Principal Software Engineer - Ad Tech & Distributed SystemsFreeWheel, a Comcast company, provides comprehensive ad platforms for publishers, advertisers, and media buyers. Powered by premium video content, robust data, and advanced technology, we're making it easier for buyers and sellers to transact across all screens, data types, and sales channels. As a global company, we have offices in nine countries and can insert advertisements around the world.The Principal Software Engineer - Ad Tech & Distributed Systems is responsible for leading reliability, performance, and operational excellence of the FreeWheel platforms. This role focuses on designing, operating, and troubleshooting large-scale distributed systems while owning monitoring, incident response, change management, and capacity planning. As a technical subject matter expert, the Principal Software Engineer leads and resolves complex issues, automates operational workflows, and partners with engineering, vendors, and client services to deliver scalable, high-quality solutions.
The role operates with limited supervision, applying sound judgment and independently developing solutions for non-routine and complex challenges.Core ResponsibilitiesOwn production reliability, availability, latency, and performance of large-scale, mission-critical systemsDesign, implement, and operate monitoring, alerting, and observability solutions to ensure system health and rapid detection of issuesLead incident response, root cause analysis, and post-incident reviews to drive long-term reliability improvementsSupport and ensure stable operations during high-visibility, time-sensitive live events and releasesDrive automation initiatives to reduce operational toil, improve efficiency, and increase system resiliencePartner with software engineering teams to influence architecture and design decisions with production readiness in mindLead and execute change management, capacity planning, and production readiness reviewsChampion security, vulnerability management, and secure configuration practices across production environmentsEnforce and continuously improve Engineering Operations processes, standards, and best practicesParticipate in on-call rotations, including weekend coverage, and provide escalation support for complex production issuesJob Requirements / Skills:Requires 10+ years of professional experience in software development/engineering, with a proven track record of designing, building, and maintaining scalable applications.5+ years experience with AWS.Expert-level coding, debugging, and troubleshooting skills across complex, distributed production systemsProven ability to lead and mentor engineers in automation, reliability engineering, and production problem-solvingStrong experience designing and operating server-side applications or services using Python, Go-Lang, or ScalaExperience developing, operating, and troubleshooting distributed systems and backend servicesFamiliarity with data processing platforms, data pipelines, and large-scale system architecturesDeep knowledge of Linux systems, system internals, networking, and production infrastructureExtensive experience with AWS cloud architecture and services including VPC, subnets, NACLs, security groups, EC2, S3, IAM, Route 53, Lambda, and related servicesProficiency with infrastructure-as-code and configuration management tools and practicesMastery of CI/CD and SDLC tools (Docker, Kubernetes, Jenkins, Git, Ansible, Chef, and Puppet)Strong understanding of database technologies, SQL, performance tuning, and operational data managementAdvanced analytical and data-driven problem-solving skills, including use of metrics to guide decisionsStrong communication skills, attention to detail, adaptability, and ability to work effectively within a global, cross-functional teamDisclaimer:This information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees in this role. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications.Comcast is an EOE/Veterans/Disabled/LGBT employer.