This position is not eligible for immigration sponsorship, e.g., H-1B, TN, etc. Please do not apply if you will need immigration sponsorship for a work visa now or in the future, including sponsorship for H-1B, TN, etc., now or in the future. We are unable to hire individuals with CPT, OPT, or STEM OPT for this position as the position is not eligible for participation in the H-1B lottery program and is not eligible for current or future immigration sponsorship for a work visa.

Location: This position is onsite minimally 3 days a week at The CE Innovation Center located in Jackson, MI. The selected candidate must be within a commutable distance or willing to relocate (relocation package is available for those that qualify).

• The interview process for this position will consist of both a panel interview as well as technical interview/assessment

General Summary of Job Responsibilities

The Applications and Analytics team is at the heart of innovation, powering Michigan's future by crafting cutting-edge digital solutions that transform how our customers and communities experience energy. Guided by our Digital First strategy, we harness modern technical practices and agile methodologies to create intuitive, impactful software that drives measurable business value and enhances user experiences. Join a dynamic team where collaboration, creativity, and impact converge!

We partner closely with business teams to uncover digital opportunities, prioritize high-impact outcomes, and deliver trustworthy, user-friendly technology. By embracing our CE Way principles-engaging on solutions, illuminating priorities, and minimizing waste-we build systems that are simple, helpful, and valuable. If you're passionate about innovation, community, and shaping a sustainable energy future, come grow with us at Consumers Energy!

The Principal Software Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining software applications and systems at an expert level. This role requires a deep understanding of programming languages, development methodologies, and emerging technologies to create scalable, high-performance solutions that align with business objectives. The Principal Software Engineer plays a critical leadership role in shaping technical direction, mentoring engineers across experience levels, and driving industry innovation while ensuring system architecture and best practices are continuously refined and optimized.

The role could include placement on a paid on-call rotation to provide operational support coverage outside of normal business hours for critical business application(s).

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Provide strategic guidance on improving quality throughout the software development lifecycle, implementing new best practices
• Define and maintain the vision for integrated solutions that optimize performance, scalability, security, and maintainability
• Drive the technical direction for integrated solutions, ensuring teams understand and implement best practices
• Collaborate with developers in an Agile environment, applying clean coding principles
• Apply advanced architectural principles to design and evolve system structures
• Provide direct technical velocity where necessary, contributing hands-on expertise to critical projects
• Conduct paired coding, mentoring, and interviewing to support talent development and growth
• Actively mentor and coach engineers in clean coding techniques, Agile methodologies, and software craftsmanship
• Represent the company in industry forums and conferences, contributing thought leadership to the broader tech community
• Lead innovative initiatives and explore emerging technologies to enhance software solutions
• Other duties as assigned or may be necessary

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Ability to understand business needs, aligning technical solutions with departmental strategy, long-term vision, and enterprise architecture
• Executive presence with the ability to lead teams, drive technical direction, and influence stakeholders, while fostering collaboration across departments
• Excellent ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse audiences, including senior leadership, and contribute to Agile and software craftsmanship communities through thought leadership
• Expertise in leveraging Lean Agile methodologies to enhance product delivery while evaluating and implementing best practices for decision-making and problem-solving
• Polyglot engineer with expertise in multiple programming languages, object-oriented programming, and functional paradigms
• Maintains a learning attitude, continuously improving technical and leadership skills
• Actively promotes collaboration, provides constructive feedback based on principles of craftsmanship, and ensures high-quality code across teams

Education/Experience

• Bachelor's degree in computer, engineering or related discipline with seven (7) or more years of relevant coding experience
• [OR] Associate's degree in computer, engineering or related discipline with nine (9) or more years of relevant coding experience
• [OR] High School Diploma/GED with degree with eleven (11) or more years of relevant coding experience

Preferred Experience

One or more of the following skills will set you apart:

• Proven expertise in C# and .NET [DP1]
• Proven expertise in front-end languages/frameworks (HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Next.js)
• Developed and managed full API lifecycle (design to retirement) strategy and implementation
• Proficiency in OOP, Test Driven Development, and Clean Code Practices[DP2]
• Skilled with testing tools (e.g., Bruno, Postman, Blazemeter, Jmeter, Certify)
• Managed complex Azure compute, networking, and storage solutions
• Led Generative AI strategy and implementation including governance and compliance plans
• Proven expertise in Azure DevOps, CLI, PowerShell, and CI/CD
• Collaborated or led enterprise-wide cloud initiatives
• Proven expertise in Python and experience with machine learning frameworks
• Implemented governance and monitoring strategies for large programs
• Experience in developing and maintaining solutions in SAP S/4HANA (ABAP, RAP, CDS Views, Fiori, SAPUI5, BTP, and RISE) in addition to the items above would be considered a differentiator [DP3]

What we offer:

• Competitive compensation packages
• Medical, Dental and Vision
• 401k with company match
• Paid parental leave
• Up to 13 paid Holidays
• Paid time off
• Educational Assistance Program