Starbucks Corporation

engineer principal - Global Technology Strategy Enablement, Nashville TN (Hybrid)

Starbucks Corporation • $135K — $160K *
Information Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10-15 years of software development and platform management experience
  • 5 years of experience leading teams of six or more software developers
  • 3 years of technical leadership across multiple platforms
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field
  • Deep expertise in modern cloud platforms, preferably Azure
  • Experience designing extensible and localized software architectures
  • Proven track record in defining technical standards and influencing cross-functional teams

Responsibilities

  • Extend US systems for global use by designing configuration and localization approaches
  • Build scalable integration solutions connecting US platforms with international systems
  • Define and own technical standards within the Global Licensing Framework
  • Evolve team collaboration models to integrate international requirements early
  • Drive business forward as part of a collaborative and energetic team

Benefits

  • Access to medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid parental leave and family expansion reimbursement
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
  • 100% upfront tuition coverage for a first-time bachelor's degree
  • Access to backup care and DACA reimbursement
  • Paid vacation and sick time from date of hire
  • Participation in a discounted company stock program
Full Job Description
As principal engineer, Global Technology Strategy & Enablement, you will lead the engineering work to extend those US systems for broader global use: designing how they are configured, localized and integrated for international markets, building integration approaches and solutions that scale across countries and licensees, and defining the technical standards that sit within our Global Licensing Framework. You will bring deep software engineering knowledge to that challenge and ultimately help leverage Starbucks scale and US-focused investment for the benefit of every market we serve.

You will be one of a small global core team sitting between US-based Starbucks Technology, Starbucks Digital Solutions and our regional technology teams in Asia Pacific, EMEA and Latin America and the Caribbean. The team's mandate is "build once, adopt widely": defining the technical standards and reference architectures within the Global Licensing Framework that markets and licensees build against, designing the integration approaches that connect US platforms with market and licensee systems at scale, and providing hands-on engineering to land global capability in region without overburdening the core teams focused on North America. Near-term priorities include refreshing the technical standards in the Global Licensing Framework, extending our observability platform to cover our international regions, and scaling select Starbucks Technology capabilities out of North America.

This position reports to the director, Engineering - Global Technology Strategy & Enablement, based in Nashville, within the Global Experience Technology organization. The team is being formed now, so you will shape how it works rather than inherit it, with direct exposure to CTO-level strategy and to Starbucks Technology, Starbucks Digital Solutions and regional leadership around the world.

As a principal engineer, Global Technology Strategy & Enablement, you will...
• Extend US systems for broader global use. Assess Starbucks Technology and Starbucks Digital Solutions platforms built for North America, design the extension points, configuration and localization approach that let them serve international markets, and lead the hands-on engineering to prove the approach in real markets.
• Build integration approaches and solutions that scale. Design the API, event and data integration patterns that connect US platforms with market and licensee systems, including automated data ingestion from markets so that Starbucks becomes an increasingly data-led organization, and make sure they hold up across dozens of countries rather than one.
• Define technical standards as part of the Global Licensing Framework. Own the engineering standards, reference architectures and integration requirements that international markets and licensees build against, and lead the architecture and solution reviews that ensure they are adopted consistently.
• Evolve how teams work together. Shape the engagement model between the core teams focused on North America, the global core and regional engineering, so that international requirements are designed in early and delivered without pulling core teams away from their own roadmaps.
• Enjoy working on an energetic, fun team and have a clear ability to drive the business forward as part of a highly collaborative team, while acting in accordance with Starbucks guiding principles and values.

We'd love to hear from people with:
• 10-15 years of professional industry experience with software development and platform management, with deep, hands-on knowledge of designing, building and operating large-scale platforms
• 5 years of leading teams of six or more software developers
• 3 years of demonstrating technical leadership across multiple platforms
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field
• Deep expertise in modern cloud platforms (Azure preferred) and in designing API-first, event-driven and data integration solutions that operate reliably at enterprise scale
• Experience designing software for extensibility and localization, such as configuration-driven, multi-tenant or multi-market architectures, so that solutions built for one market can be extended to serve others
• Proven track record defining technical standards and reference architectures that partner organizations and teams genuinely adopt, and influencing without direct authority across engineering, product and business teams
• Strong DevOps, CI/CD, observability and reliability engineering practice
• Experience working across multiple markets or regions and with distributed teams across time zones

It would be great if you also bring:
• Experience taking a technology capability built for one market and scaling it across multiple countries or business units, including making the commercial case for adoption with partners such as licensees or franchisees
• A track record of replacing fragmented, manually collected data with automated ingestion and reporting that leaders across a large organization actually use to make decisions
• Comfort operating in a landscape that blends in-house platforms with third-party and SaaS solutions, and making pragmatic build-versus-buy calls that balance global consistency with local commercial reality
• An understanding of store, retail or hospitality technology and what it takes to land a global capability in a local market

As a Starbucks partner, you (and your family) will have access to medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, and other voluntary insurance benefits. Partners have access to short-term and long-term disability, paid parental leave, family expansion reimbursement, paid vacation from date of hire*, sick time (accrued at 1 hour for every 25 hours worked), eight paid holidays, and two personal days per year. Starbucks also offers eligible partners participation in a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, a discounted company stock program (S.I.P.), Starbucks equity program (Bean Stock), incentivized emergency savings, and financial well-being tools. Additionally, Starbucks offers 100% upfront tuition coverage for a first-time bachelor's degree through Arizona State University's online program via the Starbucks College Achievement Plan, student loan management resources, and access to other educational opportunities. You will also have access to backup care and DACA reimbursement. Starbucks will comply with any applicable state and local laws regarding employee leave benefits, including, but not limited to providing time off pursuant to the Colorado Healthy Families and Workplaces Act, and in accordance with its plans and policies. This list is subject to change depending on collective bargaining in locations where partners have a certified bargaining representative. For additional information regarding partner perks and more detailed information about benefits, go to starbucksbenefits.com.

*If you are working in CA, CO, IL, LA, ME, MA, NE, ND or RI, you will accrue vacation up to a maximum of 120 hours (190 in CA) for roles below director and 200 hours (316 in CA) for roles at director or above. For roles in other states, you will be granted vacation time starting at 120 hours annually for roles below director and 200 hours annually for roles director and above.

The actual base pay offered to the successful candidate will be based on multiple factors, including but not limited to job-related knowledge/skills, experience, geographical location, and internal equity. At Starbucks, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at the high end of the range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent upon the facts and circumstances of each position and candidate.

We believe we do our best work when we're together, which is why we're onsite four days a week.

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.

Job Alert Emails

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

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Starbucks Corporation

More Information Technology Jobs

Find similar engineer principal - Global Technology Strategy Enablement, Nashville TN (Hybrid) jobs: