Principal Software Engineer

Rocket Companies

$169K — $366K *
US-AnywhereRemote in Michigan, US
Information Technology
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field.
  • 12+ years in software engineering and architecture roles.
  • Experience building developer platforms/ecosystems.
  • Advanced expertise with TypeScript/JavaScript, React, Next.js, GraphQL, and large-scale APIs.
  • Proven technical leadership and mentoring impact.
  • Strong communication skills, able to engage with engineering and executive teams.

Responsibilities

  • Define vision and lead architecture for scalable systems and platforms.
  • Guide technology adoption for large-scale Web & API architectures.
  • Build and maintain enterprise developer tools and CI/CD practices.
  • Integrate AI-enabled coding and automation tools into the SDLC.
  • Mentor engineers and technical leaders to promote technical excellence.
  • Influence product direction through technical expertise and collaboration.
  • Act as a thought leader in the technical community.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health and well-being benefits for team members and their families.
  • Supportive workplace culture prioritizing individual well-being.
  • Variety of perks aimed at helping team members live their best lives.
  • Focus on personal support for peace of mind.
Full Job Description
As a Principal Engineer within Client Experience (CX), you'll help shape and deliver Rocket's vision for seamless, end-to-end digital journeys for millions of clients across the homeownership lifecycle. The CX vertical unites world-class product managers, engineers, and designers to power all of Rocket's client-facing digital products-including Refinance or apply for a mortgage online , Refinance or apply for a mortgage online , Digital Applications, Origination, Servicing & Loyalty, and our mobile app experiences.

Client Experience owns every interaction and impression a client has with Rocket across web and mobile. Our teams architect high-velocity digital storefronts, empower first-class mobile and web experiences, and build powerful engagement and conversion platforms that drive Rocket's business. We supercharge digital origination, leverage AI and champion seamless movement between products to help clients achieve their homeownership goals-delivering trust, ease, and innovation every step of the way.

You'll work among expert peers and visionary leaders, defining technical standards, mentoring engineering talent, and guiding the evolution of next-generation client platforms. With a focus on TypeScript/JavaScript, React, Next.js, GraphQL, robust APIs, and developer ecosystems, you will help amplify Rocket's digital transformation and create delightful, scalable experiences that set the industry standard for client engagement and satisfaction.

Principal Engineers provide cross-organizational technical leadership, operating across multiple divisions and domains to drive enterprise-wide technology standards, build advanced platforms, and accelerate internal transformation. As key thought leaders, Principal Engineers define and influence technical strategy, shape engineering culture, and represent engineering in executive-level discussions. They introduce and scale innovative solutions, including AI and automation throughout the software development lifecycle, that materially impact the company and industry.

About the role
  • Define vision and lead architecture for major systems and platforms, ensuring scalability and future readiness.
  • Guide technology adoption, focusing on large-scale Web & API architectures.
  • Build and maintain enterprise developer tools, robust CI/CD practices, and platform engineering standards.
  • Integrate and advocate use of AI-enabled coding/automation tools throughout the SDLC.
  • Mentor engineers and technical leaders, strengthening technical excellence across the company.
  • Influence business/product direction through deep technical expertise and cross-functional collaboration.
  • Act as thought leader via presentations, documentation, open source, or technical communities.


Aboutyou

Minimum Qualifications
  • Bachelor's or higher in Computer Science or related field.
  • 12+ years in professional software engineering & architecture roles.
  • Experience building or shaping developer platforms/ecosystems.


Preferred Qualifications
  • Advanced expertise with TypeScript/JavaScript, React, Next.js, GraphQL, large-scale APIs, developer tooling, and AWS.
  • Experience integrating AI/automation into the SDLC using modern tools.
  • Track record of technical leadership and mentoring with company-wide impact.
  • Excellent communicator, comfortable working across engineering and executive teams.


What you'll get

Our team members fuel our strategy, innovation and growth, so we ensure the health and well-being of not just you, but your family, too! We go above and beyond to give you the support you need on an individual level and offer all sorts of ways to help you live your best life. We are proud to offer eligible team members perks and health benefits that will help you have peace of mind. Simply put: We've got your back. Check out our full list of Benefits and Perks.

On-Call Expectations
This role may include participation in an on-call rotation to support production systems and ensure service reliability. On-call responsibilities may include coverage during nights and weekends. If applicable, frequency and scheduling will be determined by team needs and communicated accordingly.

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