Red Hat

Principal Software Engineer – Backend AI Engineer

Red Hat

full-time

Posted on:

Location Type: Hybrid

Location: RaleighMassachusettsNorth CarolinaUnited States

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Salary

💰 $148,540 - $245,050 per year

Job Level

About the role

  • Lead the design and implementation of highly scalable, resilient backend services using Python, ensuring best practices in microservices and distributed systems
  • Drive the strategy for API development, designing and maintaining high-performance RESTful and GraphQL endpoints that support complex frontend and internal requirements
  • Architect and optimize database schemas (SQL and NoSQL), ensuring data integrity, performance tuning, and efficient query design for high-traffic applications
  • Design and deploy AI-driven features, focusing on LLM orchestration and Agentic workflows (e.g., automated reasoning, tool-calling) to solve real-world engineering problems
  • Lead deep-dive debugging sessions and performance audits across the stack, from the database layer to the application logic
  • Proactively utilize and experiment with AI-assisted tools (code generation, intelligent suggestions) to accelerate development cycles and improve code quality across the team
  • Partner with Product Managers to translate Requests for Enhancement (RFEs) into technical specifications and lead the implementation of complex, multi-sprint features

Requirements

  • Mastery of Python and its ecosystem (e.g., FastAPI, Django, Flask), with a focus on writing clean, maintainable, and asynchronous code
  • Deep expertise in building and consuming REST and GraphQL APIs; experience with API versioning, security (OAuth/JWT), and documentation
  • Advanced knowledge of relational databases (e.g., PostgreSQL) and NoSQL solutions (e.g., Redis, MongoDB), including indexing, migration strategies, and optimization
  • Comfortable with cloud-native technologies (Kubernetes, OpenShift, or AWS/Azure)
  • Practical experience integrating Large Language Models and building Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) pipelines
  • Familiarity with creating AI Agents that can perform tasks, use tools, and maintain state within a software ecosystem
  • A foundational understanding of Machine Learning principles to effectively collaborate with data science teams
  • Mastery of Git and advanced branching/merging strategies
  • Proven ability to lead in an Agile environment, providing technical direction during sprint planning and code reviews
  • A high degree of care in handling confidential customer information in accordance with privacy laws and corporate policies
  • Strong awareness of modern JS to facilitate seamless backend-to-frontend integration
Benefits
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Flexible Spending Account - healthcare and dependent care
  • Health Savings Account - high deductible medical plan
  • Retirement 401(k) with employer match
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Paid parental leave plans for all new parents
  • Leave benefits including disability, paid family medical leave, and paid military leave
  • Additional benefits including employee stock purchase plan, family planning reimbursement, tuition reimbursement, transportation expense account, employee assistance program, and more!
Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools
PythonFastAPIDjangoFlaskREST APIsGraphQL APIsPostgreSQLRedisMongoDBMachine Learning
Soft Skills
leadershipcollaborationtechnical directionattention to detailAgile methodology