Starbucks Corporation

engineer principal, Coffeehouse Design & Development, Global Coffee & Sustainability

Starbucks Corporation$130K — $180K *
Consumer Technology
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field (Master's preferred).
  • 12+ years in software development; 10+ years in systems development and integrations.
  • 8+ years architecting middleware, RESTful APIs, and services on public cloud (Azure/AWS).
  • Expertise in system engineering for packaged and custom applications.
  • Familiarity with integration patterns (event-driven, APIs, job scheduling, flat files).
  • 8+ years in UI/Web development (HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, React).
  • 8+ years working with relational and NoSQL databases.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and evolve technical architecture and design strategies based on business needs.
  • Lead initial discovery and proof-of-concept efforts to assess solution feasibility.
  • Partner with teams to define technology recommendations and best practices.
  • Identify opportunities to leverage AI for predictive analytics and workflow optimization.
  • Deliver key architectural artifacts, including Major Decision Frameworks and technical standards.
  • Create and maintain engineering and platform roadmaps based on business priorities.
  • Advise on a broad range of technologies and assess long-term impacts.

Benefits

  • Foster knowledge sharing and connection-building across the organization.
  • Involvement in shaping technology that impacts customer experiences.
  • Opportunity to lead AI adoption and integration in business processes.
Full Job Description
principal engineer, Coffeehouse Design & Development, Global Coffee & Sustainability

Summary of Key Responsibilities

As a Principal Engineer within Coffeehouse Design & Development and Global Coffee and Sustainability, you will play a critical role in shaping Starbucks' technology ecosystem to enable scalable, innovative, and AI-driven solutions. You will lead architectural strategy, guide technical decisions, and ensure alignment with business objectives and enterprise standards.

  • Architectural Leadership: Develop and evolve technical architecture and design strategies based on business needs, lessons learned, and emerging trends.
  • Discovery & Feasibility: Lead initial discovery and proof-of-concept (POC) efforts to assess solution feasibility, technology fit, and alignment with Coffeehouse Design & Development platforms.
  • Collaboration & Influence: Partner with enterprise system teams to define technology recommendations and best practices for application design, cloud, integrations, monitoring, reporting, and data services.
  • AI Integration:
    • Identify opportunities to leverage AI and machine learning for predictive analytics, workflow optimization, and intelligent automation.
    • Collaborate with data science teams to design architectures that support AI-driven insights and scalable ML models.
    • Ensure AI solutions adhere to ethical guidelines, data privacy standards, and enterprise governance.
  • Standards & Frameworks: Deliver key architectural artifacts, including Major Decision Frameworks (MDFs), solution frameworks, design patterns, technical standards, and guidelines.
  • Roadmap Development: Create and maintain engineering and platform roadmaps informed by business priorities and stakeholder input.
  • Thought Leadership: Advise on a broad range of technologies, staying current with industry trends and assessing long-term impacts, total cost of ownership (TCO), and business implications.
  • Strategic Thinking: Challenge assumptions, consider opposing viewpoints, and evaluate short- and long-term financial and operational impacts.
  • Leadership Presence: Represent Coffeehouse Design & Development Technology in cross-functional settings with empathy, clarity, and influence.
  • Delivery Alignment: Stay connected to delivery teams to ensure architectural integrity and long-term sustainability of solutions.
Success Criteria

To excel in this role, you will:

  • Build organizational alignment rooted in Starbucks' Mission and Values.
  • Demonstrate empathy and active listening to bridge gaps in understanding.
  • Communicate complex technical concepts clearly and concisely, adapting to audience needs.
  • Show agility and creativity in adjusting strategies based on feedback.
  • Exhibit a bias for action while ensuring thoughtful, aligned solutions.
  • Foster knowledge sharing and connection-building across the organization.
  • Provide insights into best practices, measurements, and emerging technologies to strengthen the technical ecosystem.
  • Champion AI adoption and ensure its integration enhances business outcomes and partner experiences.
Capabilities

  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
  • Deep technical expertise across enterprise architecture, integrations, and cloud platforms.
  • Strong understanding of AI/ML technologies , data pipelines, and model deployment.
  • Ability to inspire and build buy-in across diverse stakeholder groups.
  • Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills.
  • Continuous improvement mindset with a focus on innovation and scalability.


Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field (Master's preferred).
  • 12+ years in software development; 10+ years in systems development and integrations.
  • 8+ years architecting middleware, RESTful APIs, and services on public cloud (Azure/AWS).
  • Expertise in system engineering for packaged and custom applications.
  • Familiarity with integration patterns (event-driven, APIs, job scheduling, flat files).
  • 8+ years in UI/Web development (HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, React).
  • 8+ years working with relational and NoSQL databases.
  • Experience with AI/ML platforms , data engineering, and model lifecycle management
  • Strong problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
  • Experience with agile and waterfall methodologies, release management.
  • Knowledge of retail functions (Market Planning, Lease Management, Construction, Design, Repair & Maintenance) is a plus.


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About Starbucks Corporation

Starbucks is an international chain of restaurants that retails handcrafted coffee, tea, and fresh food items. With 23,132 stores in 65 countries and territories, Starbucks locations serve hot and cold drinks, whole-bean coffee, microground instant coffee, espresso, caffe latte, full-leaf teas, evolution fresh juices, pastries, and snacks. Most stores also sell pre-packaged food items, hot and cold sandwiches, and items such as mugs and tumblers. The stores also offer a variety of beers, wines, and appetizers, and markets books, music, and film. Some of the company’s products are seasonal or specific to the locality of the store. Starbucks-brand coffee, ice cream, and bottled cold coffee drinks are also sold at grocery stores. Starbucks was founded by Orin Smith in October 1971 and is based in Seattle, Washington.

Starbucks Corporation Careers

Join the vibrant team at Starbucks Corporation, a premier destination for passionate, innovative professionals seeking impactful careers in the coffee industry and beyond. As a global leader in coffee and a champion of sustainable practices, Starbucks offers unparalleled job opportunities that promise both personal and professional growth.

Work You’ll Do

Embark on a fulfilling career path at Starbucks Corporation where you can blend your skills with a culture of excellence and innovation. Our team members are at the heart of our business, and we empower them through leadership development, diversity training, and continuous learning opportunities.

Transform Your Career

With Starbucks, you're not just taking a job; you're joining a culture that nurtures innovation, leadership, and a commitment to diversity and community involvement. Our baristas, managers, and corporate employees all play integral roles in our mission to inspire and nurture the human spirit—one person, one cup, and one neighborhood at a time.

Innovate and Lead

At Starbucks, innovation isn't just about coffee. It's about revolutionizing the way we connect with customers and grow our business. Lead the charge in creating and implementing new ideas as part of a team that values bold thinking and a fresh approach to challenges.

Professional Growth and Development

Starbucks is committed to the growth of its employees. Whether through professional development programs, internships, or leadership training, we provide the tools needed for you to advance your career within the company. Our robust benefits package supports the health, financial, and lifestyle needs of our team members and their families.

Join Our Team

Explore the array of job opportunities at Starbucks Corporation—from baristas to management positions. We are hiring creative, driven individuals who are ready to make meaningful contributions. Bring your unique perspective and talents to Starbucks and help us continue our legacy of innovation and exceptional service.

Networking and Career Advancement

Starbucks is a place where networking and professional relationships flourish. Connect with leaders and peers who can help guide your career path, and take advantage of our comprehensive training programs that prepare you for future leadership roles.

Internship Opportunities

Gain real-world experience and build your resume through a Starbucks internship. Our interns work on projects that matter, gaining skills that are crucial to succeeding in the coffee industry and beyond. It’s an opportunity to see what a career at Starbucks might look like, with many interns going on to full-time positions within the company.

Stay Connected

Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We look for passionate, curious, creative, and solution-driven team players. Join us and be part of a company that prides itself on growth, innovation, and a positive employment culture.

Keep Up to Date

Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here.

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Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at Starbucks Corporation.

Explore Starbucks Careers

Whether you're beginning your career journey or looking to enhance it, Starbucks offers a dynamic path filled with opportunities for success. Join us and become part of a team that is passionate about coffee, community, and making a positive impact in the world.
Learn more about Starbucks Corporation
Size
383,000 employees
Market Cap
$113.2 billion
Industry
Net Income
$664.8 million
Founded
1971
5 Year Trend
+7.6%
Revenue
$23.1 billion
NASDAQ

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