THE ROLE & THE TEAM As Principal Software Engineer, you will join a dynamic team, contributing to the strategic design and documentation of our company’s target architecture. In this critical role, you will help shape our architecture principles and governance framework, ensuring our systems are robust, scalable, and compliant with regulatory requirements. You will collaborate closely with other functions like Product Management, IT Security or Compliance and help define exit plans for outsourced services or guide contracted teams in implementing technical designs for new projects. If you are passionate about architecture, compliance, and leading innovative projects within a regulated environment, we’d love to hear from you. INCLUSIVE BY DESIGN At Zalando, our vision is to be inclusive by design. And this vision starts with our hiring - we do not discriminate on the basis of gender identity, sexual orientation, personal expression, ethnicity, religious belief, or disability status. You are welcome to leave out your picture, age, or marital status from your application. We only assess candidates on their qualifications and merit. We want to provide you with a great candidate experience. Feel free to inform us of any accommodations you may need, so we can best support you throughout the hiring process. do.BETTER - our diversity & inclusion strategy: https://corporate.zalando.com/en/our-impact/dobetter-our-diversity-and-inclusion-strategy Our employee resource groups: https://corporate.zalando.com/en/our-impact/our-employee-resource-groups WHAT WE’D LOVE YOU TO DO (AND LOVE DOING) You'll contribute to designing, documenting, and evolving the company's target architecture, ensuring alignment with business goals and regulatory standards. You'll establish and maintain architecture principles and governance frameworks that guide technical decision-making across the organization. You'll oversee the technical aspects of outsourced services, including defining and managing exit plans to ensure seamless transitions. You'll provide technical guidance and mentorship to contracted teams, ensuring the successful implementation of architecture and design solutions. You'll collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure all systems and projects comply with regulatory requirements, such as ZAIT and DORA. You'll proactively identify potential risks and challenges in the architecture and work to mitigate them, ensuring long-term stability and scalability. WE’D LOVE TO MEET YOU IF 3 years of experience as a Principal Engineer, Solutions Architect or Staff Engineer You have extensive experience in software architecture and design in cloud environments, with a strong track record of leading complex projects in a regulated environment. You demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills to effectively guide and mentor both in-house and contracted teams through architectural decisions and project implementations. You have experience in developing and implementing architecture governance frameworks that align with organizational goals and industry best practices. You bring a strategic mindset with the ability to anticipate and mitigate risks, ensuring the long-term stability and scalability of systems and solutions. You possess deep knowledge of regulatory frameworks like ZAIT and DORA, with hands-on experience ensuring compliance in technical implementations. OUR OFFER Zalando provides a range of benefits, here’s an overview of what you can expect. Ask your Talent Acquisition Partner to learn more about what we offer. Employee shares program 40% off fashion and beauty products sold and shipped by Zalando, 30% off Zalando Lounge, discounts from external partners 2 paid volunteering days a year Hybrid working model with 60% remote per week, actual practice is up to each team to best support their collaboration Work from abroad for up to 30 working days a year 27 days of vacation a year to start Relocation assistance available (subject to prior agreement) Family services, including counseling and support Health and wellbeing options (including Gympass) Mental health support and coaching available Learn all about Zalando and our values here: https://jobs.zalando.com/en/?gh_src22377bdd1us Please note that all applications must be completed using the online form - we do not accept applications via email.