Okay, I've searched for Principal Enterprise Application Engineer roles specializing in D365 Finance and Operations in Pleasanton, CA, full-time, requiring 7+ years of experience, and offering benefits like 401(k) and disability insurance. I have found 23 positions matching your criteria.

Sure. Here's the analysis:

Job Analysis:

The Principal Enterprise Application Engineer role at Blackhawk Network centers on leveraging deep expertise in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Finance and Operations (D365 F&O) to design, develop, and maintain complex ERP solutions that directly support business growth and operational efficiency. Beyond technical proficiency in customizing, coding (X++), and integrating D365 F&O modules (Finance, Supply Chain Management) with other enterprise systems via Azure services, this role demands a strategic mindset to translate diverse stakeholder requirements into scalable, secure, and performant solutions. The emphasis on data migration and validation highlights the importance of maintaining data integrity across complex enterprise environments. Additionally, this position requires soft skills such as leadership, mentoring, and communication to effectively guide development teams and interact with global partners. Success here translates to delivering robust, extensible ERP capabilities that align with Blackhawk Network’s business goals of driving revenue and loyalty through branded payment solutions, while ensuring system scalability and seamless integration within a fast-evolving fintech ecosystem. The role implicitly requires navigating technical ambiguities, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and maintaining high-quality standards through DevOps-driven CI/CD pipelines. Within the first 6–12 months, performance success will likely be measured by the candidate’s ability to lead technical delivery on key D365 F&O projects, optimize system performance, and effectively mentor junior team members while ensuring business and technical alignment.

Company Analysis:

Blackhawk Network operates as a global leader in branded payment solutions, a dynamic niche at the intersection of fintech, loyalty programs, and consumer engagement. Positioned as an innovator with a vast payment distribution network, BHN’s mission is to connect brands and consumers through secure, scalable, and technologically advanced prepaid products and services. This places the company at the forefront of market trends in digital payments, demanding agility and continuous innovation. The culture inferred is collaborative, security-conscious, and mission-driven, reflecting a workplace that values diversity, equal opportunity, and employee well-being through comprehensive benefits. For someone in the Principal Enterprise Application Engineer role, the environment is likely fast-paced yet structured, where technical rigor and cross-functional teamwork are essential. The role will have significant visibility, given the impact of ERP systems on business operations, and requires a hands-on leader who can bridge complex technology with business strategy. BHN’s emphasis on secure, integrated solutions using cloud platforms like Azure complements the technical demands of the role. Overall, this is a strategic hire aimed at scaling and sustaining BHN’s enterprise technology backbone, critical for enabling seamless payment experiences and long-term innovation in a competitive fintech landscape.

Absolutely. Here are some mock interview questions that could come up:

• Behavioral: Tell me about a time when you had to customize an ERP solution to meet complex business requirements. How did you approach gathering and translating those needs, and what was the outcome?
• Behavioral: Describe a situation where you led a development team through a challenging technical problem. How did you mentor your team and ensure the quality of the final deliverable?
• Behavioral: Share an example of how you handled cross-functional communication with non-technical stakeholders to drive alignment on a technical project.
• Behavioral: Can you discuss an instance where you identified and resolved a performance bottleneck in a D365 F&O environment?
• Technical: How do you approach customizing D365 F&O modules while ensuring solutions remain upgrade-safe and aligned with best practices?
• Technical: Explain your experience with integrating D365 F&O with other enterprise systems using Azure services and APIs. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them?
• Technical: What strategies and tools do you use to manage data migration and validation in complex ERP implementations?
• Technical: Describe your experience implementing CI/CD pipelines using Azure DevOps in the context of D365 F&O development.
• Situational: Imagine you discover that a recent deployment caused a critical issue impacting finance processes globally. How would you respond and manage the resolution?
• Situational: If a business stakeholder requests a customization that conflicts with system performance or security best practices, how would you handle this?
• Situational: Suppose your junior developers are struggling to adapt to new coding standards and architecture changes. How would you mentor and motivate them?
• Company Fit: Why are you interested in working at Blackhawk Network, and how do you see your skills contributing to our mission in branded payments?
• Company Fit: How do your personal values align with Blackhawk Network's commitment to diversity, security, and innovation in the payments industry?
• Company Fit: Given our position in global branded payments, what excites you most about the future of ERP and cloud integration in this space?
• Questions to Ask Interviewer: Can you describe how the engineering team collaborates with product and business teams to prioritize D365 F&O enhancements?
• Questions to Ask Interviewer: What are the biggest challenges currently facing your ERP environment, and how would you expect the new Principal Enterprise Application Engineer to address them?
• Questions to Ask Interviewer: How does Blackhawk Network support continuous learning and professional development for senior technical roles like this one?