.
• Establish design reviews and architectural governance standards.
• Ensure security and data privacy in line with regulations.

Skills

Distributed systems

API design

Independent work

Communication

Team mentorship

Education

Master's degree in CS/Engineering

PhD preferred

Tools

Kubernetes

Job description

We are looking for an experienced software engineer to lead the development of our distributed edge compute platform. This role demands a deep understanding of hyperscalers like AWS, Azure, or GCP, and the ability to design and operate large-scale systems. The successful candidate will contribute to the platform's architecture, ensuring fault tolerance, consistency, and efficient traffic routing.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement a massively distributed edge compute platform, ensuring high availability and fault tolerance.
• Develop external-facing APIs, considering design, versioning, and interactions with customers and partners.
• Optimize high-throughput L7 traffic routing for efficient data processing.
• Utilize Kubernetes internals for resource management and container deployment.
• Collaborate with a team of engineers to build and operate the platform, sharing knowledge and best practices.
• Translate distributed systems complexity into clear architectural tradeoffs
• Communicate infrastructure risks and mitigation strategies to executive stakeholders
• Manage technical requirements from customers' needs.
• Collaborate effectively with AI/ML systems engineers, Hardware architects, Network engineering teams, Security and compliance teams
• Present scalability models and reliability metrics in measurable, defensible terms
• Mentor engineering teams on distributed systems best practices
• Anticipate internal and external business challenges and / or regulatory issues and drive process, product or service improvements that create competitive advantage.
• Stay updated with the latest trends and technologies in distributed systems and edge computing.
• Establish design reviews and architectural governance standards
• Ensure the platform's security and data privacy, adhering to industry standards and regulations.
• Conduct code reviews and provide constructive feedback to maintain code quality.

Requirements

• Extensive experience (5+ years) with hyperscaler technologies (AWS, Azure, GCP) and managed services.
• Have worked at or intimately with AWS, Azure, GCP, or similar-scale platforms - built internal cloud, compute, or infrastructure services
• Proven track record in designing and operating large-scale distributed systems.
• Strong fundamentals in distributed systems, including consistency models and fault tolerance.
• Proficiency in API design and development, with an understanding of versioning and SDK foundations.
• Experience with Kubernetes and containerization technologies for resource management.
• Solid understanding of high-throughput traffic routing and network protocols.
• Ability to work independently and manage complex technical tasks.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with a willingness to share knowledge.
• Familiarity with security best practices and data privacy regulations.
• Master's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field. PhD preferred.

About Nokia

Advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.

Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile and transport networks, powered by the innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we're advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.

Learn more about life at Nokia.

Recruitment Process

Our recruitment process

We act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Our employment decisions are made regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to a culture of inclusion built upon our core value of respect.

If you're interested in this role but don't meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enrich our teams, and you may be just the right candidate for this or another opportunity.

The length of the recruitment process may vary depending on the specific role's requirements. We strive to ensure a smooth and inclusive experience for all candidates. Discover more about the recruitment process at Nokia.