Principal Software Engineer

We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer to provide hands-on technical leadership while building high-performance, scalable web experiences. This role focuses heavily on React, Next.js, performance optimization, caching, and BFF patterns. You will code ~70% of the time, mentor engineers, solve complex technical challenges, and influence architecture and engineering standards across cross-functional teams.

A leading global eCommerce organisation is seeking a Principal Software Engineer with a strong front-end focus to join their Digital Engineering team. This is an exceptional opportunity for you to play a pivotal, hands-on role in shaping scalable, high-performance web experiences using modern technologies such as React and Next.js. Reporting directly to the Director of Digital Technology, you will spend the majority of your time coding while also providing technical leadership, mentoring peers, and influencing cross-functional decisions. The company offers a permanent remote working arrangement within select areas of the Philippines, along with a comprehensive benefits package that supports your wellbeing, professional growth, and work-life balance. If you are passionate about building accessible, responsive user interfaces and thrive in a collaborative environment that values inclusivity and continuous improvement, this role is designed for you.

What you'll do:

• Design and build performant, scalable, and maintainable front-end experiences using React, Next.js, JavaScript/TypeScript frameworks to deliver seamless user journeys.
• Dedicate approximately 70% of your time to hands-on coding while owning complex UI features, dynamic rendering flows (CSR/SSR/ISR), and modular frontend architectures.
• Lead implementation of back-end-for-front-end (BFF) patterns, efficient data-fetching strategies, and smooth client-server interactions to optimise application performance.
• Implement advanced caching strategies and performance tuning for high-traffic pages by optimising Core Web Vitals (LCP, FID, CLS) and Lighthouse scores.
• Collaborate closely with platform engineers to leverage edge delivery platforms such as Vercel for production-grade deployments including edge functions and smart CDN routing.
• Work alongside UX/Product teams to translate designs into pixel-perfect, accessible, and responsive interfaces that delight users across devices.
• Evaluate new frontend tooling and libraries proactively introducing modern patterns like hydration optimisation or server actions to raise engineering quality.
• Solve deeply complex technical problems spanning multiple domains by leading investigations and resolving critical production issues or systemic challenges.
• Drive continuous improvement in code quality through test automation practices, CI/CD pipeline enhancements, observability improvements, peer reviews, design validations, and performance tuning.
• Serve as a technical mentor to senior and staff engineers by supporting career path development, providing feedback on architectural thinking, systems design, technical decision-making, and acting as a bridge between contributors and leadership.

What you bring:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science or related field—or equivalent practical experience demonstrating deep technical proficiency.
• At least 10 years of professional software development experience with a proven record in architecting modern front-end web applications at scale.
• Expertise in React and Next.js is essential—including component architecture design, state management approaches (Redux/Context), rendering strategies (CSR/SSR/ISR), hydration techniques.
• Hands-on experience implementing back-end-for-front-end (BFF) solutions as well as integrating GraphQL/REST APIs for seamless data flow between client/server layers.
• Demonstrated ability to optimise Core Web Vitals (LCP/FID/CLS), implement lazy loading/bundle splitting strategies for performance gains measured via Lighthouse metrics.
• Practical knowledge of advanced caching strategies (CDN usage/edge caching/revalidation) with an understanding of how these impact scalability/user experience.
• Experience deploying on Vercel or similar platforms such as Netlify or Cloudflare Pages—including use of edge functions/smart routing/build optimisations for production environments.
• Proficiency in JavaScript/TypeScript plus HTML5/CSS3; strong grasp of web accessibility standards (WCAG) ensuring inclusive digital experiences for all users.
• Ability to work independently on high-complexity projects while providing architectural input/technical mentorship across distributed teams in an agile environment focused on rapid iteration/testing/CI-CD workflows.
• Excellent communication skills enabling clear explanation of technical trade-offs/collaborative problem-solving with cross-functional stakeholders.

Due to the high volume of applications we are experiencing, our team will only be in touch with you if your application is shortlisted.