Principal Software Engineer

Job description

Secure Every Identity, from AI to Human Identity is the key to unlocking the potential of AI. Okta secures AI by building the trusted, neutral infrastructure that enables organizations to safely embrace this new era. This work requires a relentless drive to solve complex challenges with real-world stakes. We are looking for builders and owners who operate with speed and urgency and execute with excellence. This is an opportunity to do career-defining work. We're all in on this mission. If you are too, let's talk. We’re redefining Privileged Access Management (PAM) from the ground up, purpose-built for Cloud, SaaS, Databases, Containers, and any virtualized environment. Our mission is to simplify and secure workforce access with seamless, secure-by-default workflows that adapt dynamically to modern infrastructure. We eliminate standing privileges, enforce least privilege, and embed Zero Trust principles into every access workflow by default. About the Role We are seeking a Principal Backend Engineer (P5) to serve as the technical leader and compass for our newly established engineering pod in India. Operating at the intersection of identity, networking, and security infrastructure, you will be responsible for tackling highly complex, vaguely specified problems without day-to-day oversight. In this role, you will champion the technical execution of your team. You will lead the design and implementation of secure database and network device connectors (routers, switches, firewalls) on top of our core Zero Standing Privileges (ZSP) platform. You will work closely with our local Technical Team Lead to mentor mid-level engineers, while collaborating closely with global Tech Leads to ensure architectural alignment. What You’ll Be Doing • Lead Technical Strategy & Execution: Turn high-level, complex PAM and network access problems into clear, modular technical designs that your team can execute. • Own Connector Ecosystems: Design, architect, and optimize resilient connector plugins for diverse database environments (SaaS, NoSQL, Relational) and complex network infrastructure using our existing core platform frameworks. • Champion Code Quality & Security: Set the standard for clean, secure, and performant backend development in Go. Lead deep, constructive code reviews with a focus on mentoring and growth. • Collaborate Globally, Execute Locally: Partner with global Technical Leads in Tel Aviv to review major architectural decisions, ensuring a unified product strategy while maintaining high velocity and local autonomy. • On-Call & Product Support: Actively participate in the global ongoing on-call and support rotations, taking pride in the operational health of the entire platform. What You’ll Bring to the Role • 10+ years of software engineering experience, with a proven track record of acting as a technical leader or Principal/Staff level Individual Contributor (IC). • Deep Domain Expertise: Significant experience in the Privileged Access Management (PAM) or Identity & Access Management (IAM) space. Experience with resource discovery, credential rotation, or agentless communication is highly preferred. • Strong Networking Foundations: Strong experience working with networking protocols (SSH, Telnet, SNMP, router/switch configurations) or integrating with legacy and modern database infrastructures. • Distributed Architecture Mastery: Extensive experience building high-scale, secure backend services, microservices, and event-driven workflows. • Hands-on Go Expertise: Strong engineering proficiency in Go (or deep backend expertise in a similar language like C++/Rust/Java, with a proven eagerness to work extensively in Go). • Cloud-Native Infrastructure: Solid understanding of AWS (IAM, SQS, Lambda), Kubernetes, and building highly resilient agentless systems. • Extreme Ownership Mindset: The ability to navigate ambiguity, make pragmatic trade-offs under tight deadlines, and guide a local team of developers (P2/P3) to success. Extra Credit If You Have: • Prior engineering experience at enterprise security companies such as CyberArk, Delinea, or direct PAM/IAM competitors. • In-depth background with Graph databases (e.g., ArangoDB) or policy engines (e.g., OPA). • Experience bootstrapping or leading technical direction for highly autonomous remote engineering pods. Our Tech Stack • Language: Go • Infra: AWS, Serverless, Kubernetes • Data: Postgres (RDS), ArangoDB (NoSQL) • DevOps: GitHub Actions, Docker, Terraform, Helm L1-Hybrid P24972_3494398 The Okta Experience • Supporting Your Well-Being • Driving Social Impact • Developing Talent and Fostering Connection + Community We are intentional about connection. Our global community, spanning over 20 offices worldwide, is united by a drive to innovate. Your jou