It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing! Job Description Summary: The Principal Software Engineer sets the direction for the design and implementation of software features/functionality/enhancements, correction of defects, and/or the creation of new products. Develops software tools including operating systems, compilers, routers, networks, utilities, databases, and Internet-related tools. Determines software's compatibility with hardware and/or influences software's design in relation to hardware. Job Overview: Experienced Compiler Engineer with a solid foundation in compiler construction, internal compiler languages, and low-level programming. The ideal candidate will have a blend of industry and academic experience, a deep understanding of system-level languages, and demonstrate a strong commitment to building and maintaining robust, high-performance compiler infrastructure. Essential Duties and Responsibilities : - Design, develop, and maintain compiler components and internal compiler representations. - Analyze and extend complex transpilers that convert legacy languages to modern languages (e.g., TypeScript, Java). - Collaborate with engineering and product teams to ensure accurate translation of legacy functionality. - Optimize code generation and translation with awareness of hardware-software integration. - Troubleshoot, debug, and proactively improve compiler performance and correctness. - Analyze complex code paths, fix compiler crashes, and optimize slow compilation or generated code. Required Qualifications: - Proven experience in compiler development or transpiler design. - Strong knowledge of internal compiler structures, language parsing, and code generation. - Strong grasp of graph algorithms, tree traversals, and other compiler-relevant patterns. - Able to implement performant algorithms for static analysis, type inference, and code optimization. - Proficiency in at least one low-level language (e.g., assembly). - Ability to understand and work with legacy enterprise languages. - Strong coding skills with a focus on clean, efficient, and maintainable code. - Effective communicator and team collaborator. - Understanding of how high-level code maps to low-level instructions and performance tuning at that level. Preferred Qualifications: - Advanced degree in Computer Science with a focus on compilers or programming languages in C/C++, Rust, or other system-level languages. - Experience with OCaml, TypeScript, or other statically typed languages with type inference. - Understanding of legacy enterprise languages (COBOL, Fortran, etc.) is valuable in transpiler or modernization work. - Contributions to compiler-related academic research or open-source projects. - Understanding of modern software architecture and system-level programming. Education: - Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, IS, or related technical discipline - Advanced degree, such as Master's in Computer Science, preferred Travel Requirements: Job Family Group: Engineering Job Family: Software & Quality Assurance Engineering Job Profile Name: Principal Software Engineer Employee Type: Individual Contributor Job Level: P5 (Expert) Position Reports to: Manager, Software Engineering . Rocket Software Inc. is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Rocket Software Inc. is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status. Rocket is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to individuals with physical and mental disabilities. If you need special assistance or an accommodation while seeking employment, please call: 781-577-4321 or send an email to [email protected]. We will make a determination on your request for reasonable accommodation on a case-by-case basis. If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us! Companies around the world trust Rocket to solve their most complex business challenges by powering their critical infrastructure, business processes, and data. We help extend the value of these assets, enabling our customers to embrace the potential of cloud and mobile computing, advanced analytics, and the innovations of tomorrow. From the clothes we wear to the cars we drive, Rocket solutions power the back-end systems that thousands of brands rely on every day. At Rocket, software is about more than just code-it's about people. We are passionate problem-solvers, working to make a difference for others. Our foundation is built on empathy, humanity, trust, and love, and we strive to embody these core values in everything we do. Whether we're serving our customers, partners, or fellow Rocketeers, we are committed to treating everyone with the respect and care they deserve. Founded in 1990, Rocket Software is headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, and has 20 offices worldwide, bringing people and technology together to build a better future.