Principal Engineer

About the Role

The Phone Numbers Platform is the heartbeat of Twilio, processing millions of requests daily. As a Principal Engineer, you will be expected to lead by example in using AI coding assistants to automate boilerplate, generate exhaustive test suites, and perform rapid prototyping. Your mission is to collapse the distance between a great idea and a production-ready feature.

What You Will Do

• Lead the architecture and long-term technical roadmap for the Phone Numbers Platform, transitioning legacy systems into a modern, distributed microservices architecture that supports global scale
• Pioneer AI-driven development workflows using LLMs and agentic agents to accelerate code generation, automate architectural reviews, and synthesize complex global telecommunications regulations into executable logic
• Drive technical excellence across multiple teams, making critical architectural decisions that balance rapid feature innovation with world-class reliability and security
• Partner with Product Managers to translate complex global telecommunications regulations and customer needs into elegant, developer-first APIs and application workflows
• Mentor and uplift senior and staff engineers, fostering a culture of technical curiosity, ownership, and continuous learning
• Identify and mitigate technical risks early, ranging from scalability bottlenecks to security vulnerabilities, and lead the team through complex production incidents with a focus on long-term remediation
• Communicate complex technical strategies to both executive leadership and engineering teams through high-quality design documents, RFCs, and presentations
• Lead by example in using AI coding assistants to automate boilerplate, generate exhaustive test suites, and perform rapid prototyping
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive the adoption of new technologies and processes

What We Are Looking For

• 8+ years of experience in software development, with a focus on technical leadership and architecture
• Strong background in AI, machine learning, and software development, with expertise in languages such as Java, Python, or C++
• Experience with cloud-based platforms, such as AWS or Google Cloud, and containerization using Docker
• Strong understanding of telecommunications regulations and compliance
• Experience with agile development methodologies and version control systems such as Git
• Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to mentor and uplift senior and staff engineers
• Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and mitigate technical risks early

Nice to Have

• Experience with AI coding assistants, such as GitHub Copilot or Anthropic Claude
• Knowledge of DevOps practices and tools, such as Jenkins or Kubernetes
• Experience with cybersecurity and compliance, with a focus on telecommunications regulations
• Certification in AI, machine learning, or software development, such as AWS Certified Developer or Google Cloud Certified Professional Cloud Developer

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary and equity package
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Flexible PTO and remote work options
• Access to cutting-edge technologies and tools
• Professional development opportunities, including training and certification programs
• Collaborative and dynamic work environment with a team of experienced professionals
• Access to mental health and wellness programs, including employee assistance programs and mental health days
• Flexible spending accounts for health and childcare expenses
• Complimentary snacks and meals, as well as on-site fitness classes and wellness programs

• To stand out as a candidate, be prepared to showcase your technical vision and leadership skills, with a focus on pioneering AI-driven development workflows and driving technical excellence.
• Highlight your experience with AI coding assistants, such as GitHub Copilot or Anthropic Claude, and your ability to automate boilerplate, generate exhaustive test suites, and perform rapid prototyping.
• Emphasize your strong understanding of telecommunications regulations and compliance, as well as your experience with agile development methodologies and version control systems such as Git.
• Be prepared to provide specific examples of your technical accomplishments and leadership experience, and to explain how you have driven innovation and growth in your previous roles.
• Research Twilio's company culture and values, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with the company's mission and vision.
• Consider creating a portfolio of your work, including examples of your code and technical writing, to demonstrate your skills and experience to the hiring team.
• Don't be afraid to ask questions during the interview process, and be prepared to discuss your salary expectations and requirements.