DSM-Firmenich

Job title – Principal Software Engineer - Digital Solutions, Custom Development (78650)

Location – Maastricht, Netherlands

We are seeking a Principal Software Engineer that can shape, lead and guide the complete development lifecycle of custom developed digital solutions within our organization, but also is the go-to expert. You’ll define the strategy, shape the roadmap, and lead by example in building scalable, secure, and high-performing systems that fulfil he business needs. Your deep technical knowledge, combined with a sharp eye for emerging technologies - especially AI - will challenge conventional thinking and inspire innovation. This role requires strong technical expertise, leadership skills to mentor teams and drive solution excellence, but also curiosity and boldness to be a catalyst for change.

This is an individual contributor role and does not include direct people management responsibilities.

Your key responsibilities

• Maximize the value of the custom development technologies and platforms
• Lead end-to-end technical design and architecture for the various solution areas (e.g., Cloud Native Architecture (AWS, Azure), Low-Code (preferably Mendix)), and recommend improvements to system design, architecture, and performance.
• Drive the adoption and integration of AI/ML technologies and Agentic AI to enhance custom development - making solutions smarter, faster, and more adaptive.
• Oversee development and implementation of solutions, ensuring alignment with business requirements and challenge them where needed, discuss and advise the enterprise architecture.
• Lead, define and enforce coding standards, design patterns, best practices, platform improvement tools and processes (f.e. automated testing, code quality & security)
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (business analysts, solution architects, developers, QA, operations) to deliver high-quality outcomes.
• Troubleshoot complex technical issues and provide hands-on guidance when necessary.
• Mentor and coach developers and technical team members, fostering growth and continuous learning.

We offer

• Work in very close proximity to our business in a global and intercultural environment.
• Progress to life. By being in D&T department you will shape the future through digital and innovative solutions.
• High challenger career and big opportunities within custom software development and it’s technologies.
• A flexible work environment that empowers people to take accountability for their work and own the outcome.
• Barrier-free communities within our organization where every employee is equally valued and respected – regardless of their background, beliefs, or identity.
• An eagerness to be one team and learn from each other to bring progress to life and create a better future.

You bring

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Proven experience (8-10+ years) in designing, developing, and delivering custom developed enterprise-grade solutions in a hybrid development environment (high- & low-code)
• Expert knowledge of solution architecture, integration patterns, APIs, cloud technologies, and security practices.
• Proven expertise in AI/ML frameworks and a strong curiosity for emerging technologies, e.g. AWS Sagemaker, PyTorch, LLMs (OpenAI, AWS Bedrock)
• Hands-on coding/scripting experience in relevant technologies & platforms (e.g. Cloud Technology (AWS, Azure), .NET, Java, JavaScript, Python, SQL, Mendix, PowerApps, ServiceNow).
• Experience with Agile delivery, CI/CD, and DevOps practices.
• Excellent problem-solving skills, stakeholder management, and communication abilities.
• Prior leadership experience, with the ability to guide and mentor technical teams.

Scope of the chapter:

The Custom Development team is part of the Software, Process & Integration Engineering cluster and responsible for the design, development and governance of tailor-made applications across the organization in high- and/or low-code (with a strong emphasis on AWS, Azure and Mendix). The team is also responsible to drive AI and the use of Agentic AI in custom development.

About dsm-firmenich

At dsm-firmenich, we don’t just meet expectations – we go beyond them.

Join our global team powered by science, creativity, and a shared purpose: to bring progress to life.

From elevating health to making fortified food and sustainable skincare, the impact of your work here will be felt by millions – every single day. Whether it’s fragrance that helps you focus, alternative meat that’s better for the planet, or reducing sugar without losing flavor, this is where you help shape the future of nutrition, health, and beauty for everyone, everywhere.

And while you’re making a difference, we’ll make sure you’re growing too. With learning that never stops, a culture that lifts you up and the freedom to move across businesses, teams, and borders. Your voice matters here. And your ideas? They’re essential to our future.

Because real progress only happens when we go beyond, together.

Our application process

Interested in this position? Please apply on-line by uploading your resume in English via our career portal.

Inclusion, belonging and equal opportunity statement

At dsm-firmenich, we believe being a force for good starts with the way we treat each other. When people feel supported, included, and free to be themselves, they do their best work – and that’s exactly the kind of culture we’re building. A place where opportunity is truly equal, authenticity is celebrated, and everyone has the chance to grow, contribute, and feel they belong.

We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and we’re serious about making our hiring process as fair and inclusive as possible. From inclusive language and diverse interview panels to thoughtful sourcing, we’re committed to reflecting the world we serve.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds — no matter your gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or anything else that makes you, you.

And if you have a disability or need any support through the application process, we’re here to help – just let us know what you need, and we’ll do everything we can to make it work.

Agency statement

We’re managing this search directly at dsm-firmenich. If you’re applying as an individual, we’d love to hear from you. We’re not accepting agency submissions or proposals involving fees or commissions for this role.