Principal Software Engineer

JOB SUMMARYWe're looking for a pragmatic, hands-on Principal API & Integration Engineer who gets things done. You'll spend significant time writing code while helping elevate the technical skills of the broader team. This role is ideal for someone who thrives on designing and implementing centralized API platforms, has extensive experience with third-party integrations and Transportation Management Systems (TMS), leverages AI-assisted development tools to accelerate delivery, and excels at simplifying and automating complex integration processes. You'll balance individual contribution with strategic technical leadership, creating unified API strategies that serve multiple web and mobile applications while helping engineers grow their craft through practical guidance and code review.WHAT YOU'LL DOBuild and ShipDesign and implement enterprise-wide API strategy serving all internal and external applicationsBuild scalable, reusable API platforms and integration frameworks that reduce duplication across systemsDevelop robust integrations with third-party systems and Transportation Management Systems (TMS)Create automated integration pipelines that simplify onboarding of new partners and systemsLeverage AI-powered development tools (GitHub Copilot, ChatGPT, Claude, etc.) to accelerate API and integration developmentModernize legacy integration patterns and migrate to modern API architecturesBuild API gateways, service meshes, and integration middleware that scale globallyDesign self-service integration tools and SDKs that empower development teamsLead Through ExampleDefine long-term API strategy and integration architecture across the organizationChampion and integrate new API technologies and integration practices that solve real problemsMentor engineers on API design patterns, integration best practices, and microservices architectureShare best practices for AI-assisted development and cutting-edge integration toolingEstablish API standards, governance, and documentation practicesGuide architectural decisions that impact API consumers across web, mobile, and partner systemsFoster a culture of API-first thinking and integration automationTechnical Execution & StrategyPartner with product, backend, mobile, and partner teams on API design and integration requirementsCreate comprehensive API documentation, developer portals, and integration guidesImplement API versioning, lifecycle management, and deprecation strategiesDesign authentication and authorization frameworks (OAuth2, API keys, JWT, SSO)Build monitoring, observability, and analytics for API performance and usageEstablish rate limiting, throttling, quota management, and SLA enforcementLead technical deep dives into integration failures, performance bottlenecks, and scalability issuesProactively identify opportunities to simplify and automate integration workflowsREQUIRED QUALIFICATIONSExperience10+ years of professional software engineering experience with focus on APIs and integrations2+ years in a technical leadership positionExtensive experience with third-party system integrations and API partnershipsStrong background with Transportation Management Systems (TMS) integrationsProven track record of designing and implementing enterprise API platformsHistory of simplifying complex integration processes through automationExperience with AI-assisted development tools and workflowsTrack record of mentoring and growing technical talentWillingness to maintain hands-on technical involvementAPI Architecture & DesignExpert-level proficiency in RESTful API design and implementationStrong experience with GraphQL, gRPC, or other modern API paradigmsDeep understanding of API gateway patterns and service mesh architecturesKnowledge of API versioning strategies and backward compatibilityExperience with OpenAPI/Swagger specifications and API documentation toolsUnderstanding of API security patterns (OAuth2, API keys, JWT, mTLS)Experience designing APIs for high-volume, multi-tenant environmentsIntegration ExpertiseExtensive experience integrating with third-party APIs and systemsDeep knowledge of Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and logistics platformsStrong background in legacy system connectivity.Experience with common integration patterns (webhooks, polling, event-driven, batch)Experience with message queuing and event streaming (Kafka, RabbitMQ, ActiveMQ, AWS SQS)Understanding of data transformation, mapping, and synchronization strategiesAutomation & ToolingBuilding self-service integration frameworks and SDKsCreating automated testing for APIs and integrations (contract testing, integration testing)Developing integration monitoring and alerting systemsImplementing CI/CD pipelines for API deploymentsExperience with Infrastructure as Code for integration resourcesCore Technical SkillsExpert-level proficiency in backend development (Java, C#/.NET, Python, or Node.js)Strong experience with microservices architecture patternsHands-on experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP)Proficiency with containerization (Docker) and orchestration (Kubernetes)Experience with API management platforms (Apigee, AWS API Gateway, Azure API Management, Kong)Strong background in both relational and NoSQL databasesKnowledge of caching strategies (Redis, CDN) for API performanceTMS & Industry KnowledgeExperience with major TMS platforms (Oracle TMS, SAP TM, Manhattan, Blue Yonder, or similar)Understanding of transportation and logistics workflows (dispatching, tracking, routing, ELD)Knowledge of industry standards (EDI X12, EDIFACT, HL7 for healthcare logistics)Familiarity with telematics and fleet management integrationsUnderstanding of real-time location tracking and geo-fencingDevOps & QualityAPI lifecycle management and governanceMonitoring and observability (Prometheus, Grafana, Datadog, New Relic)Distributed tracing and API performance monitoringExperience with agile development practicesStrong problem-solving and debugging skills across distributed systemsLeadership & CommunicationStrong communication skills with both technical and non-technical stakeholdersAbility to translate business requirements into API specificationsTrack record of making architectural decisions and defending technical choicesExperience creating developer documentation and API playbooksAbility to influence and drive API-first practices across teamsCollaborative mindset with genuine interest in enabling othersSoft SkillsBias toward action and shipping working solutionsPassion for developer experience and API usabilityAbility to manage multiple integration projects simultaneouslyComfortable challenging the status quo constructivelyStrong focus on simplification and automationCustomer-centric mindset when designing APIsNICE TO HAVEExperience with serverless architectures (AWS Lambda, Azure Functions)Knowledge of API monetization and partner managementFamiliarity with API security testing and penetration testingExperience with real-time communication protocols (WebSockets, Server-Sent Events)Background in API product management or developer relationsUnderstanding of compliance frameworks (SOC2, GDPR, HIPAA)Experience with API analytics and business intelligenceKnowledge of blockchain or IoT integration patternsFamiliarity with ELD (Electronic Logging Device) integrationsExperience with mobile backend for frontend (BFF) patternsUnderstanding of geospatial APIs and mapping servicesEDUCATIONBachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent practical experienceWHAT SUCCESS LOOKS LIKEYou're consistently shipping API improvements and new integration capabilitiesMultiple applications (web, mobile, partner systems) are successfully consuming your APIsIntegration time for new third-party systems and TMS platforms has dramatically decreasedComplex integration processes have been simplified and automatedThe team has adopted API-first practices that improve development velocityLegacy integration patterns are being systematically modernizedAPI documentation and developer experience are best-in-classEngineers you mentor are leveling up their integration skillsAPI performance, reliability, and adoption metrics are continuously improvingPartner and internal developer satisfaction with integration tooling is highYou're known as the person who makes integrations easy and makes things happen EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYERSOLERA HOLDINGS, INC., AND ITS US SUBSIDIARIES (TOGETHER, SOLERA) IS AN EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. THE FIRM'S POLICY IS NOT TO DISCRIMINATE AGAINST ANY APPLICANT OR EMPLOYEE BASED ON RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, GENDER, AGE, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, MARITAL STATUS, MENTAL OR PHYSICAL DISABILITY, AND GENETIC INFORMATION, OR ANY OTHER BASIS PROTECTED BY APPLICABLE LAW. THE FIRM ALSO PROHIBITS HARASSMENT OF APPLICANTS OR EMPLOYEES BASED ON ANY OF THESE PROTECTED CATEGORIES.SummaryLocation: Westlake, TexasType: Full time