Job Title: Principal Engineer
Herndon, VA, US, 20171
We are seeking an experienced Principal Engineer to join our innovative team, taking ownership of critical line-of-business applications. As a Principal Engineer, this position is responsible for overseeing best practice implementation across all phases of software development lifecycle from requirements gathering through deployment, ensuring high availability, scalability, and reliability. You will also drive best practices in software development, database optimization, real-time communications, and mentor team members in adopting best-in-class development methodologies.
Key responsibilities include:
- Lead the development, deployment, and maintenance of mission-critical business applications, ensuring robust software architecture and high-quality delivery.
- Design and optimize SQL Server databases, including complex query optimization, stored procedures, indexing, transaction management, and implementing high-availability solutions.
- Design, Develop and maintain TCP/IP socket-based communication systems with a focus on real-time data processing and secure asynchronous communication. These systems support the transmission of both structured data and bit-level or hexadecimal-encoded data, enabling efficient management of Industrial IoT (IIoT) devices.
- Integrate, maintain, and optimize SMS gateway systems (SMPP, UCP/EMI protocols) to ensure reliable, high-throughput message processing.
- Create, enhance, and maintain Windows desktop applications, focusing on performance optimization, multi-threading, and deployment automation.
- Mentor junior developers, provide technical leadership, and contribute to strategic architectural decisions.
- Implement best practices around code quality, testing, documentation, and continuous improvement processes.
- Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications:
- 15+ years of professional software development experience, with at least 10 years focused on .NET/C#.
- Extensive experience with Microsoft SQL Server, including:
- Complex query optimization
- Database design and normalization
- Performance tuning, indexing strategies
- Transaction management and high-availability configurations
- Strong background in network programming and secure communications:
- TCP/IP protocols, socket programming, and asynchronous communication patterns
- Proven experience with SMS gateway integration:
- High-volume message queue handling
- SMPP/UCP/EMI protocol implementation
- Robust error handling and retry mechanisms
- Extensive Windows application development experience:
- WPF or Windows Forms
- Multi-threaded development, Windows Services, application deployment, and updates
- Strong understanding of software security practices, code quality, and software architecture
- Proven ability to mentor teams and deliver technical leadership
- Excellent communication, problem-solving skills, and an ownership mindset
Nearest Major Market: Washington DC