Senior Software Engineer or Principal Engineer

In search of: The next member of our Software Engineering team. If you enjoy working in a team environment and would like to contribute to the success of an evolving Systems & Technology function, read on. We're looking for someone who:

• Is equally adept at taking initiative as taking direction to solve programming challenges.
• Finds that using online tools to research problems comes naturally.
• Excels at conveying complex information in simple, understandable ways.
• Is intrinsically motivated and focused on providing high quality deliverables.
• Finds that attitude is as important as technical skill.
• Loves it when an assignment goes right but is resilient and stays upbeat when it doesn't.
• Listens well, asks incisive questions, and digs into details while keeping the big picture in focus.
• Artistic, creative thinking and open mindedness to new ideas and approaches.
• Above all, thrives on collaboration and takes great satisfaction in helping others meet their goals.

This role is primarily based out of our Binghamton, NY home office and offers a hybrid schedule, allowing for a combination of onsite collaboration and remote work during the week.

The level of the position will be determined by relevant skills, experience and qualifications.

Description of Duties and Responsibilities of a Senior Software Engineer and Principal Engineer:

• You may direct other developers, work alongside senior IT team members and management to develop, write, update, maintain and modify computer programs and software systems.
• Write, update and maintain computer programs and software packages to handle specific jobs such as insurance administration, data collection, data reporting, and controlling other equipment.
• Create and maintain security and performance minded applications and programs.
• Create and maintain software builds and perform releases to development and production servers.
• Engage in high level planning of applications and develop the future state of applications.
• Full stack development with an emphasis on front-end and middle-tier development.
• Meet and interact with customers to define and refine requirements, clarify program intent, test modifications, identify problems, suggest changes and provide support post-deployment.
• Work with business analysts and system/integration test teams to design and test modifications on new applications.
• Serve as a technical leader in the design, application security, and delivery of a wide range of software development projects.
• Architect and design solutions that meet the needs of SML's full application suite.

Required skills and experience of a Senior Software Engineer or Principal Engineer:

• 7 to 10 years' experience in Information Technology, Software Development programming, analysis and system design.
• Minimum of 2 years of software engineering and architect experience.
• Fluency in modern web browsers on multiple devices and their respective limitations and strengths.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Windows and Office Suite required.
• Ability to work on a team and independently.
• Ability to adhere to timelines and schedules without sacrificing quality of deliverables.
• Strong organization skills, and the ability to manage and prioritize a workload, document and report daily on progress, challenges and successes.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work with remote team members and internal clients.
• Ability to pay close attention to detail and perform work reliably, accurately and thoroughly.
• Ability to work outside of normal business hours to meet project deadlines, release schedules and provide on call support as needed.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities of a Principal Engineer:
• Provide expert guidance and leadership within their field, serving as a trusted advisor to senior management.
• Drive innovation and set technical and professional standards.
• Lead complex projects or initiatives such as system redesigns, modernization efforts, or platform enhancements while navigating ambiguity.
• Collaborate across teams and departments to solve high-impact problems and advance strategic priorities.
• Drive technical strategy and help shape long-term engineering direction.
• Solve high-impact technical problems and balance tradeoffs across scalability, performance, security and maintainability.
• Establish, promote and improve engineering standards and best practices.
• Partner with and provide strategic advice to senior leadership to identify technical risks, dependencies, and opportunities for improvements.
• Act as a subject matter expert and thought leader within their field.

Additional skills and experience required of a Principal Engineer:
• 10+ years of professional software engineering experience.
• Proven track record of technical leadership and system-level design.
• Experience influencing archeteture, standards or technical direction across teams.
• Recognized as a trusted technical authority and problem solver.
• Leadership experience is strongly desired.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Java, JavaScript, HTML, XML, JSON, JSP and SOAP/REST web services.
• Experience with Jira.
• Experience with web security protocols outlined by OWASP.
• Life Insurance knowledge and experience.
• Industry recognized certifications.

Education Required: Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology or closely related field required.

Pay Range:

Senior Software Engineer: $105,000 to $143,000 Annually

Principal Engineer: $120,000 to $170,000 Annually

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position

Relocation assistance is not available for this position

Security Mutual is an Equal Opportunity Employer

About SML:

Security Mutual Life is a leading provider of life insurance, accumulation products and retirement-, business- and estate-planning services for individuals, families and businesses. Our innovative products help our clients meet their financial protection needs. Headquartered in Binghamton, New York, the Company was founded in 1886 and is recognized for its longstanding history of financial strength and stability.

We continually invest in technology. Our agents and employees are equipped with the latest tools and deliver outstanding service to our hundreds of thousands of policyholders throughout the United States.

We are committed to our neighbors and communities. Security Mutual and its employees help support a wide variety of community and charitable initiatives and organizations through our donations and service.

At Security Mutual our employees are among the Company's most valued assets. We offer competitive salary and benefits and our work environment reflects the Company's core values of trust, respect and integrity.