Principal Software Engineer I

As a Principal Software Engineer I at Perforce, you will be responsible for architecting and developing robust and scalable solutions, providing technical leadership by peer-reviewing the work of other engineers, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to define system requirements. You will also be tasked with developing static code analysis tools, creating clean and well-tested code, and troubleshooting complex system issues to ensure optimal performance.

The ideal candidate for the Principal Software Engineer I role at Perforce should have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or equivalent, proficiency in at least one programming language such as C, Rust, or Java, and experience in Linux environments. Strong communication and collaboration skills are essential, along with the ability to effectively engage within cross-functional teams. Prior experience with file systems, particularly ZFS, is also a plus.

Delphix is the industry leader in DevOps test data management, focusing on helping businesses transform their application delivery. By automating data security while rapidly deploying test data, Delphix allows customers to modernize applications, adopt multi-cloud solutions, achieve continuous integration and delivery (CI/CD), and recover faster from downtime events such as ransomware.

At Perforce, you will find a work culture that emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and employee well-being. We value our team members and ensure they are recognized for their contributions. We combine the experience of a start-up with the stability of a profitable, established company. You can look forward to a supportive environment that encourages personal and professional growth.

Perforce is committed to the professional development of its employees, including Principal Software Engineers. You will have opportunities to mentor junior engineers, stay updated on industry best practices, and work with the latest technologies. Moreover, our team fosters a culture that encourages learning through collaboration and shared knowledge, paving the way for upward career mobility.

In interviews for the Principal Software Engineer I position, focus on specific examples from your past projects where you utilized efficient algorithm design and data structures. Discuss challenges you faced and how you overcame them, emphasizing the impact your designs had on performance and scalability.

When asked about debugging, outline your systematic approach, including tools you typically use and examples of complex issues you successfully resolved in past roles. Highlight your analytical skills and your ability to troubleshoot effectively in Linux environments.

Discuss your coding practices focusing on writing readable and maintainable code. Talk about integrating testing frameworks, utilizing code reviews, and adhering to Agile methodologies to ensure high-quality output that minimizes bugs and technical debt.

In your response, emphasize your dedication to continuous learning through reading technical publications, participating in webinars, and networking with industry professionals. Share specific examples where you implemented new technologies or practices in your work.

Prepare a narrative that outlines the project’s context, your role, how you communicated with team members from different functions, and the final outcome. This demonstrates your collaboration skills and your capability to handle complexity.

Reflect on your mentoring experiences, noting specific challenges like diverse skill levels and different learning paces. Explain how you adapted your approach to meet those needs, showcasing your leadership skills and commitment to helping others grow.

If applicable, detail your familiarity with ZFS, noting any specific projects where you configured or optimized file systems. Even if you don’t have direct experience, express your understanding of its benefits and features, showing your willingness to learn.

Outline your organizational tactics, such as prioritization frameworks you employ or examples of successful project management under pressure. This displays your ability to manage time effectively while delivering quality results.

Express your admiration for Perforce’s commitment to innovation and employee support. Relate your personal values to the company's mission, showcasing genuine excitement about contributing to a dynamic team.

In your answer, detail your familiarity with Agile practices, emphasizing teamwork, adaptability, and continual improvement in processes. Share experiences where Agile methodology led to successful outcomes.