Principal Engineer, AI Platform

Zigsaw

Principal Engineer on AI Platform team at Pinterest architecting infrastructure for Generative AI and Recommender Systems. Driving strategic initiatives and enhancing productivity across the AI/ML lifecycle.

Posted 6/12/2026full-timeSan Francisco • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $242,634 - $499,541 per yearWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

Distributed SystemsJavaRust

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Set the technical vision and roadmap for the Pinterest AI Platform, aligning with business priorities and long-term company strategy.
Drive cross-functional strategic initiatives that advance our platform capabilities across:
Generative AI: multimodal data management, post-training, evaluation, and batch/online inference.
Recommender Systems: feature stores, training infra, and large-scale high performance inference.
AI-powered tools that automate the user experience across our platforms, connecting every stage of the AI/ML lifecycle to enhance productivity and accelerate development.
Cultivate a collaborative and inclusive culture where every team member feels welcome and empowered, and provide candid, constructive feedback that accelerates individual and team growth.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Deep expertise in AI/ML infrastructure and distributed systems: Hands-on experience designing, building, and operating highly available, production-grade systems at large scale; strong technical judgment; and proficiency in at least one of C++, Java, or Rust.
Proven track record of company-wide impact: Experience leading cross-organizational initiatives, navigating ambiguity, defining technical strategy, influencing architecture decisions, and aligning cross-functional partners and executives around a shared direction.
Strong ownership and a high engineering bar: Sets and upholds high standards for engineering quality, integrity, and accountability, and takes end-to-end ownership of outcomes.
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health insurance
401(k) matching
Flexible working hours
Paid time off
Remote work options

ATS Keywords

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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

Hard Skills & Tools

AI infrastructureML infrastructuredistributed systemsC++JavaRustgenerative AIrecommender systemsfeature storeshigh performance inference

Soft Skills

collaborative cultureinclusive cultureconstructive feedbackownershipengineering qualityintegrityaccountabilityinfluencingnavigating ambiguityteam growth

Certifications

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science