Principal Compiler Architect
Confirmed on the employer's own hiring board on Oct 10, 2026. First seen by Alion on Sep 14, 2026.
Location- Remote (Within the US)
Principal Compiler Architect
The role
COBOL applications, backed by the legendary resilience, security, and scalability of IBM Z, are among global enterprises’ most valuable assets. They run mission critical operations with business logic that is unique to the respective organization. We are hiring a Principal Compiler Architect to own the technical direction of the compiler part of our JOPAZ product, and to grow into leading the team that builds it.
What you'll do
• Own the compiler end to end
• Guard correctness as the top priority
• Define and defend how COBOL semantics map onto the JVM so that compiled programs are behaviorally equivalent to native execution
• Drive performance on the JVM
• Set the technical roadmap for the optimization strategy, make cross-cutting design decisions, and keep the codebase coherent as it grows
• Collaborate across the product, including mainframe connectivity layers
• Grow into technical and people leadership
What we're looking for (must-have)
• Proven, end-to-end compiler construction experience – you have built or substantially contributed to a production compiler; not just used compiler frameworks.
• Multi-year JVM code expertise
• Correctness and semantics engineering
• Architecture-level judgment for optimization strategies
• Ability to make and defend cross-cutting technical decisions in a long-lived codebase
• Technical leadership instincts (mentoring engineers, communicate designs clearly)
Strong plus-points (not required)
• Hands-on COBOL knowledge, or experience with another legacy/ business language and
its habits
• z/OS experience: Java on z/OS, zIIP and specialty-engine offload, JCL/batch.
• Verification at scale, differential testing, conformance suites, fuzzing, or formal methods.
Application Deadline: 10/16/2026
What’s in it for you?
Compensation
The annual base salary range for this position is $140,000 - $190,000 based on the candidate's unique qualifications, skills, and depth of experience.
This position is also eligible for a 10% discretionary annual bonus in accordance with relevant plan documents and award agreements.
Benefits
Company paid Holidays, Sick Leave, and Vacation time.
Paid Family Leave and other leaves of absence.
Community Service Day.
Medical, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA, Life Insurance and Pet Insurance.
401(k) Plan with up to 5% employer match.
Wellness Program.
Set yourself up for success in your new role by upgrading your home office space using your one-time hybrid work payment.
Lean on the Employee Assistance Program for support during some of life’s most common but difficult challenges.