Senior Principal Engineer, Central Ops & Systems at Docker

Confirmed open

Docker is hiring a senior principal engineer, central ops & systems focused on central operations and systems engineering.

Docker

Location: Remote
Advertised region: Seattle, WA / Seattle / United States
Employment: FullTime
Work arrangement: remote
Technologies: AWS, Azure, GCP, Kubernetes, Docker

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Role overview

The Senior Principal Engineer, Central Ops & Systems opening at Docker is centered on Lead technical work for central operations and systems engineering. The employer also lists Design reliable architectures and guide implementation with customers or engineering teams. and Improve delivery, automation, documentation, testing and operational quality. These responsibilities define the practical scope more clearly than the job title: applicants should be ready to explain what they have built, supported or delivered that relates directly to this work. The listing summary says: Docker is hiring a senior principal engineer, central ops & systems focused on central operations and systems engineering. The named technologies include AWS, Azure, GCP, Kubernetes, Docker.

The posting identifies 12+ years of software engineering experience with demonstrated expertise across multiple domains (SDLC, AI engineering, corporate systems, etc) and Proven track record architecting and delivering large-scale distributed systems serving millions of users and thousands of enterprise customers as relevant qualifications. Candidates should connect these requirements to evidence from their own work, including their individual contribution, technical decisions and outcomes. The listing describes the work arrangement as remote and gives the location as Seattle, WA / Seattle / United States. Confirm country eligibility, travel, employment terms and any details absent from this summary directly with Docker before applying. This overview is based on the employer-provided posting; it does not infer team structure or expectations that the source does not state.

Responsibilities

Lead technical work for central operations and systems engineering.
Design reliable architectures and guide implementation with customers or engineering teams.
Improve delivery, automation, documentation, testing and operational quality.
Collaborate across product, services, support and platform teams.

Qualifications

12+ years of software engineering experience with demonstrated expertise across multiple domains (SDLC, AI engineering, corporate systems, etc)
Proven track record architecting and delivering large-scale distributed systems serving millions of users and thousands of enterprise customers
Broad working knowledge across all platform domains with ability to make sound architectural decisions spanning multiple areas
Expert-level understanding of API design, service architecture, and system integration patterns at scale, including in-house vs. vendor developed systems.
Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, or Azure) and modern infrastructure patterns (Kubernetes, service mesh, infrastructure-as-code)
Knowledge of enterprise security requirements, compliance frameworks (SOC 2, ISO 27001), and their architectural implications
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience
Track record of establishing strategic technical plans that directly enabled business outcomes (revenue growth, cost reduction, market expansion)
Experience translating business strategy into technical architecture and roadmaps
Demonstrated ability to identify and prioritize investments that provide maximum platform leverage
Understanding of SaaS business models, enterprise sales cycles, and how platform capabilities influence commercial success
Experience making build-vs-buy decisions for critical platform components
Proven ability to drive large cross-company technical programs requiring coordination across multiple engineering organizations
Experience working with VPs and executives to set and execute technical strategy
Track record of influencing technical direction without direct authority—building consensus across teams with different priorities
Strong communication skills with ability to present to executives, influence leadership, and drive alignment at all levels

Technology in this role

AWS: AWS Azure GCP Kubernetes .
Azure: AWS Azure GCP Kubernetes .
GCP: AWS Azure GCP Kubernetes .
Kubernetes: AWS Azure GCP Kubernetes .
Docker: AWS Azure GCP Kubernetes .
CAN: • Product teams can launch enterprise-ready features in <2 weeks .

Role-specific candidate guide

Preparation notes based on the employer’s stated responsibilities and qualifications.

Understanding the scope. This Senior Principal Engineer, Central Ops & Systems position at Docker is best assessed through the work described in the employer’s posting, rather than the title alone. The available role overview says: “The Senior Principal Engineer, Central Ops & Systems opening at Docker is centered on Lead technical work for central operations and systems engineering. The employer also lists Design reliable architectures and guide…” Read that statement together with the responsibilities below to understand the likely balance between delivery, coordination and technical decision-making. The role belongs to the technical.

Benefits

Remote-first by design – Work from your home, with offices in Seattle and Paris for connection and collaboration.
Flexibility that fits your life – We trust you to manage your schedule while delivering great work.
Time to recharge – Generous PTO, designated quarterly Whaleness Days, and a designated end-of-year Whaleness break.
Home office support – Set up your workspace for comfort and success.
Technology stipend – Equivalent to US$100 net per month to help support your work.
Learning & development – Annual stipend for conferences, courses, certifications, and continued learning.
Parental leave – 16 weeks of paid parental leave after six months of employment.
Equity for all full-time employees – Share in Docker's long-term success as we continue to grow.
Comprehensive benefits – Medical, retirement, and paid holidays vary by country.
Docker swag – Because representing the whale never gets old.
Docker is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a team that reflects a broad range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We believe diverse teams build better products, make better decisions, and better serve our global community.

About Docker

Docker provides tools and services for building, shipping and running applications.

Employer website

How to apply

Review the original posting and apply through the employer’s careers page.

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Source checked: 2026-10-16

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