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 Senior 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!
Position Overview
As a Principal Engineer, Software at CarMax, you will lead the design and development of innovative digital solutions that transform the car-buying experience. From concept to deployment, you’ll create tools and technologies that enhance performance, scalability, and customer satisfaction. This role combines technical expertise with strategic thinking, enabling you to solve complex challenges and deliver impactful solutions in a fast-paced, agile environment.
Why CarMax?
At CarMax, we are the nation’s largest retailer of used cars with stores from coast to coast, and we are still growing. We’re rethinking the way people buy cars – and it’s our associates that help us do just that. We believe work should feel meaningful and rewarding, with opportunities to make an impact every day. This is where innovation meets passion – be inspired and supported to take us to the future.
Team Overview
Join a collaborative, product-focused team dedicated to delivering best-in-class technology solutions. You’ll work closely with product design, product management, and systems architecture teams to develop experimental solutions, iterate quickly, and refine ideas based on feedback. Your ability to balance customer needs with business goals will ensure technical solutions drive measurable value.
Role Responsibilities
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and implement scalable, secure software solutions.
- Lead development efforts using modern frameworks and cloud technologies.
- Apply Agile and DevOps methodologies to deliver high-quality products efficiently.
- Ensure solutions meet performance, security, and usability standards.
- Promote best practices in coding, testing, and deployment across teams.
- Research emerging technologies and recommend improvements to enhance customer experience.
- Mentor engineers and contribute to a culture of innovation and technical excellence.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field with 7+ years of experience OR Master’s degree with 5+ years of experience.
- 7+ years of experience with .NET Core, C#, and Microsoft Azure offerings.
- Proficiency in Agile and DevOps methodologies.
- Experience working within a product organization and collaborating across multiple teams.
- Experience with SQL Server and NoSQL database technologies.
- Hands-on experience with RESTful APIs, event-driven architecture, and distributed systems.
- Expertise in CI/CD pipelines and Git version control.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience with advanced Azure services such as AKS, Service Bus, Functions, or Infrastructure as Code (Bicep/Terraform).
- Familiarity with Linux-based deployment environments.
- Hands-on experience with containerization using Docker and orchestration platforms such as Kubernetes.
Work Location and Arrangement: This role will be based out of the Richmond Midtown or Plano Tech hub and have a Hybrid work arrangement.
- Associates based in Richmond work on-site 4 days per week.
- Associates based in Plano work onsite 2 days per week.
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.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field or Master's degree with relevant experience
- 7+ years of experience with .NET Core, C#, and Microsoft Azure
- Proficiency in Agile and DevOps methodologies
- Experience with SQL Server and NoSQL database technologies
- Hands-on experience with RESTful APIs, event-driven architecture, and distributed systems
- Expertise in CI/CD pipelines and Git version control
CarMax Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about CarMax and has not been reviewed or approved by CarMax.
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Retirement Support — Retirement benefits appear robust, including a 401(k) with dollar-for-dollar matching up to the first 6% of base salary and immediate vesting. Stock purchase programs with a discount or match are positioned as an additional long-term wealth-building option.
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Healthcare Strength — Health coverage is described as comprehensive, spanning medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance, with access beginning relatively early for eligible associates. Mental health resources and wellbeing programs are also present as part of the health offering.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time-off offerings are described as broad, including vacation, holidays, sick time, and paid leave related to new child placement or birth/adoption in addition to family medical leave options. The structure varies by role and tenure, but the overall menu is sizable.
CarMax Insights
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.
