Principal Software Engineer, Code; SAST

Principal Software Engineer, Snyk Code (SAST)

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As a Principal Software Engineer on the Snyk Code team, you will be responsible for driving our technical future and tackling our most difficult and strategic challenges in static analysis. This role is centered on advancing the quality and accuracy of our SAST analysis, with a deep focus on program analysis, corresponding rules, and data‑driven feedback systems that power our engine.

This is a defining role at the intersection of Program Analysis, Machine Learning, and Application Security. You will have authority and autonomy to solve our most complex technical problems and directly influence Snyk’s long‑term direction. Your influence will shape the technical direction of Snyk Code and mentor next‑generation senior technical leaders.

• Set Technical Vision:
  Define and champion the long‑term (12–24 month) technical roadmap for Snyk Code’s program analysis capabilities and prioritize foundational investments.
• Advance Analysis Quality:
  Architect and lead the development of core systems that drive continuous improvement of our SAST analysis, including data pipelines, feedback mechanisms, and automated testing frameworks.
• Solve the Hardest Problems:
  Tackle the most complex, ambiguous, and cross‑cutting technical challenges in program analysis, designing novel techniques for new languages and ensuring reliability at scale.
• Lead Through Influence:
  Drive technical consensus across multiple engineering teams; author design documents and RFCs that align the organization on a coherent strategy.
• Hands‑On Technical Contribution:
  Remain deeply hands‑on, making critical contributions in code, design, and debugging our most challenging problems.
• Mentor and Elevate:
  Act as a key mentor and force‑multiplier for senior engineers across the division, fostering a culture of technical excellence and building future leaders.

• At least 10 years of commercial software engineering experience and a proven track record of leading design and delivery of large‑scale, complex, ambiguous technical projects.
• Extensive experience as a technical leader, setting the technical direction for a significant product area or multiple services.
• A deep background in Computer Science; a PhD or MSc in a relevant field such as Programming Languages, Compilers, Machine Learning, Application Security, or Static Analysis is a strong asset.

• World‑class expertise in at least one domain: static program analysis, application security, or applied machine learning for code, complemented by deep, practical understanding of compiler theory, language design, and data‑driven systems.
• Proven ability to design, build, and evolve highly complex, distributed systems, especially rule engines, large‑scale data processing, or compiler/interpreter technology.
• Mastery of one or more core programming languages (e.g., Go, Python, Java, C++, Rust) and the ability to quickly become proficient in new technologies.
• Exceptional ability to lead through influence and outstanding written and verbal communication skills demonstrated through design documents, RFCs, and presentations.
• A strategic, scalable approach to building systems with relentless focus on automation, reliability, performance, and operational excellence.
• A history of successfully mentoring and growing senior engineers.