About this job
At CarMax, we are industry disruptors. At the heart of our innovation is new digital products. Working on many different aspects of the customer experience, our Principal Engineers research and discover new opportunities and shape products to fulfill them. From inception to completion, you will develop tools and technology, learning quickly from our spirit of experimentation. You will have a direct impact on improving the performance of our business and ensuring customers can buy the vehicles they want in a way that is right for them!
What you will do - Essential ResponsibilitiesDesign and develop scalable backend APIs and services that power the Nexus platform using modern cloud-based technologies
Collaborate with product management, systems architecture, and partner engineering teams to develop innovative solutions that solve complex business problems
Lead technical initiatives and mentor engineers, providing guidance on best practices, architecture decisions, and implementation approaches
Drive technical excellence across the team by establishing coding standards, conducting code reviews, and championing engineering best practices
Develop cloud solutions using services, functions, and other key cloud platform components
Implement continuous integration and DevOps practices, including automated testing, monitoring, and alerting
Stay on top of industry trends and emerging technologies to continuously improve our technical capabilities and ensure our solutions remain cutting-edge
Collaborate effectively with multiple teams across the organization to deliver cohesive, high-quality solutions
Market your innovative ideas internally and evolve them according to feedback and critique within an agile environment
Nexus is building intelligent data platforms that transform how critical business information is managed, shared, and leveraged across CarMax. Our mission is to deliver scalable, intelligent data experiences that create business impact and enable data-driven decision making. We're focused on building systems that handle complex data at scale, creating the foundation for insights that will transform how the business operates.
Purpose of the roleWe are seeking a Principal Engineer who will help architect and build the technical foundation of our data platform. It takes a passion for technology and leadership to develop ground-breaking products that handle complex data at scale. Working collaboratively and creatively as part of a close-knit product team, you will be part of the development process from end to end: consulting users, carrying out experiments, tackling complex technical challenges around data management and API design, and implementing scalable solutions. You can balance technical excellence with business goals and know how to deliver backend solutions that enhance business value. As a Principal Engineer with leadership aspirations, you will not only write code but also guide technical direction, mentor team members, and help shape the future of our engineering organization. Creative, curious, and highly analytical, you never stop learning and thrive on building systems that unlock new possibilities.
Qualifications and RequirementsBasic QualificationsStrong teamwork and leadership skills, ability to learn quickly, excellent written and spoken communication required
8+ years of experience with .NET Core/C#/Microsoft Azure offerings
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, a related field, or equivalent alternative education, skills, and/or practical experience is required
Strong teamwork skills, ability to learn quickly, excellent written and spoken communication required.
Demonstrated ability or strong interest in technical leadership and mentoring engineers
Strong expertise in REST API design and development
Knowledge and passion towards backend architecture, app tier/service layer methodologies
Experience with SQL Server and NoSQL database technologies
Experience integrating cloud-based technologies and solutions (PaaS/IaaS/CaaS)
Experience with version control systems (Git, GitHub, etc.)
Experience working with Agile and DevOps methodologies
Knowledge of JSON and XML concepts, frameworks, and standards
Experience implementing CI/CD pipelines and Infrastructure as Code
Experience implementing security best practices for APIs and services
Experience collaborating with multiple teams across an organization
Experience in a Lead Engineer or technical leadership role
Experience mentoring and developing other engineers
Experience with API Gateway technologies
Knowledge of React.js and front-end architecture
Python experience
Experience working within a product organization
Understanding of monitoring tools and observability practices
Experience with microservices architecture
Work Location and Arrangement: This role will be based out of the Richmond, VA CarMax Technology Innovation Center or the Dallas, TX Technology Hub and have a Hybrid work arrangement.
Work Authorization: Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. Sponsorship will not be considered for this specific role.
About CarMax
CarMax disrupted the auto industry by delivering the honest, transparent and high-integrity experience customers want and deserve. This innovative thinking around the way cars are bought and sold has helped us become the nation’s largest retailer of used cars, with over 200 locations nationwide.
Our amazing team of more than 25,000 associates work together to deliver iconic customer experiences. Along the way, we help every associate grow their career and achieve their best, at work and in their community. We are recognized for our commitment to training and diversity and are one of the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For®.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:
CarMax is committed to bringing together people from different backgrounds and perspectives, providing employees with a safe, welcoming, and inclusive work environment.
CarMax is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Upon an applicant's request, CarMax will consider reasonable accommodation to complete the CarMax Job Application.
Top Skills
What We Do
CarMax revolutionized the auto industry by delivering the honest, transparent and high-integrity car buying experience customers want and deserve. This disruptive thinking has helped us become the nation’s largest retailer of used cars with more than 200 stores nationwide. And thanks to our amazing team of nearly 25,000 associates, we have been recognized as one of the FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® - 16 years in a row!
Committed to hiring people with strong values of integrity, transparency and respect, we offer unmatched training and support for associate career growth, and have been recognized as one of Training Magazine’s "Training Top 125" companies in America. We are also proud to be a best place to work for Veterans, and the #2 Best Workplace for Retail.
