Principal Software Engineer, Performance

About the Role

Key Responsibilities

• Design, build, and champion a reusable, open-source benchmarking tool to serve as a cornerstone of our performance strategy.
• Establish performance and load baselines for Posit's professional products, working with teams to understand existing performance tests and using the benchmarking tool to define standards.
• Develop and maintain dashboards for internal visibility on performance, creating a centralized dashboard for tracking performance metrics.
• Cultivate a 'performance-first' mindset across the engineering organization by mentoring and educating teams on performance best practices.
• Work with product and engineering leaders to embed performance considerations into roadmaps.
• Meet with customers to explain how they can best use our products and listen to their needs.

Requirements

• At least 8+ years of experience in software development with a proven track record of building developer tools, testing frameworks, observability platforms, or other high-leverage, systems-level software.
• Strong, fundamental understanding of Linux systems, Kubernetes, and how software performance is impacted by compute, storage, and networking infrastructure.
• Deep and practical understanding of performance analysis, load testing methodologies, and scalability engineering for complex distributed systems.
• Proficiency in at least one modern programming language (e.g., Go, Python, Rust, C++) and enthusiasm for learning other languages and technologies used across the Posit ecosystem.
• Curiosity and interest in exploring AI technologies, including how LLMs might be leveraged in performance tools.
• Exceptional communication and mentoring skills, with a focus on helping others learn and succeed.
• User-focused, pragmatic, and deliberate problem-solving approach with empathy for coworkers and users.

Nice to Have

• Experience with data science tools and workflows.
• Familiarity with open-source software development.
• Experience working in a Public Benefit Corporation or similar mission-driven organization.
• Knowledge of performance measurement and benchmarking in scientific or technical software.

Qualifications

• Formal educational background is not explicitly specified, but extensive professional experience is required.

Benefits & Perks

• 100% coverage of medical, dental, and vision insurance premiums for employees and their families, including fertility and gender-affirming healthcare.
• Supplemental mental health and wellness benefits via Ginger, including for teen family members.
• Gender-neutral paid parental leave for all new parents, including foster and adoptive parents.
• 401k enrollment from day one with a substantial yearly match after six months.
• Annual profit-sharing bonus.
• 100% distributed team with optional in-office work at Boston office.
• Monthly coworking space reimbursement of $400.
• Lifestyle Savings Account with an initial deposit of $1800 and quarterly stipends for professional development, wellness, and remote work support.
• Generous vacation policy of at least four weeks PTO plus 13 paid holidays.