Principal Engineer

We're Ookla, the company behind Speedtest, Downdetector, and an ever-expanding suite of connectivity tools. Our team is a group of people brought together through passion and inspired by possibility. We are looking for team members who enjoy solving complex problems, are motivated to challenge themselves, and are delighted with turning clever ideas into unique products.
Millions of tests are performed through our products and thousands of data points are collected globally every day. With all this usage comes countless ways to dissect and analyze our data, and plenty of exciting opportunities to optimize our monetization strategy. When you work for us, you are using Ookla data and insights to further our mission to improve connectivity for all.
We are committed to providing you a flexible work environment where individuality, fun, and talent are all valued equally. If you consider yourself innovative, adept at collaboration, and you care deeply about the work you do, we want to talk!
We are looking for a Principal Software Engineer to join our Engineering team and own the architecture of Ookla's technical products and its evolution over time.
You will be responsible for designing all aspects of the software architecture, in collaboration with other stakeholders. You will also actively participate in the development, embedded in various Agile teams, to ensure proper implementation of key components and influence the engineering cultures.
You love to code and appreciate well designed systems, as you will need to strike the right balance between diagrams and code. You have experience with enterprise architecture as well as low level networking or embedded systems. You want to make a better Internet for everyone. You already use Ookla's tools to check your broadband or mobile data performance, now you have a chance to be a part of the team that produces them.
We are people first, employees second at Ookla, and we know there is no one perfect path to any job. If you're excited about the work we're doing and think you have a creative new approach, please apply whether or not your experience matches the job description. We strongly believe diversity of all kinds makes us better. We are an equal opportunity employer actively working to build an inclusive workforce at all levels of the company. Read our latest diversity report here
Expectations for Success

• develop, communicate and implement the architecture of Ookla's products
• collaborate with stakeholders to incorporate key business drivers in product architectures and ensure roadmaps are aligned across teams
• participate in the development and implementation as an individual contributor on key projects
• identify and solve business problems with technical solutions
• communicate, teach and evangelize Ookla's engineering principles and practices
• identify and implement improvements to increase development velocity

Requirements
We are looking for the right person, not the exact list of requirements. If you believe your life experience has prepared you for similar challenges, we'd like to hear from you.

• 10+ years of software development experience, with a solid foundation in consumer and enterprise application architecture, data structures, algorithms, and design patterns.
• Experience with web, mobile and backend development environments
• Experience with SDKs, APIs and embedded systems
• Strong understanding of networking fundamentals (IP, TCP/UDP, HTTP/S, WebSocket).
• Experience writing unit, integration, load and stress tests.
• Proficiency with collaborative development workflows (branches, PRs) and continuous integration practices.
• Excellent debugging and troubleshooting skills.
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong time management skills and a self driven work ethic.

Benefits
We care deeply about each other and the work we do, and our perks are just one way we demonstrate this. We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including (but not limited to):

• 401(k) matching,
• unlimited PTO,
• ESPP options,
• health/dental/vision insurance coverage, and
• enhanced parental leave.

You will have the best hardware, software, and tools available for you to do your work, and we provide excellent flexibility for working remotely as time and responsibilities allow. To promote your success and growth, we offer tuition reimbursement, educational opportunities, and anti-racism and LGBTQIA+ resource libraries. Transit passes, team happy hours and activities, and gym reimbursements are only a few of the additional, outstanding perks available to you at Ookla
If you're passionate about joining the work we're doing, we welcome your application and encourage applicants with both traditional and non-traditional experience that makes them an excellent candidate for the role. We strongly believe diversity of all kinds makes us better. We are an equal opportunity employer actively working to build an inclusive workforce at all levels of the company. [Read our latest diversity report from our parent company here .]
We want to ensure candidates have everything they need throughout our application and hiring process. If you have any individual needs related to disability or accessibility, we encourage you to contact and let us know how we can best accommodate you.
Location: This position may be performed anywhere in the United States except within New York City.