Description At Amazon, Principal Engineers are both visionary leaders and hands-on builders. As Amazon’s most senior individual contributors, Principal Engineers work on our hardest problems. While many companies this size take their foot-off the gas pedal, at Amazon, it’s still Day 1. This startup mentality, however, does not admit the luxury of a conservative approach. Principal Engineers are asked to venture beyond comfortable approaches to pioneer new spaces, and inspire others as to what’s possible. We are looking for architects and hands-on builders, who are highly attuned to the technical realities of building and operating high-scale systems for services and data. A Principal Engineer should have strong technical judgment and influential skills to facilitate discussions for business-critical designs. The perfect candidate will be able to operate at the Director, VPs and SVP level as a key technical adviser. They should be able to provide both architectural guidance and detailed technical direction while nurturing a continuous delivery culture. We are hiring across multiple businesses and in many locations across the US. Apply here to learn more about open roles that would be a fit for your background. Key job responsibilities As a Principal Software Engineer, you will: Serve as a technical leader on our most demanding, cross-functional projects. Functionally decompose complex problems into simple, straight-forward solutions. Fully and completely understand system inter-dependencies and limitations. Possess expert knowledge in performance, scalability, enterprise system architecture, and engineering best practices. Assist in the career development of others, actively mentoring individuals and the community on advanced technical issues and helping managers guide the career growth of their team members Exert technical influence over multiple teams, increasing their productivity and effectiveness by sharing your deep knowledge and experience. You are a visionary leader, builder and an operator. Balance technical leadership and savvy with strong business judgment to make the right decisions about technology choices. Basic Qualifications - 10+ years of non-internship professional software development experience - Knowledge of object-oriented design, data structures, and algorithms Preferred Qualifications - Deep hands-on technical expertise in at least one major technical area: large scale full stack development, building complex distributed systems, designing massive global networks. Amazon is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, protected veteran status, disability, age, or other legally protected status. For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please visit https://www.amazon.jobs/en/disability/us. Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $180,100/year in our lowest geographic market up to $311,200/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Amazon is a total compensation company. Dependent on the position offered, equity, sign-on payments, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. For more information, please visit https://www.aboutamazon.com/workplace/employee-benefits. This position will remain posted until filled. Applicants should apply via our internal or external career site.