GLO - Principal Software Engineer; Programmer VI

The Texas General Land Office is seeking a Programmer VI (Principal Software Engineer) within the Information Technology Services Department of the agency.

The Principal Software Engineer performs highly advanced and/or supervisory (senior-level) computer programming work involving analyzing system specifications to develop software for computer applications; developing solution software; documenting the methods and procedures used in software development; and testing, correcting, and revising software. Works under minimal supervision, with extensive latitude for the use of initiative and independent judgment. Employees at this level may be considered technical experts in the field and may develop standards and procedures for programming staff, manage multiple projects occasionally, and oversee complex programming projects involving highly complex design, development, and implementation of software programs and applications.

The Information Technology Services (ITS) team advances the mission of the State of Texas General Land Office through technology. We deliver innovative technology solutions and services to the agency and are a value partner in our mission success. We are committed to operating with a growth mindset, developing sustainable solutions, providing excellent customer service, and safeguarding the IT resources of the agency.

ITS leverages the capabilities of the most advanced technology platforms to drive innovation, transparency, and connection for Texans.

The Principal Software Engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for designing, developing, and delivering high‑quality, scalable, and secure software solutions that span multiple enterprise applications and domains within the agency. This role provides deep technical expertise, mentorship, and architectural guidance across diverse engineering teams, helping to drive modernization and innovation aligned with agency‑wide priorities.

The Principal Software Engineer contributes to the execution of engineering strategies by developing and championing modern application architectures—including cloud‑native, API‑first, and event‑driven systems—that integrate seamlessly across multiple systems and functional areas. They collaborate closely with engineering managers, architects, and product owners to ensure development practices promote maintainability, performance, and alignment with complex, cross‑domain business needs.

Key responsibilities include writing and reviewing production‑grade code, setting technical standards, solving complex challenges that span multiple systems, and ensuring that software solutions comply with enterprise architecture, security, and accessibility requirements. The Principal Software Engineer plays a critical role in mentoring engineers, promoting engineering excellence, and fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

Operating with considerable independence and technical judgment, this role serves as a trusted authority influencing design decisions and guiding the long‑term evolution and integration of the agency’s diverse software ecosystems.

The Texas General Land Office primarily serves the schoolchildren, veterans, and the environment of Texas. The agency does so by preserving our history, maximizing state revenue through innovative administration, and through the prudent stewardship of state lands and natural resources.

• Lead the enterprise product architecture, system design, and development of complex, high‑impact solutions using technologies such as C#, Java, Python, and cloud‑native platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP). Define product and system architectures that strategically integrate low‑code/no‑code platforms to complement cloud‑native solutions, maximizing agility, scalability, and value delivery. Embed accessibility‑first and human‑centered design principles into all architectures.
• Write and review production‑grade code while enforcing engineering best practices, rigorous testing, deployment, and monitoring standards. Provide operational leadership for defect resolution, incident response, and dependency management. Ensure…