Senior Principal Engineer, Central Ops & Systems

The role

The Senior Principal Engineer serves as the technical visionary and architect for the Central Operations and Systems organization. This role defines technical strategy for internal AI, developer tools, infrastructure, and corporate systems to enable Docker's transformation to an AI-first company.

What you will do

• Define and own the multi-year technical vision for Central Operations and Systems.
• Establish strategic plans and objectives for major initiatives.
• Translate organizational strategy into technical roadmaps.
• Identify and prioritize investments for maximum platform leverage.
• Develop architectural principles and standards.
• Lead technical vision and implementation for large cross-company programs.
• Architect the Docker SDLC Golden Path.
• Drive convergence of fragmented systems across Docker.
• Define the infrastructure platform vision.
• Mentor and develop Staff and Principal engineers.

Required qualifications

• 12+ years of software engineering experience with expertise across multiple domains
• Proven track record architecting and delivering large-scale distributed systems
• Broad working knowledge across all platform domains
• Expert-level understanding of API design, service architecture, and system integration patterns at scale
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, or Azure) and modern infrastructure patterns (Kubernetes, service mesh, infrastructure-as-code)
• Knowledge of enterprise security requirements and compliance frameworks (SOC 2, ISO 27001)
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
• Track record of establishing strategic technical plans that enabled business outcomes
• Experience translating business strategy into technical architecture and roadmaps
• Demonstrated ability to identify and prioritize investments that provide maximum platform leverage
• Understanding of SaaS business models, enterprise sales cycles, and how platform capabilities influence commercial success
• Experience making build-vs-buy decisions for critical platform components

Nice to have

• Experience at developer tools, infrastructure software, or B2B SaaS companies at significant scale
• Background with container technologies, Docker, Kubernetes, or developer productivity platforms
• Track record of successfully migrating legacy systems while maintaining business continuity
• Knowledge of Financial Operations and infrastructure cost optimization at scale
• Advanced degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related technical field
• External recognition as a technical leader (conference speaking, publications, open source contributions)

Benefits

• Remote-first by design
• Flexibility to manage your schedule
• Generous PTO
• Designated quarterly Whaleness Days
• Designated end-of-year Whaleness break
• Home office support
• Technology stipend equivalent to US$100 net per month
• Annual stipend for conferences, courses, certifications, and continued learning
• 16 weeks of paid parental leave after six months of employment
• Equity for all full-time employees
• Medical, retirement, and paid holidays vary by country
• Docker swag

Before you apply

• Docker considers visa sponsorship on a case-by-case basis based on business needs
• Docker may use AI-assisted tools during the recruiting process
• Candidates may be invited to opt in to interview recordings

About the company

Docker is a globally distributed, remote-first team building tools that define how software gets built and delivered. Their products include Docker Desktop, Docker Hub, and Docker Scout.