Principal Software Development Engineer Person & Trust Platform at ID.me
Mountain View, CA
$242,693–$307,125
Jul 1, 2026
Mountain View, CA
Jul 21, 2026
What this job asks for AI summary
A principal-level engineering role focused on the architecture and long-term strategy of core identity platforms — specifically the systems that store who a person is, collect verification evidence, and calculate confidence in an identity. The work centers on data modeling (including graph structures), API contract ownership, and guiding modernization of legacy identity data, while mentoring senior engineers and aligning multiple teams. Suits a seasoned technical authority with deep experience in complex, multi-system domains.
Principal level · 10+ years · San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA · Full-time
Pay in the description: $242,693–$307,125
“or” means any one of them counts — you don't need all of them.
We read this from the posting text with AI. Skim the description below before ruling yourself out.
How this req sits in the market our data
Roughly 330 people in the San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA area plausibly meet what this posting asks for (software developers). range 140–490
Applicant volume Moderate — A normal amount of company. The rare requirements below are what will separate a shortlisted application from the rest.
Rare in this occupation — lead with these, and say what you built with them.
What the occupation pays Median $217,796 (middle half $177,469–$231,052). This posting is about at that midpoint.
Estimated from BLS employment for this occupation and area, per-skill prevalence across our listing corpus, and published wage benchmarks — as of Jul 28, 2026. It is a model, not a headcount.
Why we read it this way (8)
The role is explicitly titled 'Principal Software Development Engineer' and the requirements support that level: 10+ years of experience, org-wide technical authority across multiple systems, and setting direction without direct authority — a genuine Principal-band role.
SOC classification is Medium confidence. The role's primary work is software architecture and API/data-model ownership (15-1252), but the heavy emphasis on data modeling, graph structures, and schema design for source-of-truth systems makes 15-1243 (Database Architects) a credible runner-up.
The compensation range ($242,693–$307,125/year) is stated specifically for the Mountain View, CA location; the posting also lists McLean VA, New York City NY, and Tampa FL as possible office locations. The CBSA is set to Mountain View's metro (San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA) as the only location with a quoted pay range.
The posting states 'Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent experience,' so no formal degree is hard-required (equivalent experience is accepted).
Data modeling and graph data structures are listed under Required Qualifications with firm language ('deep expertise'). API design is similarly required ('proven track record designing and owning APIs'). These are the only concrete named technical skills in the required section.
Graph databases, cloud-native infrastructure (GCP/AWS/Azure), NIST 800-63, Verifiable Credentials, and OIDC extensions all appear under Preferred Qualifications and are marked accordingly.
The role is in-office five days per week per company policy; remote=false.
Ignored 1 non-technology phrase(s) as skills (responsibilities/concepts, not named tools): API design.
Read the full posting
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