Principal Software Engineer

WHO WE ARE Who we are: We build technology that removes barriers blocking talent from opportunity, combining the latest advancements in AI with human judgment. How we expand access: Access isn't real if it's unaffordable. Through our sister company, Passage Funding, we provide financing for international students. What we believe: Access to opportunity should not be determined by geography, gender, or wealth. We reinvest a portion of our profits to support those cut off from education - including our Afghan program. Access is the product: We build AI that turns paperwork into decisions, and decisions into real outcomes. Our mission is bold but simple: by 2030, we aim to dismantle the barriers preventing brilliant minds from accessing the opportunities they deserve. THE ROLE We are looking for a Principal Software Engineer to help architect and scale the core systems that power Passage. This is a senior technical leadership role focused on building reliable, scalable systems while shaping the long-term technical direction of the company. You will work closely with engineering, product, and leadership teams to design systems that support Passage’s AI-driven platform and global operations. You will take ownership of complex technical problems, define architectural standards, and help ensure our systems remain reliable, secure, and scalable as the company grows. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys solving deep technical problems while also influencing engineering culture and technical strategy across the organization. WHAT YOU WILL DO ARCHITECT CORE SYSTEMS - Design and evolve the architecture of Passage’s core platform - Build scalable backend services that support admissions automation, financial systems, and operational workflows - Ensure systems are reliable, secure, and capable of supporting global scale LEAD COMPLEX TECHNICAL INITIATIVES - Own the design and implementation of large engineering initiatives - Break down complex problems into clear technical solutions - Guide teams through major architectural decisions ESTABLISH ENGINEERING STANDARDS - Define best practices for system design, testing, performance, and reliability - Improve engineering workflows and development processes - Ensure high-quality, maintainable code across the platform PARTNER ACROSS THE COMPANY - Work closely with product, data, and operations teams to understand business needs - Translate product requirements into scalable technical solutions - Help leadership understand technical trade-offs and long-term architecture decisions MENTOR AND ELEVATE THE ENGINEERING TEAM - Mentor engineers across the organization - Review system designs and provide technical guidance - Help cultivate a high-ownership, high-quality engineering culture QUALIFICATIONS - Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related technical field - 5+ years of professional software engineering experience - Deep experience designing and building scalable backend systems - Strong programming skills in modern backend languages (such as Python, TypeScript, Go, or similar) - Experience working with distributed systems and cloud infrastructure - Strong system design and architectural thinking - Experience leading complex technical initiatives across multiple teams - Ability to operate independently and make high-impact technical decisions in a fast-moving environment NICE TO HAVE - Proficient in Python, Django, TypeScript, and React. - Experience with cloud platforms such as GCP is a plus. - Deep knowledge of software design patterns and architecture. - Strong understanding of database design and development. - Bachelor degree or higher in computer science or related field LOCATION Passage operates with an in-office working model. Candidates must be based in Toronto or open to relocating and working five days per week in our Toronto office. READY TO JOIN US? We are building a company designed to expand access to life-changing opportunities around the world. If you are