The Principal Software Engineer will lead technical initiatives, define architecture, prototype ideas, and foster an innovative engineering culture, working cross-functionally to turn visions into execution.
Role Description
We’re looking for a Principal Software Engineer to shape the future of Dropbox through bold new ideas and technical leadership. You’ll help define the vision, architecture, and execution for our most forward-looking products — building the foundation for what comes next at Dropbox.
This role sits at the heart of innovation, blending hands-on engineering with strategic thinking. You’ll explore new product spaces, prototype ideas that don’t yet have a home, and guide how we integrate new technologies — whether we build them or bring them in. Along the way, you’ll help foster a strong, collaborative engineering culture and partner closely with product, design, and strategy to turn high-potential ideas into real impact.
Responsibilities- Build and foster a strong engineering culture focused on excellence, velocity, and innovation
- Define the architecture and integration strategy for new initiatives, including both internally developed and acquired products
- Conduct technical due diligence on potential M&A targets to assess scalability, quality, and strategic fit
- Rapidly prototype new product ideas and validate emerging opportunities that fall outside existing teams
- Partner cross-functionally with product, design, and strategy teams to translate vision into technical execution
- Maintain a high technical bar and guide the team through complex architectural decisions
- Contribute to shaping Dropbox’s long-term innovation roadmap through technical insight and experimentation
- 10+ years of full-stack engineering experience, including 3+ years in a technical leadership role
- Proven success operating at both startup and enterprise scale—building early MVPs and scaling to millions of users
- Deep understanding of product architecture evolution and trade-offs between speed and scalability
- Experience with technical diligence and evaluating software systems for integration or acquisition
- Some experience in engineering management preferred
- Strong bias toward experimentation and comfort navigating high-ambiguity problem spaces
- Experience leading 0→1 product development or founding early-stage startup teams
- Demonstrated success incubating and scaling new technologies or products within a larger organization
- Strong background in distributed systems design, data-intensive applications, or cloud infrastructure
- Familiarity with modern AI/ML technologies, developer platforms, or productivity tools
US Zone 1
This role is not available in Zone 1
US Zone 2
$248,600—$336,400 USD
US Zone 3
$221,000—$299,000 USD
Top Skills
AI
Cloud Infrastructure
Distributed Systems Design
Full-Stack Engineering
Ml
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With roots dating back to 1642, Montreal is often recognized for its French-inspired architecture and cobblestone streets lined with traditional shops and cafés. But what truly sets the city apart is how it blends its rich tradition with a modern edge, reflected in its evolving skyline and fast-growing tech industry. According to economic promotion agency Montréal International, the city ranks among the top in North America to invest in artificial intelligence, making it le spot idéal for job seekers who want the best of both worlds.
Key Facts About Montreal Tech
- Number of Tech Workers: 255,000+ (2024, Tourisme Montréal)
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- Research Centers and Universities: McGill University, Université de Montréal, Concordia University, Mila Quebec, ÉTS Montréal
