Principal Software Developer

Full-time Job Type
Hybrid Work Arrangement
Senior-Level Experience
Apply Now Posted 1 day ago

Hybrid role in Sofia, Bulgaria for a senior-level Principal Software Developer at GlobalFoundries. The company is a leading semiconductor manufacturer, and the role focuses on automating PDK generation and semiconductor manufacturing processes.

Skills / Requirements

  • Agile
  • Azure DevOps
  • Bash
  • CI/CD
  • Data-driven Decision Making
  • Domain-Driven Design
  • Domain-specific Languages
  • Functional Core
  • Git
  • Imperative Shell
  • Mentorship
  • Onion Architecture
  • Prompt Engineering
  • Python
  • Semiconductor PDK
  • Tcl
  • Test-Driven Development
  • Trunk-based Development
  • Vibe Coding

Why Apply

This role is ideal for someone skilled in AI-assisted development, as it involves leveraging AI-augmented workflows to accelerate software delivery. Experience with LLMs and vibe-coding workflows is beneficial.

What You'll Be Doing

You will lead software development projects to automate semiconductor manufacturing processes, ensuring technical quality and compliance. You'll also mentor junior engineers, enforce best practices, and drive test-driven development.

Working in BGR - Sofia, Bulgaria

  • Sofia is a growing tech hub in Eastern Europe, attracting numerous IT companies and startups.
  • The city offers a lower cost of living compared to many Western European capitals, making it an appealing place for tech professionals.
  • Sofia's public transport system is well-developed, providing easy access to various parts of the city.
  • The city is surrounded by mountains, offering outdoor activities and a pleasant climate year-round.

Pay and Career Growth

The role offers a competitive salary with a performance-related bonus and stock purchase options. Career paths in technical or management tracks are supported by extensive learning programs. The company promotes work-life balance with flexible work arrangements.

Benefits and Perks

  • competitive salary
  • Dental Coverage
  • Flexible working time
  • Food vouchers
  • Hybrid working model
  • Learning programs
  • Medical service
  • Paid Vacation
  • Performance Bonus
  • Spa facilities
  • stock purchase plan
  • Team events

Is This Role Right for You?

Good fit if you...

  • Experienced in Python, Tcl, and shell scripting with a focus on clean architecture.
  • Comfortable leading projects with minimal guidance and mentoring junior engineers.
  • Familiar with semiconductor industry processes and AI-augmented software development.

May not be for you if...

  • Lacks experience in semiconductor manufacturing or PDK development.
  • Prefers highly structured environments with constant managerial oversight.
  • Unfamiliar with AI-assisted coding or vibe-coding workflows.

