Principal Software Developer/ 2 hours ago
Lightspeed
Attractive
Application ends: 2026-03-07
Quick Summary
This is a hands-on Principal Software Developer role at Lightspeed, focused on guiding the architecture and design of critical, scalable, cloud-based systems for the flagship Retail product used globally, while personally contributing code. The role requires 15+ years of software development experience, including 5+ years as a technical leader and 2+ years managing architecture for 35+ engineers, with proficiency across multiple stacks (Go, PHP, Java, Python, RoR). Key responsibilities include driving system reliability and performance improvements, enhancing development practices (testing, deployment, incident management), and mentoring engineers to uplevel organizational engineering craft. Candidates must be located in Canada and work EST/EDT hours, with flexible remote/hybrid options available. Compensation for Ontario-based hires is $210,000 - $235,000 CAD.
Principal Software Developer (Hands-on)
As a hands-on Principal Software Developer, you will guide the design and architecture of critical system components for the flagship Lightspeed Retail product, utilized by thousands of global merchants. You will personally contribute to key system parts, delivering innovative solutions that meet customer needs. A core part of this role is upleveling engineering craft across the organization by providing technical guidance, promoting best practices, and mentoring engineers to build towards a sustainable architecture.
This role requires you to be located in Canada and work within EST/EDT hours. We offer fully remote, partially remote, or fully office-based work environments (in cities with local offices).
What You'll Be Responsible For
* Ensuring that systems supporting new initiatives are well-designed and scalable.
* Analyzing existing systems and infrastructure landscape to identify opportunities for architectural improvement, duplication reduction, and making systems more performant and robust.
* Identifying key recurring patterns that lead to incidents and non-project overhead, and developing plans to address them.
* Driving significant improvements in systems reliability and performance.
* Enhancing development practices, covering design reviews, testing, deployment, and incident management.
* Conducting architectural deep-dives and mentoring key members across all services teams.
* Playing a key role in developing a high-performance culture within the Retail organization as a senior engineering team member.
* Contributing as part of the wider team to achieve organizational objectives, even outside strict role scope.
Required Experience & Skills
* 15+ years of professional experience in software development.
* 5+ years of experience serving as a technical leader for multiple teams.
* 2+ years of experience managing architecture across multiple teams involving 35+ engineers.
* Proven history of developing business-critical systems at scale, designed to run on the cloud.
* Track record of delivering key business outcomes under challenging timelines.
* Experience across multiple technology stacks (e.g., Go, PHP, Java, RoR, Python).
* Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas concisely.
* Ability to moderate technical conversations, manage diverse opinions, and make rapid decisions.
Preferred Qualifications (Not Necessary)
* Expertise in distributed systems and building multi-region systems for the cloud.
* Deep expertise in domain-driven software development.
* Ability to lead and guide a team of engineers while maintaining hands-on contribution.
* Retail or Ecommerce domain experience.
* Experience with people management responsibilities.
Who You Are
* You possess a passion for software development and maintain a customer-focused mindset.
* You are a collaborative team player who actively helps grow other developers.
* You recognize the need for constant improvement, self-growth, and accountability.
* You step up to lead features, solve problems, and research new technologies.
* You set ambitious goals and operate with urgency and focus.
Compensation and Benefits
The reasonably expected total compensation for this position is in the range of $210,000 - $235,000 CAD (for candidates hired to perform work within Ontario).
Benefits & Perks:
* Lightspeed equity scheme (equity for all Lightspeeders).
* Flexible paid time off and remote work policies.
* Health insurance.
* Contributions to your pension plan (RRSP plan and match).
* Health and wellness benefit of $500 per year.
* Paid leave and assistance for new parents (paid parental leave top-up).
* Mental health online platform and counseling & coaching services.
* Training opportunities for skill and career growth.
* Volunteer day.
* Fully stacked kitchen (hot and cold beverages, meals served) and happy hours (where applicable).
* Innovation time dedicated to exploration and learning.
* Opportunities to shape the company by joining cultural & technical committees.
* Growth opportunities into technical or people management roles.
About Lightspeed
Lightspeed powers the businesses that form the backbone of the global economy. Our one-stop commerce platform helps merchants innovate to simplify, scale, and provide exceptional customer experiences. Our cloud commerce solution unifies online and physical operations, multichannel sales, expansion to new locations, global payments, financial solutions, and connection to supplier networks.
