Principal Software Engineer, Full-stack

Onebrief is a revolutionary platform for military staff workflows and operational planning. The software is designed to enable smarter, real-time decisions. With unparalleled collaboration features, AI-enhanced tools, and customizable workflows, Onebrief makes staffs superhuman. Our expanding roster of customers includes COCOMs and Service Components worldwide.

Founded by experienced planners in 2019, our diverse team of over 120 includes veterans from all branches of the military and technologists from leading software companies. With $53M+ raised from top-tier venture investors, Onebrief continues to scale globally, making an impact where it matters most.

We'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

• 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

• ~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

• 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

Compensation Range: $215K - $265K