Turnitin, LLC
Principal Software Engineer Backend Technologies, Platform (UK Remote)
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Principal Software Engineer Backend Technologies, Platform (UK Remote)
Principal Backend Engineer (Java & Serverless)
About Turnitin
When you join Turnitin, you’ll be part of a recognized innovator in global education, shaping learning integrity solutions for over 25 years. Our platform—Turnitin Feedback Studio, Gradescope, ExamsSoft, iThenticate, and more—serves 16,000+ institutions and corporations across 185 countries.
We foster a remote-first culture, empowering teams to innovate with ownership while prioritising well-being. Our diverse, international workforce (spanning 35+ countries) shares a mission: protecting the value of authentic education and enabling better learning outcomes.
Ideal Candidate Profile
We’re seeking a Principal Backend Engineer with 10+ years of focused backend development, particularly in Java and serverless architectures, complemented by hands-on frontend experience. You thrive in scalable, distributed systems and collaborate across teams to build high-performance, reliable educational tools.
Responsibilities
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Backend Leadership:
- Lead design, development, and optimisation of scalable backend services in Java and serverless frameworks (e.g., AWS Lambda).
- Architect RESTful APIs and event-driven systems to power Turnitin’s platforms.
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Technical Collaboration:
- Collaborate with Architects, Product Managers, and cross-functional teams (including UK/US-based teams) to deliver innovative solutions.
- Guide junior engineers, fostering a culture of learning and best-practices adherence.
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System Excellence:
- Analyze and optimise existing services for performance, scalability, and cost-efficiency.
- Oversee CI/CD pipelines, ensuring reliable deployment and testing.
- Maintain high code quality through peer reviews, testing, and documentation.
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Frontend Contribution:
- Support frontend component integration where necessary (e.g., React, Web Components).
Essential Qualifications & Skills
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Deep Expertise:
- 10+ years in Java-based backend development, with hands-on experience in serverless frameworks (AWS Lambda, Google Cloud Functions).
- Proficiency in distributed systems, large-scale data modelling, and scalability best practices.
- Tech lead experience: Proven history of mentoring junior developers and guiding teams to technical excellence.
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Cloud & DevOps Mastery:
- Expertise in AWS ecosystem: Lambda, DynamoDB, API Gateway, SNS/SQS, and EventBridge.
- Experience with CI/CD pipelines, IaC tools, and cloud-based deployment strategies.
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Full-Stack Collaboration:
- Practical understanding of frontend frameworks (e.g., React) to bridge gaps between backend and user-facing systems.
- Ability to communicate complex technicalities to non-technical stakeholders.Cloud Environments and Tooling
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Soft Skills:
- Strong problem-solving and strategic decision-making to balance technical excellence and business goals.
Preferred Skills
- Familiarity with Angular or Web Components.
- Experience with observability tools (e.g., CloudWatch, New Relic).
- Knowledge of NoSQL databases and advanced data modelling.
- Exposure to AI/ML frameworks or methodologies.
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Why Turnitin?
Our Values
- Customer-Centric: Solve problems for educators and learners.
- Passion for Learning: Drive knowledge sharing, internally and globally.
- Integrity: Build trust through ethical products and teamwork.
- Action & Ownership: Scale impact through bold, accountable decisions.
- One Team: Celebrate collective success and break down silos.
- Global Mindset: Embrace diversity and equity.
*Total Rewards
Beyond competitive pay and bonuses, we offer:
- Flexible benefits: Healthcare, education reimbursement, volunteer time, and retirement plans (varies by country).
- Remote-first culture: Purposeful work without hierarchy; tailoring to your lifestyle.
- Well-being ecosystem: Mental health support (Modern Health), parental leave, self-care days*, and Monthly Wellness/office stipends.
- Shared purpose: Meaningful impact on global education—A mission worth delivering.
*all benefits vary by location
Application Note
Turnitin recognises that skills evolve—we value potential and adaptability. Apply if you meet most of these criteria and share our passion for innovation, learning, and education integrity. Let’s collaborate to build systems that scale with purpose.
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