Principal Engineer, Java

CLEAR, a leading identity platform serving over 30+ million members worldwide, is seeking a Principal Engineer specializing in backend distributed systems for their Aviation and Travel teams. This role represents a unique opportunity to shape the future of frictionless experiences in travel and identity verification.

The position demands a seasoned professional with 10+ years of experience in building cloud-based distributed systems, particularly using Java. As a Principal Engineer, you'll be at the forefront of technical decision-making, responsible for crafting the 3-5 year technical vision and tackling the most challenging technical problems. The role combines hands-on technical leadership with strategic thinking, requiring expertise in distributed systems architecture, observability, and reliability patterns.

Working from CLEAR's Austin office, you'll collaborate with cross-functional teams including Product Management, Security, and Operations. The company offers a modern work environment with an open concept design, fully stocked kitchens, and catered lunches. CLEAR's comprehensive benefits package includes healthcare plans, family-building benefits, flexible time off, and various wellness programs.

This role is ideal for someone who excels in both technical execution and leadership, capable of mentoring teams while driving engineering excellence. You'll be instrumental in enhancing CLEAR's platform, which transforms how people experience airports, stadiums, and various venues. The position offers the opportunity to work on systems that directly impact millions of users while contributing to CLEAR's mission of creating frictionless, secure experiences.

Key technical requirements include expertise in RDBMS, NoSQL, caching solutions, and real-time streaming data stores. The role demands excellent communication skills, as you'll need to explain complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders and manage relationships across all organizational levels. If you're passionate about building scalable systems that enhance user experiences and want to be part of a company that's revolutionizing identity and access management, this role offers an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact.