Principal Software Engineer

Why project44

At project44we believe in better.

We challenge the status quo because we know a better supply chain isnt just possibleits essential. Better for our customers. Better for their business. Better for the world. With our Decision Intelligence Platform Movement were redefining how global supply chains operate. By transforming fragmented logistics data into real-time AI-powered insights we empower companies to connect instantly see clearly act decisively and automate intelligently. Our Supply Chain AI enhances visibility drives smarter execution and unlocks next-gen applications that keep businesses moving forward.If youre driven to solve meaningful problems leverage AI to scale rapidly drive impact daily and be part of a high-performance team we should talk.

We are looking for a Principal Software Engineer to join the project44 Engineering Team in Chicago! You will work in a fast-paced Agile team to design and implement Java applications.

Key Responsibilities & Accountabilities

Technical Leadership

• Drive large-scale cross-organizational engineering initiatives from concept through delivery.

• Define and evolvelong-term architecture to ensure scalability reliability and security.

• Serve as a technical authority making high-impact design and technology decisions.

Influence & Collaboration

• Partner with product design and leadership to align technical vision with business priorities.

• Balance short-term deliverables with long-term platform health and architectural integrity.

• Communicate trade-offs clearly and build consensus across diverse stakeholders.

Engineering Excellence

• Set and uphold high standards for code quality design testing and operational maturity.

• Lead design reviews architecture deep dives and technical mentorship for senior engineers.

• Foster a culture of craftsmanship continuous improvement and innovation.

Systems Thinking

• Identify systemic inefficiencies and propose strategic reforms to improve developer velocity and reliability.

• Anticipate scaling challenges technical debt and organizational blind spots.

• Shape roadmaps that balance feature delivery with technical leverage.

Pragmatism & Impact

• Lead with clarity and practicality focusing on measurable outcomes and sustainable engineering.

• Know when to optimize when to move fast and when to challenge assumptions.

• Ensure decisions are grounded in data experience and real-world trade-offs.

Culture & Mentorship

• Model ownership curiosity and accountability.

• Mentor engineers and inspire them to push boundaries in both technology and teamwork.

• Act as a cultural multiplier promoting innovation empathy and continuous learning.

Requirements :

• 10 years of software engineering experience with deep expertise in Java and/or Python.

• Proven success designing and scaling distributed systems serving large user bases or high throughput.

• Experience influencing architecture and strategy across multiple teams (60 engineers).

• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.

• A track record of technical innovation and measurable business impact.

What Success Looks Like

• Clear scalable and resilient technical architecture aligned with business growth.

• Improved developer experience velocity and operational stability.

• Teams that deliver high-quality software confidently and consistently.

• A culture of technical excellence and continuous improvement led by example.

In-office Commitment:Our office is where ideas spark connections thrive and innovation comes alive. We are looking for candidates who are enthusiastic and committedto joining our team on-sitein our beautiful headquarters four days a week.Together were building something extraordinarylearn grow and thrive in our fast-paced transformative environment.

Diversity & Inclusion

Were designing the future of how the world moves and is connected through trade and global supply chains. We can only deliver a truly world-class product and experience if our teams are as diverse and unique as the communities we are building for. Its up to us to create a company where anyone can bring their authentic self to work every day. Were constantly working to improve and we accept our responsibility to elevate the voices left in the margins. Its on every one of us.

Our focus on inclusion manifests in the way we hire the customers we serve and the regions we prioritize. Were building a company that every one of us at project44 is proud to work for: a company that celebrates you for being you.

We pride ourselves on celebrating everyone project44 is an equal opportunity employer actively working on creating a diverse and inclusive work environment where underrepresented groups can thrive. If you share our values and our passion for helping the way the world moves wed love to review your application!

For any accommodations needed during the hiring process please email Even if you dont meet 100% of the above qualifications you should still seriously consider applying. Studies show that you can still be considered for a role if you meet just 50% of the roles requirements.