Principal Software Engineer: Distributed Systems (Config, Test, & Deployment) - Cloudflare

About the Role

Cloudflare is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to join the Intent Management organization. You will own the technical coherence of a platform spanning globally distributed key-value storage, progressive release, configuration delivery, and health-mediation systems. This is a high-impact role reporting directly to the Senior Director.

What You'll Do

• Lead technical strategy for safe, global-scale deployments and configuration management.
• Translate Edge and control-plane platform needs into actionable engineering primitives.
• Write production code, design new systems, and review proposals from senior engineers.
• Integrate LLMs into development processes and systems.
• Collaborate with industry-recognized engineers on high-visibility projects.

Desirable Skills & Experience

• 10+ years of software engineering experience with a history of leading organization-wide technical initiatives.
• Proven track record of technical leadership and influence without direct authority.
• Expert in at least one modern strongly-typed programming language.
• Experience designing and managing high-volume, global-scale applications.
• Strong knowledge of API design standards and architectural patterns.
• Experience working with top-tier LLMs for software planning and deployment.

Bonus Points

• Experience with Kubernetes, RocksDB, or similar data stores.
• Familiarity with Google’s Prodspec and Annealing systems.
• Experience with health checking and probe platforms at scale.
• Public evidence of technical leadership (conference talks, blog posts, or open-source contributions).

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• 401(k) retirement plan and employee stock participation.
• Flexible paid time off and parental/medical leave programs.
• On-demand mental health support and family-forming benefits.