Original Job Description

Аbout GlobalFoundries GlobalFoundries is a world-leading contract manufacturer for the global semiconductor industry with facilities in Dresden, Singapore, New York and Vermont (USA). Our products are used in various technical applications, e.g. mobile communications, consumer electronics, automotive and more. GlobalFoundries employs around 13,000 people worldwide, including 300 in Sofia. Our Sofia based team will enhance GF’s scale and capabilities, while strengthening competitiveness of its specialized application solutions to further position the company for growth and value creation. Our Design and Technology Enablement teams are working on the development of a broad portfolio of semiconductor technologies ranging from 350 nm down to 12nm including FD-SOI, RF, High-Voltage, and automotive applications. Summary of the Role We are looking for an experienced Principal Software Developer to lead small-to-medium scope project delivery within our Platform Engineering team. You will design and build software that automates GlobalFoundries PDK generation and semiconductor manufacturing processes – working with minimal guidance, creating requirements and being accountable for technical quality. You will train and guide junior engineers, enforce software architecture best practices and leverage AI-augmented workflows to accelerate delivery across multiple process technologies. Essential Responsibilities Lead project execution of Features and User Stories: decompose Features into well-defined User Stories and Tasks with clear acceptance criteria; ensure traceability from Epics down to work items. Be accountable (A in RACI) for Tasks, User Stories, and Bugs delivered by the team — ensure deliverables meet quality, compliance, and Definition of Done standards. Architect and develop PDK automation software in Python, Tcl, and shell scripting following clean architecture patterns (Onion Architecture, Functional Core / Imperative Shell); ensure domain models accurately represent semiconductor process constructs. Design and maintain DSLs, parsers, and grammars for rule-based systems (e.g., SVRF, PERC) — build and evolve domain-specific languages, ASTs, and transformation pipelines that encode semiconductor design rules into executable automation. Drive test-driven development across the team: establish test strategies (unit, integration, smoke), maintain CI/CD pipeline quality gates, and enforce PR review policies (2 approvals, linked work items, rebased merges). Own Issue resolution and Spikes — lead timeboxed investigations to reduce technical uncertainty and inform architectural decisions; solve novel and non-recurring problems. Create and refine requirements — author User Stories with acceptance criteria following Definition of Ready. Participate in backlog refinement with the Product Owner and Manager. Train and guide JL4–JL5 engineers on technical skills, architecture principles, domain modeling, and workflow adherence; conduct code reviews with coaching intent. Manage flow of work and leverage Azure DevOps dashboards for data-driven decisions; identify bottlenecks and drive process improvements within the team. What We Expect from You Technical leadership – lead project team execution – set direction, coordinate deliverables, unblock the team Minimal guidance – conduct project-based work without significant managerial input on individual tasks Mentorship – actively develop junior engineers through pairing, reviews, and knowledge transfer – not just delegation Continuous improvement – question the status quo; propose and implement workflow, tooling, or architecture improvements backed by data Domain mastery – build deep understanding of semiconductor PDK structures, design rules and manufacturing processes – and encode that knowledge into software Required Qualifications Education: B.S. or M.S. in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related technical field Experience: B.S. + 4–5 years, or M.S. + 2–4 years, or Ph.D. + 1–2 years of relevant software development experience Technical skills: Strong Python (including Pydantic, pytest, pandas, fastapi), Tcl or Bash/shell scripting, Git, trunk-based development, and CI/CD pipelines Architecture: Demonstrated experience designing software with clean separation of concerns (layered architecture, domain-driven design) Testing: Proven track record in test-driven development with ability to design comprehensive test strategies Delivery: Hands-on experience with Azure DevOps or equivalent agile platform (work items, boards, pipelines) Independence: Ability to lead small teams or project streams with minimal guidance Mindset: Ownership mentality, bias for action, data-driven decision-making Preferred Qualifications Experience in the semiconductor industry: PDK development, EDA tool flows (Calibre, SVRF, PEX), design rule checking (DRC/LVS), or process technology enablement Experience designing or maintaining domain-specific languages, parsers, or grammars — building ASTs, transformation pipelines, or rule compilers (e.g., using lark, sly, or similar parser frameworks) Demonstrated experience with LLMs and agentic development — configuring AI coding assistants, building Copilot agent skills, prompt engineering, or vibe-coding workflows (.github/instructions.md) Experience with domain modeling for complex technical domains (semiconductor process data, rule-based systems, manufacturing workflows) Familiarity with Onion Architecture, Functional Core / Imperative Shell, or similar clean architecture approaches Track record of mentoring or training junior engineers in a technical team setting Contributions to Lean/DevOps improvement initiatives (cycle time reduction, workflow standardization) We Offer Attractive compensation package with competitive salary, performance related bonus plan and a global recognition program. Employee Stock Purchase Plan (including 20% match and 50 seed shares for first time participants, non-executive). Individual, technical or management career path opportunities supported by enhanced learning and development programs. Healthy and teambuilding work environment with various perks: Additional medical service, including dental and, coverage of employees’ children Food vouchers and canteen discounts Monthly budget for Flex benefit Top-rated office location with recreation Spa facilities Discounts for Spa & Wellness Programs at NV Tower Regular Team Events and Celebrations Focus on employee work-life balance: Hybrid working model and flexible working time 21 to 25 days paid vacation depending on years with the company GlobalFoundries is an equal opportunity employer, cultivating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We believe having a multicultural workplace enhances productivity, efficiency, and innovation whilst our employees feel truly respected, valued and heard. Information about our benefits you can find here: https://gf.com/careers/opportunities-in-europe/ We shape what’s essential At GlobalFoundries you will find a vibrant work environment where collaboration and innovation thrive. Our diverse and global team shares a culture of respect and inclusivity, representing the best in the industry. We celebrate success together and are united by our dedication to excellence and our desire to improve and empower the world.