Principal Software Engineer – Search Platform

POSITION SUMMARY:

We are seeking a person to work onsite at our corporate office in Springfield, MO as Principal Engineer/Technical Product Owner for our E-commerce/Enterprise Search Platform to drive the vision, strategy, architecture, development and execution of our internal search capabilities. This role requires a blend of hands-on engineering expertise, product thinking, and team leadership.

 You will lead the development and continual improvement of intelligent, high-performing, and personalized on-site search experience. This includes relevance tuning, machine learning applications, A/B testing, and close collaboration with engineering, product, UX, and merchandising teams.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Strategic Ownership: Define and lead the roadmap for our e-commerce search and discovery platform, aligning with business goals and customer needs.
• Cross-functional Leadership: Collaborate with Product Managers, Engineers, Data Scientists, UX Designers, and Merchandisers to shape a seamless and effective experience.
• Search Optimization: Drive continuous improvement in search relevance, autocomplete, spelling correction, synonyms, and ranking algorithms.
• Technical Leadership: Lead engineering efforts to build and optimize scalable, performant, and resilient search infrastructure using platforms like Coveo, Elasticsearch, OpenSearch, or Solr.
• AI/ML Integration: Leverage AI/ML techniques and NLP for personalization, intent detection, and dynamic ranking to improve user engagement and conversion.
• Performance & Analytics: Establish success metrics, conduct A/B testing, analyze search usage patterns, and iterate based on insights.
• Platform Reliability: Ensure observability, fault tolerance, and scalability to handle peak traffic scenarios during high-demand retail periods.
• Technology Evaluation: Assess and integrate third-party APIs and tools where they enhance the search experience or accelerate development.
• Innovation: Stay ahead of trends in semantic search, vector search, headless commerce, and voice/text search innovations.

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum Degree Required:    Bachelor's Degree
• Preferred Degree:  Master's Degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related technical field
• Years of experience:  7 years of software engineering or technical product roles, with 3 years focused on search technologies 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITY:

• Proven track record with search engines such as Coveo (preferred), Elasticsearch, Solr, or OpenSearch.
• Solid programming experience with languages such as Java, Python, or Scala.
• Strong understanding of information retrieval, ranking algorithms, NLP, and machine learning.
• Experience with retail search use cases including catalog data, taxonomy, merchandising strategies, and product discovery.
• Excellent communication, project management, and leadership skills; ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Experience working within microservices architectures or headless commerce environments.
• Knowledge of data privacy, ethical AI, and regulations affecting personalized search is a plus.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS:

• n/a

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

Regularly sits, and does computer work.

Occasionally walks and stands.

Seldom/Never lifts up to 50 lbs.

INDEPENDENT JUDGEMENT:

Performs duties within scope of general company policies, procedures, and objectives. Analyzes problems and performs needs assessments. Uses judgment in adapting broad guidelines to achieve desired result. Regular exercise of independent judgment within accepted practices. Makes recommendations that affect policies, procedures, and practices.

Full Time Benefits Summary:
Enjoy discounts on retail merchandise, our restaurants, world-class resorts and conservation attractions!

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Health Savings Account
• Flexible Spending Account
• Voluntary benefits
• 401k Retirement Savings
• Paid holidays
• Paid vacation
• Paid sick time
• Bass Pro Cares Fund
• And more!

We will be accepting applications on an ongoing basis

Bass Pro Shops is an equal opportunity employer.  Hiring decisions are administered without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Reasonable Accommodations

Qualified individuals with known disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain state or local laws.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process, please visit your nearest location or contact us at hrcompliance@basspro.com.