Principle Programmer

About the role

The Principal Programmer serves as the technical leader for custom software development across the organization. This role is responsible for designing, developing, and maintaining enterprise-level software solutions that integrate with core ERP systems, reporting platforms, and EDI environment. The Principal Programmer provides architectural direction, establishes development standards, mentors team members, and partners with business and IT leaders to deliver scalable, secure, and reliable technology solutions that support business growth.

Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture, design, and development of enterprise software solutions, system integrations, custom reporting, and EDI applications.
• Define and maintain software development standards, coding best practices, and documentation requirements to ensure consistency and long-term maintainability.
• Serve as the technical lead for complex development projects, providing guidance from solution design through implementation and ongoing support.
• Evaluate business requirements and collaborate with stakeholders to recommend scalable, efficient, and sustainable technology solutions.
• Maintain, troubleshoot, and optimize existing custom applications, integrations, reports, and EDI processes.
• Partner with ERP vendors, third-party providers, and internal business teams to troubleshoot issues, implement software patches, and coordinate system upgrades.
• Conduct code reviews and mentor developers by providing technical coaching, knowledge sharing, and leadership in modern development practices.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive technical documentation, system architecture, development standards, and support procedures while expanding the IT playbook.
• Identify opportunities to improve system performance, automate business processes, and reduce technical debt through continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assist with disaster recovery planning, application security, and system reliability for custom-developed solutions.
• Provide technical leadership for critical production issues, including after-hours support for high-priority outages when necessary.
• Support technical training initiatives by developing and delivering training for custom applications, reporting tools, and development standards.
• Provide advanced (Level 2/Level 3) support for custom software, reporting platforms, and EDI systems.
• Research and evaluate emerging technologies, tools, and development methodologies to improve organizational capabilities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• AA or BS in Technology, Computer Sciences, or similar education required.
• Certifications in various programming languages preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in a similar role.
• Experience with enterprise software architecture, technical leadership, and/or mentoring.
• Experience developing standards and governance.

Skills

• Strong written and oral communication.
• Organization and attention to detail.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Time management.
• Systems analysis.
• Mathematical and deductive reasoning.
• Critical thinking.
• Active learning.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Must be able to lift 50 pounds repeatedly on a regular basis.
• Must be able to stand for 8-10 hours a day.
• Bend, stand, squat, and twist repeatedly.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the functions of this job.

• Moderate noise (e.g., business office with computers, phones, and printers, light traffic).
• Ability to work in a confined area.
• Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period of time.
• Typical office environment.