Principal Software Engineer

About the Team:  

The Platform Infrastructure team at ServiceNow is a globally-distributed organization responsible for building and maintaining cloud automation software products used to manage ServiceNows cloud deployment and infrastructure at high scale with high reliability across our geographically-distributed site architecture. Our cloud automation technology is used to perform thousands of highly-reliable lifecycle operations daily across a global cloud footprint in support of customer-initiated requests and internal maintenance functions. 

The team is also responsible for the Kubernetes architecture and core services that enable domain service teams to build and deploy Kubernetes workloads across clusters to meet their business needs. 

Please Note: This position will include supporting our US Federal customers. 

This position requires passing a ServiceNow background screening USFedPASS (US Federal Personnel Authorization Screening Standards). This includes a credit check criminal/misdemeanor check and taking a drug test. Any employment is contingent upon passing the screening.  Due to Federal requirements only US citizens US naturalized citizens or US Permanent Residents holding a green card will be considered. 

What you get to do in this role:

As a Principal Engineer youll be at the forefront of ServiceNows most ambitious infrastructure transformation to date. Were fundamentally reimagining how we deploy manage and operate our platform across a multi-cloud worldmoving from our current architecture to next-generation orchestration and management layers that will define ServiceNows infrastructure strategy for the next decade. 

• Strategic Impact: Youll architect the foundational systems that enable ServiceNows transition from traditional deployment models to a cloud-native multi-cloud platform serving millions of enterprise customers. This isnt maintenanceits building the future infrastructure that will support 10x scale while dramatically improving reliability and operational efficiency. 
• Innovation at Scale: This role offers rare greenfield opportunities to design novel control planes and automation frameworks from the ground up. Youll solve complex distributed systems challenges that few companies face: orchestrating thousands of daily operations across geographically distributed clouds while maintaining the high availability that enterprise customers depend on. Your architectural decisions will influence how hundreds of engineers build and deploy services. 
• Unique Technical Leadership: Unlike similar roles focused on maintaining existing systems youll be the technical visionary leading ServiceNows infrastructure evolution. Youll drive the design of proprietary orchestration technologies define new operational paradigms for multi-cloud management and create the automation frameworks that will become the backbone of our global platform. This is your opportunity to build systems that will be studied and emulated across the industry. 

The ideal candidate will serve as both technical visionary and hands-on leader delivering code while mentoring the next generation of engineers and collaborating directly with senior leadership to achieve business-critical outcomes 

Qualifications :

To be successful in this role you have:

• Experience in leveraging or critically thinking about how to integrate AI into work processes decision-making or problem-solving. This may include using AI-powered tools automating workflows analyzing AI-driven insights or exploring AIs potential impact on the function or industry.
• Typically requires a minimum of 12 years of related experience with a Bachelors degree; or 8 years and a Masters degree; or a PhD with 5 years experience; or equivalent experience. 
• 12 years of experience in software engineering with deep expertise in infrastructure and distributed systems. 
• Experience with Kubernetes software containers (e.g. Docker Podman) and public cloud architectures 
• Proven leadership in architecting scalable resilient systems. 
• Advanced proficiency in a language such as GoLang or Java. 
• Experience with Kubernetes cloud platforms and automation frameworks. 
• Strong communication and mentorship skills. 
• Experience integrating AI into work processes decision-making or problem-solving. 
• Due to the nature of this role and its alignment with U.S. Federal customer requirements only candidates who are U.S. Citizens U.S. Naturalized Citizens or U.S. Permanent Residents (Green Card holders) will be considered. This position also requires successful completion of the USFedPASS (U.S. Federal Personnel Authorization Screening Standards) process which includes: 
  •  A credit check 
  • A criminal/misdemeanor background check 
  • A drug screening 
  • Verification of U.S. work authorization 
  • These requirements are in accordance with applicable U.S. laws and federal contract obligations. 

For positions in this location we offer a base pay of $217500 - $380700 plus equity (when applicable) variable/incentive compensation and benefits. Sales positions generally offer a competitive On Target Earnings (OTE) incentive compensation structure. Please note that the base pay shown is a guideline and individual total compensation will vary based on factors such as qualifications skill level competencies and work location. We also offer health plans including flexible spending accounts a 401(k) Plan with company match ESPP matching donations a flexible time away plan and family leave programs. Compensation is based on the geographic location in which the role is located and is subject to change based on work location.

Additional Information :

Work Personas

We approach our distributed world of work with flexibility and trust. Work personas (flexible remote or required in office) are categories that are assigned to ServiceNow employees depending on the nature of their work and their assigned work location. Learn more here. To determine eligibility for a work persona ServiceNow may confirm the distance between your primary residence and the closest ServiceNow office using a third-party service.

Equal Opportunity Employer

ServiceNow is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race color creed religion sex sexual orientation national origin or nationality ancestry age disability gender identity or expression marital status veteran status or any other category protected by addition all qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with legal requirements. 

Accommodations

We strive to create an accessible and inclusive experience for all candidates. If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete any part of the application process or are unable to use this online application and need an alternative method to apply please contact for assistance. 

Export Control Regulations

For positions requiring access to controlled technology subject to export control regulations including the U.S. Export Administration Regulations (EAR) ServiceNow may be required to obtain export control approval from government authorities for certain individuals. All employment is contingent upon ServiceNow obtaining any export license or other approval that may be required by relevant export control authorities. 

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Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time