Principal Software Engineer - Java, SQL and NoSQL DBA

OverviewWe're seeking a Principal Engineer to establish data architecture excellence across our engineering organization. As we transition to autonomous, stream-aligned teams, we need a hands-on data expert who can enable application teams to make sound data decisions independently.This role works side-by-side with application engineers, not in isolation. Your peers will be full-stack and backend engineers building products. You need to understand application architecture, API design, and deployment practices - and bring deep data expertise to that context.What You'll DoWork directly with application teams on data architecture for their applications and servicesDesign and review data architectures and models, aligning data ownership with team domain boundariesReview application code and architecture with focus on data access patterns and performanceEvaluate and recommend data storage technologies (MongoDB, PostgreSQL, NoSQL, document stores, warehouses)Optimize database performance: query tuning, indexing, execution plan analysis, resource managementGuide technology selection based on read/write patterns, data volumes, and access patternsDefine data access patterns: APIs, ORMs, event-driven architectures, replication strategiesEstablish data replication and syndication strategies (CDC, event streaming, batch processing)Guide data architecture for ML/LLM applications (vector databases, embeddings, RAG patterns)Lead zero-downtime data migrations and infrastructure modernizationHands-on troubleshooting and optimization of critical data systemsEstablish data quality, monitoring, and observability standardsLead knowledge sharing through workshops, documentation, and office hoursRequired Qualifications10+ years building software applications with heavy focus on data systemsStrong application development background (full-stack, backend, or data-intensive applications)Deep expertise in NoSQL (MongoDB, DynamoDB, DocumentDB) and relational databases (PostgreSQL, SQL Server)Proven experience optimizing database performance at scale (query tuning, indexing, resource management)Strong data modeling and schema design skillsUnderstanding of application architecture, API design, and software development practicesDeep experience with cloud data platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) including cost optimizationExperience with AI/LLM-assisted development tools and agentic software engineering practicesTrack record of establishing data standards across engineering organizationsExcellent communication skills - able to influence and educate engineers at all levelsPreferred QualificationsExperience as a full-stack or backend engineer with deep data focusProficiency in Python, Java, JavaScript/TypeScript, or C#AWS data services (RDS, Aurora, Redshift), Snowflake, or modern data warehousesAdvanced data modeling (temporal models, event sourcing, complex domain modeling)Healthcare or EDI domain knowledgeExperience with event-driven architectures and change data captureETL/ELT tools and data pipeline orchestrationPrior Principal/Staff Engineer experienceWhat We're Looking ForYou come from an application development background and understand how data fits into the broader application architecture. You're hands-on and take ownership - you can architect complex data systems and roll up your sleeves to optimize them. You succeed by making others successful - you educate and empower rather than gatekeep. You speak the language of application engineers and can review their code, understand their challenges, and guide them to better data solutions. You understand trade-offs, know when to optimize for speed vs. perfection, and can influence without authority. You've run data systems in production at scale and understand what it takes to keep them performant and reliable.Why This Role MattersGHX Engineering is transforming toward autonomous, stream-aligned teams with independent deployment capabilities. This role is central to that vision - establishing data architecture excellence that enables teams to move fast without creating future problems. You'll define data strategy for a growing engineering organization in healthcare technology, working directly with engineering leadership on this transformation.Estimated Salary Range for this position: $150,000 to $214,000 plus bonusThe base salary range represents the anticipated low and high end of the GHX’s salary range for this position. The base salary is one component of GHX’s total compensation package for employees. Other rewards and benefits include: health, vision, and dental insurance, accident and life insurance, 401k matching, paid-time off, and education reimbursement, to name a few. To view more details of our benefits, visit us here: https://www.ghx.com/about/careers/GHX: It's the way you do business in healthcare Global Healthcare Exchange (GHX) enables better patient care and billions in savings for the healthcare community by maximizing automation, efficiency and accuracy of business proce