Principal Engineer

Business Introduction

Majid Al Futtaim Holding is the leading shopping mall, retail, communities, entertainment developer and operator in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia regions. With over 43,000 people, revenues of over US$ 11 Billion, and operations in 18 countries. Some of the iconic brands we carry include Mall of the Emirates, Carrefour, All Saints, Lego, City Center, Abercrombie & Fitch, & Vox Cinemas. We believe in making Great Moments for Everyone, Every day.

Job Title: Principal - Engineering | Majid Al Futtaim Retail

A Principal Engineer is responsible for the entire software life cycle design, development, test, release and maintenance and translates business needs into working software. Regardless of area, tools or languages, a software engineer builds and configures solutions that are easy to maintain and change, enabling a constant delivery pace to be kept indefinitely. This is achieved through continuous attention to technical excellence and good design, with extensive use of automation.

In this role, you will lead the design, development, and optimization of web applications, ensuring they are scalable, efficient, and meet the highest standards of performance. As a technical leader, you will work closely with cross-functional teams to define architecture and set best practices for modern web development, particularly with Java, Sprint Boot, Kubernetes etc. Prefer to work Fullstack in Backend and Frontend.

Understands integration between various API connections and integration with other applications. Escalates complex issues as necessary. Come up with creative and innovative ideas and Functionalities to have more user-friendly applications.

The Software Engineer believes in a non-hierarchical culture of collaboration, transparency, and trust. We believe that you are a focused -on value creation, growth and serving customers with full ownership and accountability. Delivering exceptional customer and business results.

Provide technical mentorship to junior team members and assist them in solving complex technical challenges.

Role Details Key Responsibilities and Accountabilities:

Software Development

• Design, code, test, and debug software applications
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define, design, and ship new features.
• Write well-organized and good quality code.
• Participate in code reviews to ensure code quality, share knowledge, and provide constructive feedback to team members.
• Proficiency in Java its ecosystem.
• Strong knowledge of REST api, graphQA etc
• Deep understanding of server-side rendering (SSR), static site generation (SSG), and hybrid rendering techniques.
• Experience with modern backend and front-end tooling
• Performance Focus: Expertise in optimizing web applications for performance, scalability, and SEO.
• DevOps Knowledge: Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, cloud services, and containerization (e.g., Docker).

Reliability and Quality of deliverable

• Write unit tests, integration tests, to ensure software reliability, functionality, and performance.
• Write good quality unit test.
• Identify and fix bugs and address other technical issues.
• Create and maintain technical and API documentation.
• Participate in architectural discussions and decisions, considering factors like scalability, maintainability, and performance.
• Observability and Telemetry

System Analysis and Design

• Analyse end-users requirements and tailor software solutions to meet their needs
• Design and architect software systems and applications

Coordination and Communication

• Collaborate with MAF Retail engineers, developers, analysts, and stakeholders for defining, designing, and shipping new features and any technology issues and resolutions on priority, and provide them with regular updates through having an agreed communication plan that is conducive for the full duration of the project(s) to deliver on the business objectives.
• Build relationships and maintain strong partnerships with key personnel to help achieve organisational goals.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to ensure clarity of the specifications and expectations of the Engineering function.

Audit and Reporting

• Contributing to the preparation of business presentations and reports related to Engineering function for various stakeholders, on periodic and ad hoc basis as and when required.
• Support on performing regular audit of various processes and databases for the Engineering function in order to identify gaps and risks, and propose corrective actions.

Policies and Procedures

• Contribute to the review and update of the Engineering function policies and procedures related and ensure it is implemented and reported on
• Contribute to the development and implementation of relevant policies and procedures.

Human Capital Responsibilities

• Proactively identify and seek professional development opportunities to improve leadership and technical skills pertaining to the direct line of work.
• Apply and follow MAF Retails Human Capital corporate policies and relevant procedures and instructions.
• Provide training and feedback to direct reportees when required.

Qualification, Experience & Skills:

Minimum Qualifications/education

• Bachelors degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field

Minimum experience

• 10+ years of experience in related function

Skills

• Able to understand technical opportunities and easily translate them into software requirement.
• Knowledge of e-Commerce ecosystem and value chain from both a business and a technical standpoint
• Proficiency in any programming languages (e.g., Java, JavaScript, Swift, Kotlin etc)
• Experience with software development tools, frameworks, and libraries
• Knowledge of database systems, data structures, and algorithms
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Ability to work well in a collaborative team environment
• Willingness to learn and adapt to new technologies and methodologies
• Thoroughness and attention to detail in coding, testing, and documentation
• Effective verbal and written communication skills for collaborating with team members; expertise in converting technical messages into clear messages that outline why change is needed that appeals to key business personas and non-technical stakeholders
• Strong ability to articulate the big picture with or without details and work in ambiguous situations
• Strong business communication and presentation skills
• Strong English language skills (Speaking, Reading and Writing) with exceptional business writing, Arabic is a plus