Principal Developer / Coder – Remote (Based in Kigali, Rwanda)

Principal Developer / Coder – Remote (Based in Kigali, Rwanda)

About One World Coders

One World Coders is a high-caliber software consultancy with a mission to deliver exceptional software solutions that transcend borders. With teams based in Kigali, Rwanda, and Kampala, Uganda, we have cultivated a reputation for crafting quality code with a global mindset. Founded in 2019 by Doug Bradbury and Mihigo Rugamba in collaboration with 8th Light, One World Coders has continued to evolve and expand. As of 2024, we are fully managed by 8th Light—a U.S.-based global software consultancy known for its deep commitment to technical excellence and craftsmanship. We serve clients across industries and geographies by building thoughtful, durable, and human-centered software. Our strength lies in our people—individuals who are driven by the belief that code is not just a tool but a craft. Every One World Coder undergoes a rigorous apprenticeship that builds upon their academic foundation. This intensive program emphasizes best practices such as Test Driven Development (TDD), pair programming, and clean code architecture. Many of our developers have studied at international universities and bring multicultural perspectives that help them understand the diverse needs of global teams. Whether you’re in Silicon Valley, Europe, or East Africa, our coders integrate seamlessly into your environment, offering not just technical skills but empathy, communication, and cross-cultural agility. We are now looking for a Principal Developer / Coder to join our growing remote team. This is a leadership-level position for a senior software engineer who is passionate about building meaningful technology, mentoring others, and driving architectural decisions in collaborative environments.

Who You Are

You are a seasoned developer with a decade or more of experience shipping quality software. Over the years, you've grown from simply writing code to designing systems, leading teams, mentoring others, and solving business-critical challenges. You’ve worn many hats—from engineer to architect to team lead—and you thrive in environments that value both autonomy and collaboration. You take pride in writing maintainable, readable, and testable code. You understand that software isn’t just about computers—it’s about people. Your ability to translate user needs into elegant technical solutions sets you apart. You’ve likely worked on systems of scale, refactored legacy codebases, introduced new tooling, and led conversations that helped align technical strategy with business goals. You are not just technically strong—you’re emotionally intelligent. You know how to lead with empathy, give and receive feedback constructively, and foster inclusive team dynamics.

You Likely Have Experience In:

• Writing production-grade software in multiple languages and frameworks, such as:
  • Ruby, Elixir, Java, Python
  • JavaScript/TypeScript
  • Frontend frameworks like React or Vue.js
• Delivering large-scale features, subsystems, or entire applications.
• Leading development efforts from design to deployment.
• Using Test Driven Development (TDD) and behavior-driven practices to drive quality and clarity.
• Designing software with scalability, performance, and security in mind.
• Creating and maintaining CI/CD pipelines and automated testing frameworks.
• Using Git for version control in collaborative development settings.
• Navigating Unix-based systems (macOS/Linux) with ease.
• Participating in and leading agile ceremonies (stand-ups, retrospectives, sprint planning).
• Mentoring junior and mid-level developers, supporting them in their professional growth.
• Communicating complex technical concepts in ways that non-engineers can understand.

What You’ll Do as a Principal Coder

As a Principal Coder at One World Coders, you will be entrusted with both technical and leadership responsibilities. You’ll be expected to lead client engagements, contribute meaningfully to high-impact projects, and help grow the talent and capabilities of your team.

Client Engagement and Leadership

• Make immediate, hands-on contributions to client projects from the start.
• Build trust with clients by consistently delivering high-quality solutions that address real-world problems.
• Guide clients through technical decisions while balancing budget, deadlines, and evolving requirements.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to client stakeholders, both technical and non-technical.
• Provide regular updates, identify risks early, and propose practical mitigation strategies.

Technical Strategy and Architecture

• Lead architectural and system design discussions with both internal and client teams.
• Break down complex problems into manageable, well-scoped features.
• Establish best practices in development and deployment across multiple environments.
• Identify and advocate for the appropriate tools and technologies based on client needs.
• Help shape coding standards and ensure the technical rigor of all deliverables.

Team Development and Mentorship

• Mentor and coach developers at all levels, helping them refine their skills and grow their careers.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, collaboration, and inclusivity within project teams.
• Facilitate effective code reviews that are educational, respectful, and productive.
• Encourage pair programming and other collaborative development practices.
• Support apprentices and new team members through onboarding and training.

Process and Delivery Excellence

• Lead retrospectives and agile planning meetings that drive clarity and momentum.
• Ensure projects remain on track with clear, prioritized roadmaps and achievable milestones.
• Resolve blockers that threaten project progress, whether technical, procedural, or interpersonal.
• Collaborate with project managers, product owners, and designers to align on deliverables and scope.
• Contribute to internal initiatives that improve how One World Coders operates and delivers value.

Skills and Characteristics We Value

• Autonomy: You know how to work independently and take ownership of outcomes.
• Collaboration: You excel in team environments and know that the best solutions come from diverse perspectives.
• Adaptability: You’re comfortable with ambiguity and capable of adjusting to changing priorities.
• Communication: You communicate clearly and with empathy, across cultures and time zones.
• Craftsmanship: You view code as a craft and hold your work to high standards.
• Curiosity: You are always learning and exploring new technologies, tools, and practices.
• Integrity: You are honest, reliable, and consistently act in the best interest of your team and clients.

Nice-to-Have Experience

• Infrastructure as Code (e.g., Terraform, Ansible, AWS CloudFormation)
• DevOps and CI/CD tools (e.g., GitHub Actions, Jenkins, CircleCI)
• Data engineering and pipelines (e.g., Apache Kafka, Airflow, dbt)
• Cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud Platform)
• Containerization and orchestration (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes)
• Mobile development (native or cross-platform using Flutter, React Native)
• Domain-Driven Design (DDD), Event Sourcing, or Microservices architectures
• Technical writing and public speaking

Why Work at One World Coders

At One World Coders, you won’t just be writing code—you’ll be part of a movement to redefine what it means to be a world-class software engineer in Africa and beyond. We invest deeply in our people, offering:

• Competitive, equitable compensation
• Flexible work arrangements (fully remote-friendly)
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities
• Mentorship and access to a global network of engineering leaders
• A supportive, inclusive culture where your voice matters

You’ll work on projects that challenge you and contribute to products that make a difference—locally and globally.

Ready to Join Us?

If you’re passionate about software development and ready to make an impact, we’d love to hear from you. Bring your experience, leadership, and dedication to a team that values quality, learning, and collaboration. Apply now to become a Principal Coder at One World Coders. Let’s build something extraordinary—together.