Principal Software Engineer
Who we are
Who we are: We build technology that removes barriers blocking talent from opportunity, combining the latest advancements in AI with human judgment.
How we expand access: Access isn't real if it's unaffordable. Through our sister company, Passage Funding, we provide financing for international students.
What we believe: Access to opportunity should not be determined by geography, gender, or wealth. We reinvest a portion of our profits to support those cut off from education - including our Afghan program.
Access is the product: We build AI that turns paperwork into decisions, and decisions into real outcomes.
Our mission is bold but simple: by 2030, we aim to dismantle the barriers preventing brilliant minds from accessing the opportunities they deserve.
The role
We are looking for a Principal Software Engineer to help architect and scale the core systems that power Passage.
This is a senior technical leadership role focused on building reliable, scalable systems while shaping the long-term technical direction of the company. You will work closely with engineering, product, and leadership teams to design systems that support Passage’s AI-driven platform and global operations.
You will take ownership of complex technical problems, define architectural standards, and help ensure our systems remain reliable, secure, and scalable as the company grows.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys solving deep technical problems while also influencing engineering culture and technical strategy across the organization.
What you will do
Architect core systems
Design and evolve the architecture of Passage’s core platform
Build scalable backend services that support admissions automation, financial systems, and operational workflows
Ensure systems are reliable, secure, and capable of supporting global scale
Lead complex technical initiatives
Own the design and implementation of large engineering initiatives
Break down complex problems into clear technical solutions
Guide teams through major architectural decisions
Establish engineering standards
Define best practices for system design, testing, performance, and reliability
Improve engineering workflows and development processes
Ensure high-quality, maintainable code across the platform
Partner across the company
Work closely with product, data, and operations teams to understand business needs
Translate product requirements into scalable technical solutions
Help leadership understand technical trade-offs and long-term architecture decisions
Mentor and elevate the engineering team
Mentor engineers across the organization
Review system designs and provide technical guidance
Help cultivate a high-ownership, high-quality engineering culture
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related technical field
5+ years of professional software engineering experience
Deep experience designing and building scalable backend systems
Strong programming skills in modern backend languages (such as Python, TypeScript, Go, or similar)
Experience working with distributed systems and cloud infrastructure
Strong system design and architectural thinking
Experience leading complex technical initiatives across multiple teams
Ability to operate independently and make high-impact technical decisions in a fast-moving environment
Nice to have
Proficient in Python, Django, TypeScript, and React.
Experience with cloud platforms such as GCP is a plus.
Deep knowledge of software design patterns and architecture.
Strong understanding of database design and development.
Bachelor degree or higher in computer science or related field
Location
Passage operates with an in-office working model.
Candidates must be based in Toronto or open to relocating and working five days per week in our Toronto office.
Ready to join us?
We are building a company designed to expand access to life-changing opportunities around the world.
If you are excited about solving hard technical problems, building systems with global impact, and shaping the engineering direction of a mission-driven company, we would love to meet you.
Note: Artificial intelligence may be used in the screening or assessment of applicants.
If your experience does not match every requirement but you believe you can thrive in this role, we encourage you to apply.
Compensation
Above C$200K + Offers Equity