Principal Software Engineer

You have a clear vision of where your career can go. And we have the leadership to help you get there. At CNA, we strive to create a culture in which people know they matter and are part of something important, ensuring the abilities of all employees are used to their fullest potential.
Join our team as a Principal Software Engineer and lead the design and development of cutting-edge enterprise applications and data solutions. In this role, you'll tackle complex challenges, architect scalable integrations, and drive innovation across cloud platforms like Google Cloud and Guidewire Cloud (AWS). You'll work at the highest technical level, applying deep expertise in SDLC, application integration, and data analytics to deliver secure, high-performing solutions. If you thrive on solving tough problems, building seamless integrations, and shaping technology strategy, we want you on our team. Experience with Guidewire, ETL processes, and cloud-native analytics is highly valued insurance industry knowledge is a plus.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Performs a combination of duties in accordance with departmental guidelines:

• Acts as the principal designer for major high risk , high complexity systems and their subsystems utilizing a thorough understanding of available technology, tools and existing designs. Includes leading the integration of vendor applications and/or consulting resources into CNA applications and/or resources.

• Provides comprehensive technical consultation to business unit and IT management and staff at the highest level of complexity on all phases of application programming and processes for diverse development platforms and computing environments. Includes performance engineering, functionality testing, production implementation, application recovery and maintenance, application stability, defect resolution, and meeting service level agreements.

• Acts as expert technical resource to develop and mentor staff in all phases of the development and implementation process. Participates in instructing, directing, and checking the design or applications work of others. Leads high risk projects.

• Acts as liaison between clients, vendors, consulting resources, and applications area. Analyzes problems regarding detailed requirements and capabilities and works cross organizationally to resolve issues and solve problems.

• Researches and evaluates new and/or alternative solutions and recommends the most efficient and cost effe ctive app lication programming solution consistent with strategic direction. Also anticipates changes to determine development tools, processes and implements those decisions.

• Assists with the identification and selection of information technologies, vendors, and/or consulting resources which assist the functional business units in meeting their strategic objectives . Includes assist ing with relationship management, contract negotiations, and ensuring adherence to requirements.

• Works closely with other IT areas to contribute to the overall strategic direction of the applications portfolio. Includes partnering with Architecture to assist with the overall tec hnology di rection of CNA.

• May code new or modified programs, reuse existing code through the use of program development software alternatives and/or integrate purchased solutions.

Reporting Relationship : Typically Director or above.
Skills, Knowledge and Ab ilities
1. Expert technical knowledge of the system development life cycle, and system and application program development technological alternatives.
2. Senior level knowledge of client area's functions and systems.
3. Must be competent to work at the highest technical level of all phases of application program/system design and implementation and have excellent analytical and problem solving skills.
4. Excellent project management skills and ability to organize and plan effectively to meet both short and long range project goals.
5. Solid knowledge of interface design and user centered design method.
6. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with peers, IT
management and staff, and internal business partners/clients.
7. Advanced computer skills including Microsoft Office suite and other business related software systems or languages including, but not limited to Mainframe, DB2, UNIX, Oracle, Websphere J2EE Java, Peoplesoft, Business Objects, and ETL. Other technologies will apply dependent on business area supported.
8. Proficiency in Google Cloud technologies, including:

• Programming Languages: Java/J2EE, Spring Boot, SQL, GitHub, Apache Kafka, Mockito, Hibernate, JUnit, NodeJS/ReactJS
• API Design Principles: Expertise in RESTful API design, including endpoint creation, data serialization, authentication, and versioning
• Google Cloud Services: Familiarity with GCP offerings such as Google Compute Engine, Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE), Anthos Service Mesh (ASM), Cloud Storage, Cloud Functions, and Cloud Run
• Security: Experience implementing security measures like OAuth (Okta), JWT, and Google Secret Manager (GSM)
• Database Management: Knowledge of SQL and NoSQL databases, schema design, and API-based interactions
• CI/CD Practices: Hands-on experience with tools like Jenkins, Concourse, GitLab CI, or GitHub Actions for automated build, test, and deployment
• Testing and Debugging: Strong skills in unit, integration, and end-to-end testing, with expertise in debugging and issue resolution

9. Expertise in application integration design and development, ensuring accuracy, scalability, and ease of consumption.
10. Must have Guidewire Integration experience, including Cloud APIs, Integration Gateway, and REST APIs.
11. Preferred: Familiarity with the insurance industry, its products, and services.
12. Nice to have: Experience with Guidewire PolicyCenter.
Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree with Masters preferred in Computer Science, or related discipline, or equivalent work experience.

• Minimum of 10+ years of progressive experience in software engineering, including significant work at a principal or senior technical leadership level.

• Typically, a minimum of nine years of solid, diverse work experience in IT with a minimum of six years' experience in application program development.

• Experience using Agile methods preferred.

• Applicable certifications preferred (Guidewire Ace) .

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I n certain jurisdictions, CNA is legally required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role. In District of Columbia , California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois , Maryland , Massachusetts , New York and Washington, the national base pay range for this job level is $97,000 to $189,000 annually.Salary determinations are based on various factors, including but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and location. CNA offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package to help our employees - and their family members - achieve their physical, financial, emotional and social wellbeing goals. For a detailed look at CNA's benefits, please visit cnabenefits.com .
CNA is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in the recruitment process. To request an accommodation, please contact [email protected] .