[Remote] Principal Software Engineer, Application Software (Remote)

Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Zipline is the world’s largest drone delivery service, aiming to ensure access to essential goods globally. The Principal Software Engineer will develop high-impact software for various operational tools, working closely with users to create reliable systems that support Zipline's autonomous logistics network.ResponsibilitiesYou’ll own high-impact software across one or more parts of Zipline’s application platform, such as:Partner, merchant, and internal operations tools that help teams run the business day to dayMarketplace, fulfillment, billing, and support systems that connect demand, delivery, and financial correctnessNetwork operations software for simulation, real-time visibility, intervention, orchestration, maintenance, and asset healthEnterprise systems that power manufacturing, supply chain, inventory, traceability, finance, quality, and field operationsYou’ll work closely with the people who use these systems every day, from operators and field teams to manufacturing, supply chain, finance, commercial, product, and partner teamsYou’ll identify ambiguous problems, design durable systems, build production software end to end, and drive adoptionYou’ll solve problems like:How do we give operators and partners real-time visibility into a complex physical network?How do we keep the network moving when demand shifts, weather changes, assets degrade, or capacity gets tight?How do we build financial and operational systems where every transaction, part, order, and aircraft state is traceable?How do we automate workflows across manufacturing, supply chain, fulfillment, and field operations without losing correctness?How do we design software that scales across countries, metros, verticals, and millions of deliveries?These are production systems with immediate operational and business consequencesYou’ll have real ownership, make technical and product decisions, and help shape how Zipline scalesSkillsHave experience building and shipping production software systemsBring strong full-stack fundamentals across frontend, backend, services, and dataCan turn ambiguous, high-stakes problems into simple, reliable softwareCombine product instinct with systems judgmentCare deeply about reliability, correctness, usability, and operational trustEnjoy working directly with users and stakeholders to understand real workflowsWant to shape architecture and product direction, not just implement scoped featuresAre excited to use modern AI tooling to increase velocity while maintaining strong engineering rigorBenefitsEquity compensationOvertime payDiscretionary annual or performance bonusesSales incentivesBenefits such as medical, dental and vision insurancePaid time offCompany OverviewZipline was founded to create the first logistics system that serves all humans equally. It was founded in 2011, and is headquartered in San Francisco, California, USA, with a workforce of 1001-5000 employees. Its website is https://www.zipline.com/.Company H1B SponsorshipZipline has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships, with 9 in 2026, 54 in 2025, 39 in 2024, 29 in 2023, 20 in 2022, 16 in 2021, 3 in 2020. Please note that this does not guarantee sponsorship for this specific role.