Principal Platform Engineer

Our vision for the future is based on the idea that transforming financial lives starts by giving our people the freedom to transform their own. We have a flexible work environment, and fluid career paths. We not only encourage but celebrate internal mobility. We also recognize the importance of purpose, well-being, and work-life balance. Within Empower and our communities, we work hard to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, and our associates dedicate thousands of hours to volunteering for causes that matter most to them. Chart your own path and grow your career while helping more customers achieve financial freedom. Empower Yourself. Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time, including CPT/OPT. The Platform Engineer will design and implement platform solutions for the Innovation Lab, including standing up sandboxes using dependent existing technologies. This role will collaborate with cross‑functional teams to shape the architecture of innovative projects, ensure scalability, reliability, and seamless integration across diverse systems, and support work in areas such as generative AI, advanced analytics, digital technologies, and cloud technologies. The Platform Engineer will help automate operational processes, contribute to emerging technology initiatives, and support a collaborative, learning‑oriented environment. What you will do: Participate and provide input in the development and execution of a technology strategy for the Innovation Lab that aligns with the company’s business goals and innovation objectives. Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to design, implement, and maintain robust, scalable platform solutions for innovative projects within the Innovation Lab. Drive the development of cutting‑edge technologies and frameworks to enhance the overall platform architecture. Ensure seamless integration of diverse systems and services, optimizing performance and reliability. Proactively identify and address potential bottlenecks, security vulnerabilities, and performance issues in the platform infrastructure. Contribute to the continuous improvement of development processes and tools, fostering a culture of innovation and efficiency. Work closely with DevOps, software engineers, and other stakeholders to streamline deployment pipelines and automate operational processes. Stay current with industry trends and emerging technologies, evaluating their potential application to enhance the lab’s technological landscape. Provide mentorship and knowledge‑sharing within the team, promoting a collaborative and learning‑oriented environment. Participate in the creation of technical documentation, ensuring clarity and accessibility for team members. Work effectively in a dynamic Innovation Lab environment with ambiguity and adaptive working practices. What you will bring: 12+ years of experience in software systems development and delivery with demonstrable experience in innovation and emerging technologies. 7+ years of experience in solution architecture across multiple domains, with a recent focus on digital transformation. Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems or Engineering. Proven experience as a Platform Engineer or similar role, with a focus on innovative technology solutions. Strong expertise in designing and implementing scalable and resilient platform architectures. Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or Go, with experience in microservices and containerization. Expertise in a broad range of technologies, such as AI/ML, SOA, cloud architectures, advanced analytics, data management, NoSQL databases, and modern integration methods, including API Gateway, web services, messaging, and RESTful architectures. Hands‑on experience with cloud platforms, such as AWS, Azure, or GCP, and container orchestration tools, such as Kubernetes. Solid understanding of DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and infrastructure‑as‑code principles. Familiarity with security best practices and the ability to implement security measures within the platform. Proven experience in the financial industry, with an understanding of how technology impacts business processes and outcomes. Excellent problem‑solving and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a dynamic team environment. This job operates in a professional office environment. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications of the job. The employer has the right to revise this job description at any time. You will be evaluated in part based on your performance of the responsibilities and/or tasks listed in this job description. You may be required to perform other duties that are not included on this job description. The job description is not a contract for employment, and either you or the employer may terminate employment at any time, for any reason, as per terms and conditions of your employment contract. What we offer you We offer an array of diverse and inclusive benefits regardless of where you are in your career. We believe that providing our employees with the means to lead healthy balanced lives results in the best possible work performance. Medical, dental, vision and life insurance Retirement savings - 401(k) plan with generous company matching contributions (up to 6%), financial advisory services, potential company discretionary contribution, and a broad investment lineup Tuition reimbursement up to $5,250/year Business-casual environment that includes the option to wear jeans Generous paid time off upon hire - including a paid time off program plus ten paid company holidays and three floating holidays each calendar year Paid volunteer time - 16 hours per calendar year Leave of absence programs - including paid parental leave, paid short‑and‑long‑term disability, and Family and Medical Leave (FMLA) Business Resource Groups (BRGs) - BRGs facilitate inclusion and collaboration across our business internally and throughout the communities where we live, work and play. BRGs are open to all. Base Salary Range $125,400.00 - $181,875.00 The salary range above shows the typical minimum to maximum base salary range for this position in the location listed. Non‑sales positions have the opportunity to participate in a bonus program. Sales positions are eligible for sales incentives, and in some instances a bonus plan, whereby total compensation may far exceed base salary depending on individual performance. Actual compensation offered may vary from posted hiring range based upon geographic location, work experience, education, licensure requirements and/or skill level and will be finalized at the time of offer. Equal opportunity employer * Drug‑free workplace We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity. All individuals, regardless of personal characteristics, are encouraged to apply. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age (40 and over), race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, pregnancy, religion, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable state or local law. ***For remote and hybrid positions you will be required to provide reliable high‑speed internet with a wired connection as well as a place in your home to work with limited disruption. You must have reliable connectivity from an internet service provider that is fiber, cable or DSL internet. Other necessary computer equipment, will be provided. You may be required to work in the office if you do not have an adequate home work environment and the required internet connection.*** Job Posting End Date at 12:01 am on: 07-01-2026 #J-18808-Ljbffr