Our client is seeking a Principal Backend Engineer to help lead the transformation of a monolithic SAP Hybris system into a modern, cloud-native, and personalized commerce experience. This role blends deep backend engineering knowledge with architectural thinking, ERP integrations, and a strong product mindset. You will play a key part in reimagining how backend services are exposed and extended via APIs, enabling dynamic personalization and performance tuning. Working closely with cross-functional leaders, this role will influence platform design, vendor evaluations, and the long-term roadmap for a scalable, user-tailored commerce system. Key Responsibilities Platform Evolution & Architecture • Architect scalable backend services to decouple SAP Hybris and Commerce Cloud components from monolithic patterns. • Lead decision-making around commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) solutions vs. custom build options (e.g., evaluating tools like Bloomreach for experience layer integrations). • Define patterns and standards that enable AI-driven personalization capabilities atop an API-first commerce architecture. Service Design & Implementation • Guide how to surface SAP Commerce Cloud services (e.g., pricing engine, catalog search) behind robust APIs. • Contribute to and review services built using Java, Node.js, or TypeScript, focusing on clean architecture and cloud-native patterns. • Support the shift to containerized services orchestrated via Kubernetes. ERP & System Integrations • Design and implement integrations with SAP S/4HANA and other ERP systems for seamless backend commerce data flow. • Ensure integration layers follow resilient, scalable design using asynchronous patterns where appropriate. Engineering Best Practices • Embed operational excellence through ITSM-aligned development (e.g., bite-sized, traceable, and auditable changes). • Promote observability, deployment hygiene, and maintainability of backend services. Core Requirements • 8–12+ years of backend engineering experience, with strong emphasis on eCommerce systems. • Deep expertise in Java and/or Node.js, along with TypeScript in backend contexts. • Experience with SAP Hybris, SAP Commerce Cloud (CCv2), and ERP platforms like SAP S/4HANA. • Solid understanding of API gateway architecture, containerization, and Kubernetes. • Ability to design and guide systems in cloud environments, with a cloud-native mindset. • Strong knowledge of search engines (e.g., Solr, OpenSearch) and experience fine-tuning relevancy models. • Familiarity with personalization technologies, AI-driven recommendations, and user segmentation strategies. • Comfortable working with COTS vendors or building platform components in-house from scratch. Preferred Qualifications • Experience decoupling monolithic commerce platforms into modular microservices. • Exposure to commerce search optimization, dynamic pricing, and behavioral data modeling. • Hands-on experience with personalization engines or front-end content orchestration tools. • Familiarity with best practices in ITSM, change management, and continuous delivery pipelines.