Lead Principal Software Engineer

DescriptionKforce has a client that is seeking a Lead Principal Software Engineer (Delivery & Architecture) in New York, NY.Overview:We are seeking a hands-on technical lead to drive the development of high-impact, large-scale systems. In this role, you will bridge the gap between high-level architecture and day-to-day execution, guiding engineering teams through complex technical landscapes. You are a senior leader who thrives in ambiguous environments and prioritizes high-quality, reliable delivery.Key Responsibilities:* Oversee the end-to-end roadmap and implementation of major technical workstreams* Architect robust solutions for intricate features and distributed systems* Facilitate seamless collaboration between engineering, product management, and business stakeholders* Optimize development workflows by identifying bottlenecks and streamlining delivery processes* Provide high-level mentorship to senior and mid-level engineers to elevate the organization's technical bar* Maintain the long-term health and scalability of the platform while ensuring alignment with broader infrastructure goalsRequirements* Degree in CS or Engineering, or significant equivalent industry experience * At least 8 years of professional experience developing large-scale, enterprise-ready software* Deep expertise in managing the delivery of multi-faceted, high-availability systems* Exceptional architectural judgment paired with a disciplined approach to project execution* Demonstrated ability to provide technical direction and maintain momentum in fast-paced settings* A history of successfully mentoring technical staff and influencing cross-team engineering standards* A strong commitment to operational excellence and long-term system stabilityPrimary Technology Stack:* Cloud Infrastructure: AWS ecosystem (including container orchestration and managed databases)* Backend & Data: Python-based microservices, relational databases, and in-memory data stores* Frontend: Modern JavaScript frameworks* Data Engineering: Large-scale data processing (Spark/ETL) and Medallion architecture patterns* Tooling: Modern workflow automation, orchestration engines, and AI-enhanced development cyclesJob TypeDirect HireCompensation150000 - $190000