
Principal Software Engineer – Backend AI Engineer
Red Hat
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Hybrid
Location: Raleigh • Massachusetts • North Carolina • United States
Visit company websiteExplore more
Salary
💰 $148,540 - $245,050 per year
Job Level
Tech Stack
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