Principal Engineer- Software Development

A Principal Engineer - Software Development at Xperi is a key driver in developing and enhancing software solutions, specifically for our Cloud-based TiVo Service, which enriches the entertainment experience globally. This role involves using advanced technologies and methodologies to code, maintain, and improve our backend services and APIs, ensuring a top-notch user experience.

The responsibilities of a Principal Engineer - Software Development at Xperi include developing high-quality software that fuels our TiVo Service, leading design specifications, unit test plans, and ensuring ongoing product maintenance. You will work closely with various teams to evolve our software development practices and identify opportunities for improvement.

To qualify for the Principal Engineer - Software Development position at Xperi, candidates should possess over 14 years of relevant industry experience, strong communication skills, and a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field. Expertise in Java, Spring frameworks, and microservice architecture are essential.

As a Principal Engineer - Software Development at Xperi, you will work primarily with Java, Spring, and Spring Boot frameworks, engage with SQL and NoSQL databases, and have the chance to utilize cloud technologies like AWS, Docker, and Kubernetes. Familiarity with messaging systems such as Kafka or RabbitMQ is also beneficial.

Xperi prioritizes employee well-being by offering comprehensive compensation packages, including salaries, equity, bonuses, and great benefits. Our generous paid time off policies, health initiatives, and flexible work environments promote a healthy work-life balance and a sense of belonging among team members.

The work culture at Xperi is vibrant and inclusive, emphasizing innovation, collaboration, and performance. We encourage open communication, value diverse perspectives, and create an environment where every employee feels empowered and recognized for their contributions, fostering a sense of community.

Success as a Principal Engineer - Software Development at Xperi requires deep expertise in Java and microservices architecture, familiarity with cloud technologies, database management, and the ability to learn new codebases quickly. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively with interdisciplinary teams are also crucial.

Be prepared to discuss your proficiency in Java and Spring, providing examples of projects where you've successfully implemented these technologies. Focus on how you utilized Spring Boot for microservices, managed dependencies, and ensured high code quality through testing and design patterns.

When asked about microservices, illustrate your understanding by describing the principles of service independence, scalability, and data management. Explain your process for breaking down a monolithic application into microservices and how you ensure effective communication between services using APIs.

Share a specific instance where you faced challenges in data management or performance issues within a SQL or NoSQL architecture. Talk about the strategies you employed to optimize data retrieval, enhance performance, and ensure data consistency.

Discuss your proactive maintenance approach, focusing on monitoring tools, regular code refactoring, and gathering user feedback. Mention how you prioritize bug fixing and feature enhancements based on usage patterns or client requests.

Illustrate your commitment to professional development by mentioning relevant online courses, industry conferences, tech communities, or literature you follow. Sharing recent examples of how you’ve integrated new technologies in past projects will further demonstrate your dedication.

Be ready to share your hands-on experience with cloud computing, particularly with AWS services. Talk about specific projects where you've utilized AWS for deployment, storage, or event-driven programming. Discuss the benefits those technologies brought to your team.

Highlight your interpersonal and communication skills by discussing how you build relationships across teams. Share instances that demonstrate your ability to resolve conflicts, manage expectations, and ensure alignment between engineering, product, and quality assurance teams.

This is an opportunity to convey your personal motivations. Talk about your excitement for innovative entertainment technology and how Xperi's mission aligns with your career aspirations. Emphasize your eagerness to contribute to a team that shapes user experiences globally.

Discuss your approach to implementing coding standards, conducting peer reviews, and utilizing testing frameworks. Mention the importance of continuous integration and delivery in maintaining quality while ensuring timely releases of new features or updates.

Share your familiarity with Agile practices, including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives. Describe how you’ve helped teams adapt to Agile, improve their workflows, and successfully deliver projects in iterative cycles.