Founded in Montréal, Canada in 2005, Lightspeed is dual-listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: LSPD) and Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: LSPD). With teams across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, the company serves retail, hospitality, and golf businesses in over 100 countries.
Lightspeed is committed to creating an inclusive and barrier-free workplace and welcomes applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request. For a glimpse into our world check out our career page.
As a hands-on Principal Software Developer, you will guide the design and architecture of critical system components for the flagship Lightspeed Retail product, utilized by thousands of global merchants. You will personally contribute to key system parts, delivering innovative solutions that meet customer needs. A core part of this role is upleveling engineering craft across the organization by providing technical guidance, promoting best practices, and mentoring engineers to build towards a sustainable architecture.
This role requires you to be located in Canada and work within EST/EDT hours. We offer fully remote, partially remote, or fully office-based work environments (in cities with local offices).
What You'll Be Responsible For
* Ensuring that systems supporting new initiatives are well-designed and scalable.
* Analyzing existing systems and infrastructure landscape to identify opportunities for architectural improvement, duplication reduction, and making systems more performant and robust.
* Identifying key recurring patterns that lead to incidents and non-project overhead, and developing plans to address them.
* Driving significant improvements in systems reliability and performance.
* Enhancing development practices, covering design reviews, testing, deployment, and incident management.
* Conducting architectural deep-dives and mentoring key members across all services teams.
* Playing a key role in developing a high-performance culture within the Retail organization as a senior engineering team member.
* Contributing as part of the wider team to achieve organizational objectives, even outside strict role scope.
Required Experience & Skills
* 15+ years of professional experience in software development.
* 5+ years of experience serving as a technical leader for multiple teams.
* 2+ years of experience managing architecture across multiple teams involving 35+ engineers.
* Proven history of developing business-critical systems at scale, designed to run on the cloud.
* Track record of delivering key business outcomes under challenging timelines.
* Experience across multiple technology stacks (e.g., Go, PHP, Java, RoR, Python).
* Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex ideas concisely.
* Ability to moderate technical conversations, manage diverse opinions, and make rapid decisions.
Preferred Qualifications (Not Necessary)
* Expertise in distributed systems and building multi-region systems for the cloud.
* Deep expertise in domain-driven software development.
* Ability to lead and guide a team of engineers while maintaining hands-on contribution.
* Retail or Ecommerce domain experience.
* Experience with people management responsibilities.
Who You Are
* You possess a passion for software development and maintain a customer-focused mindset.
* You are a collaborative team player who actively helps grow other developers.
* You recognize the need for constant improvement, self-growth, and accountability.
* You step up to lead features, solve problems, and research new technologies.
* You set ambitious goals and operate with urgency and focus.
Compensation and Benefits
The reasonably expected total compensation for this position is in the range of $210,000 - $235,000 CAD (for candidates hired to perform work within Ontario).
Benefits & Perks:
* Lightspeed equity scheme (equity for all Lightspeeders).
* Flexible paid time off and remote work policies.
* Health insurance.
* Contributions to your pension plan (RRSP plan and match).
* Health and wellness benefit of $500 per year.
* Paid leave and assistance for new parents (paid parental leave top-up).
* Mental health online platform and counseling & coaching services.
* Training opportunities for skill and career growth.
* Volunteer day.
* Fully stacked kitchen (hot and cold beverages, meals served) and happy hours (where applicable).
* Innovation time dedicated to exploration and learning.
* Opportunities to shape the company by joining cultural & technical committees.
* Growth opportunities into technical or people management roles.
About Lightspeed
Lightspeed powers the businesses that form the backbone of the global economy. Our one-stop commerce platform helps merchants innovate to simplify, scale, and provide exceptional customer experiences. Our cloud commerce solution unifies online and physical operations, multichannel sales, expansion to new locations, global payments, financial solutions, and connection to supplier networks.
Founded in Montréal, Canada in 2005, Lightspeed is dual-listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: LSPD) and Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: LSPD). With teams across North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, the company serves retail, hospitality, and golf businesses in over 100 countries.
Lightspeed is committed to creating an inclusive and barrier-free workplace and welcomes applications from people with disabilities. Accommodations are available upon request. For a glimpse into our world check out our career page.