Turnitin
Principal Software Engineer Backend Technologies, Platform (UK Remote)
How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Principal Software Engineer Backend Technologies, Platform (UK Remote)
Company Description
Turnitin is a globally recognized innovator in education technology. For over 25 years, we’ve partnered with educators and institutions to develop learning integrity solutions, combining critical thinking with adaptability in an evolving world. Our services—Turnitin Feedback Studio, Clarity, Originality, Gradescope, ExamSoft, Similarity, and iThenticate—reach over 16,000 academic institutions, publishers, and corporations across 185 countries.
We foster a remote-first culture, prioritising well-being and purpose-driven work. Our diverse global team (spanning the US, UK, Australia, Japan, India, and the Philippines) is united by a passion for transforming education.
Job Title
Principal Backend Engineer (Java, Serverless & Distributed Systems)
About the Role
You’ll join Turnitin’s Shared Services team as a Principal Backend Engineer, driving scalable, high-performing systems that underpin our entire platform. This hands-on leadership role requires deep technical expertise in Java and serverless architectures, with a cross-functional approach to backend and frontend collaborations.
Ideal for:
- Engineers who thrive in scalable distributed systems, performance optimisation, and system integrity.
- Leadership-minded individuals passionate about mentorship and architectural best practices.
- Collaborators who bridge technical challenges with business impact.
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and optimize scalable backend services in Java and serverless frameworks (AWS Lambda, serverless paradigms).
- Architect RESTful APIs and event-driven systems supporting high-performance, distributed applications.
- Provide technical leadership, aligning teams with architectural standards and scalable frameworks.
- Collaborate on frontend integration, bridging backend services with user-facing components when needed.
- Analyze and optimise system performance, scalability, and cost efficiency.
- Lead cross-functional engagement with Product Managers, Architects, and engineering leads.
- Mentor junior engineers, fostering continuous learning and adherence to best practices.
- Oversee CI/CD pipelines to ensure efficient and reliable deliveries.
- Enforce code quality standards through peer reviews, testing, and adherence to engineering best practices.
- Author comprehensive documentation for shared components, including APIs, usage guidelines, and implementation examples.
Reasons to use Rodeo
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
It searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Qualifications
Essential
- 10+ years of backend engineering experience, with expertise in Java and hands-on experience in serverless frameworks (AWS Lambda, Google Cloud Functions, etc.).
- Proficiency in frontend technologies (React, Web Components) to support integration efforts.
- Strong grasp of distributed systems, scaling, and advanced data modeling techniques.
- Demonstrated ability to lead tech-driven teams across global locations (EU, US, etc.), delivering high-impact solutions.
- Specialised knowledge in AWS serverless tech stack (Lambda, DynamoDB, API Gateway, SNS/SQS, EventBridge).
- Test-driven and automation-focused approach (TDD, BDD, clean code principles).
- Experience managing CI/CD pipelines for build/test/deploy automation.
- Familiarity with Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC), modern DevOps practices, and cloud-based enablement.
- Scaleability and design pattern expertise, including system architecture reviews.
- Proven technical leadership (Tech Lead) with mentorship track record.
- Effective collaboration with cross-functional teams, communicating technical solutions to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Strong troubleshooting and optimisation skills to improve performance, scalability, and cost efficiency.
- Balance of strategic decisions and practical trade-offs in project timelines vs. business outcomes.
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Preferred
- React Angulr/ Web Components exposure
- Experience with observability tools (CloudWatch, New Relic, Datadog).
- Experience in data modeling or NoSQL databases.
- Practical knowledge of agile methodologies (Scrum, XP, Kanban).
- Exposure to AI/ML principles.
Total Rewards at Turnitin
Beyond competitive compensation, we provide a comprehensive benefits package prioritising well-being, growth, and purpose. Our perks include:
✅ Global Mental Wellbeing & Healthcare (Montage Health et al.) ✅ 20 days PTO + Holidays, Self-Care Days, and Company Observed Days ✅ Educational Reimbursements ✅ Flexible Remote Work with choice of Hybrid Days & Office Reimbursements ✅ Parenting Leave ✅ Founder & Volunteer Days ✅ Retirement Plan with Company Match ✅ Workplace Safety Net (Life incidents planning) ✅ Non-profit Matching Donations
Company Mission
To ensure global education integrity and transform learning outcomes.
Core Values
1️⃣ Customer-Centric – Focused on educators and learners. 2️⃣ Passion for Learning – Continuous growth and global impact. 3️⃣ Integrity – Core of products and culture. 4️⃣ Action & Ownership – Act boldly, embrace change. 5️⃣ One Team – Break silos, collaborate, celebrate success. 6️⃣ Global Mindset – Embrace diversity, leverage different perspectives.
💡[Key Note: We value growth over checklist fulfillment. Apply if you meet most requirements and are eager to learn alongside us!]
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location