The Principal Software Engineer sets the technical direction and architecture across Acme's production application portfolio, including enterprise analytics, conversational AI, document automation, ERP integration, e-commerce sync, manufacturing systems, and the AI automation platform. This is an individual-contributor role at the architect level. The Principal Engineer leads the design and delivery of the highest-complexity initiatives end-to-end, owns architectural patterns and engineering standards across the platform, and provides technical mentorship to senior and mid-level engineers. This role requires deep expertise across .NET, Azure, data, and modern AI development practices, and the ability to operate as a hands-on architect who writes production code.
Key Responsibilities:
- Set the technical direction and architecture across Acme's production application portfolio, including enterprise analytics, conversational AI, ERP integration, e-commerce sync, manufacturing systems, and the automation and agent platform.
- Lead the design and delivery of the highest-complexity initiatives end-to-end, from problem definition through architecture, implementation, deployment, and operations.
- Own architectural patterns, technology selection, and engineering standards across .NET, Azure, data, and AI application development.
- Partner with the CDIO on the multi-year technology roadmap and architectural direction.
- Drive technical alignment across product, manufacturing, finance, and supply chain partners by translating business requirements into deliverable architecture.
- Mentor senior and mid-level engineers through paired delivery, design partnership, and code reviews.
- Lead design reviews, architecture reviews, and the resolution of cross-system technical issues.
- Diagnose and resolve the most complex production issues across the application portfolio.
- Establish and maintain engineering practices including source-control standards, code-review processes, automated testing, observability, and incident response.
- Evaluate and adopt emerging technologies, particularly in AI, agentic systems, and developer productivity, and integrate them into the platform Maintain technical documentation including architecture decision records and design specifications.
- Lead incident response and post-mortem reviews for portfolio-impacting issues.
- Other duties as assigned.
What Makes You a Great Fit:
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field.
- 10+ years of progressive software engineering experience with a proven track record of designing, architecting, delivering, and supporting complex production systems at scale.
- Experience in manufacturing, food, beverage, or consumer packaged goods (CPG) environments is preferred.
- Infor M3 or other Tier 1 ERP integration experience is a plus.
- Deep expertise in Microsoft .NET/C# application development across the full technology stack, including backend services, APIs, integrations, distributed systems, and modern web applications built with technologies such as React and TypeScript.
- Advanced experience with Microsoft Azure, including the design, deployment, and support of cloud-native solutions leveraging App Service, Container Apps, Functions, Service Bus, Storage, Entra ID, and Azure SQL Managed Instance.
- Strong database and data engineering capabilities, including T-SQL development, performance optimization, ETL/ELT pipelines, dimensional modeling, and modern data platforms and tools such as Python, dbt, Airflow, Parquet, and Delta Lake.
- Experience designing and delivering AI-enabled applications utilizing retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), agents, structured outputs, tool integrations, evaluation frameworks, and AI-assisted development tools such as GitHub Copilot, Cursor, or Claude Code.
- Proven ability to make sound architectural decisions, establish technical standards, and drive scalable, maintainable solutions across multiple production systems and business functions.
- Strong DevOps and software delivery practices, including Git-based source control, CI/CD pipelines, automated testing, observability, monitoring, and operational excellence.
- Demonstrated success mentoring engineers, elevating engineering best practices, and fostering a culture of technical excellence, continuous improvement, and accountability.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to effectively influence and collaborate with technical teams, business stakeholders, and executive leadership.
- Commitment to ongoing professional development and completion of required training and standards of work.
Benefits, Acme Style:
- Competitive compensation.
- Opportunity to choose the medical plan that works best for your family.
- Flexible spending accounts (Medical + Dependent Care).
- Health Savings Account option with quarterly employer contributions.
- 401(k).
- Dental Insurance.
- Vision Insurance.
- Company Sponsored Group Term Life.
- Voluntary Life Insurance options for you and your dependents.
- Paid time off including company and floating holidays.
- Tuition Reimbursement.
- Paid Parental Leave.
- CASH employee referral program.
Compensation Range: $186,000 - $241,000/annually.
Workspace Environment:
- Comfortable with both standing and sitting for extended periods, depending on the task at hand, such as working at a computer workstation.
- Willingness to work in various physical environments, including data centers, server rooms, and office spaces, which may have different temperatures, lighting conditions, and noise levels.
- No travel is required for this role.
- Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds at times.
Who We Are & What We Believe:
Acme Smoked Fish is a seafood processor, purveyor, distributor and more, built on a foundation of quality, innovation, long lasting relationships, passion, and positive stewardship to our seafood communities. As the largest specialty smoked seafood company in the United States, we stand committed to providing the very best smoked seafood delicacies to our customers, near and far, and take great pride in being at the forefront of the seafood sustainability movement. Our authenticity has transcended from generation to generation and we pursue excellence in everything we produce and everyone we employ. We stand committed to our Values and our culture, providing us the opportunity to serve our friends and neighbors.
Acme manufactures and distributes its products in the U.S. under four core brands (Acme, Blue Hill Bay, Ruby Bay, and Spence) and private labels through leading retail and food service institutions. The company operates manufacturing sites in New York, North Carolina, Florida, Massachusetts, South America and Europe.
Acme Smoked Fish Corporation is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that fosters respect, collaboration, and innovation. We value the contributions of every employee and expect them to uphold the highest standards of ethical conduct and professional integrity. We are an equal opportunity employer. We do not tolerate or practice any form of discrimination, harassment, or misconduct based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic. We comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding labor rights, human rights, environmental protection, and data privacy.
