Principal Software Engineer, Full-stack

About OnebriefOnebrief is collaboration and AI-powered workflow software designed specifically for military staffs. By transforming this work, Onebrief makes the staff as a whole superhuman - meaning faster, smarter, and more efficient.

We take ownership, seek excellence, and play to win with the seriousness and camaraderie of an Olympic team. Onebrief operates as an all-remote company, though many of our employees work alongside our customers at military commands around the world.

Founded in 2019 by a group of experienced planners, today, Onebrief’s team spans veterans from all forces and global organizations, and technologists from leading-edge software companies. We’ve raised $123m+ from top-tier investors, including Battery Ventures, General Catalyst, Insight Partners, and Human Capital, and today, Onebrief is valued at $1.1B. With this continued growth, Onebrief is able to make an impact where it matters most.

About the roleWe're hiring a Principal Engineer to lead cross-cutting, high-leverage initiatives; the kind that span multiple teams and shape how we scale. You’ll define bets, align stakeholders, and drive technical strategy beyond your own code.

This is the most senior IC role within Engineering. You’ll partner with Eng Managers, PMs, and Staff+ engineers to architect systems that multiply team effectiveness. Your judgment will guide company-level tradeoffs. And when the moment calls for it, you’ll still roll up your sleeves and build.

This is a role for someone who creates clarity in the fog and is equal parts strategist, architect, and mentor

What you'll do• Define and drive strategic initiatives across multiple teams, often in ambiguous or undefined problem spaces

• Shape platform and system architecture to improve reliability, extensibility, and team velocity

• Mentor Staff and Senior engineers, guiding through design reviews, initiative framing, and technical alignment

• Lead initiative scoping and framing, not just implementation but also helping teams define the right bets

• Engage directly in critical implementation, especially where risk is high or leverage is real

• Bring clarity to messy contexts, helping others navigate tradeoffs and align

What we look for• ~8 - 12+ years of experience as a Software Engineer and in your most recent roles you're driving technical impact across teams and time horizons

• A record of leading multi-quarter initiatives and evolving system architecture

• Strong architectural judgment with a tight link to product and business outcomes

• Thoughtful, high-context communication thats driven by a desire clarity, not control

• A pattern of multiplying others: through systems, standards, and mentorship

• The ability to move fast with judgment while knowing when to ship, and when to reshape

Core tech we use• Frontend: React, TypeScript, Vite, shared component libraries, client-side observability

• Backend: Node.js, PostgreSQL, Redis, secure RESTful APIs

• Infrastructure: Kubernetes, AWS, CI/CD pipelines

• Integrations: CSV/Excel/KML importers, JWT auth, PDF exports, DoD data systems

Notice to Third Party Recruitment Agencies

Please note that Onebrief does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of an executed Recruitment Services Agreement, there will be no obligation to any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without an agreement Onebrief explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, shall be deemed the property of Onebrief.