Principal Software Development Engineer (AI)

TL;DR

Principal Software Development Engineer (AI): Leading technical strategy and architecture for AI-powered loyalty systems with an accent on agentic systems, LLM orchestration, and distributed architecture. Focus on designing scalable, reliable platforms that drive traveler engagement and personalized experiences at a global scale.

Location: Must be based in or able to commute to San Jose, California

Salary: $249,000–$398,500

Company

hirify.global powers global travel through cutting-edge technology, creating personalized, innovative solutions for travelers and partners worldwide.

What you will do

• Lead the architectural vision and design of complex, AI-powered software solutions across multiple technical domains.
• Design scalable system architectures, APIs, and data models to support secure and high-performing platforms.
• Mentor engineering teams to foster technical excellence, innovation, and best practices across the organization.
• Architect and integrate agentic systems, including multi-step reasoning, tool orchestration, and memory frameworks.
• Champion responsible AI deployment, ensuring solutions are robust, scalable, and ethically sound.
• Collaborate with cross-functional partners in Product, Data Science, and Platform leadership to deliver business-aligned technology.

Requirements

• 12+ years of relevant professional experience in large-scale system architecture and complex software delivery.
• Hands-on experience designing, building, and shipping AI-powered products using LLMs in production environments.
• Proven expertise in distributed systems design, event-driven architectures, and high-availability backend systems.
• Experience architecting agentic systems, including orchestration frameworks and evaluation loops.
• Strong understanding of RAG, vector search, prompt orchestration, and model observability.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to influence cross-functional teams without formal authority.

Nice to have

• Background in loyalty, personalization, growth platforms, or fintech products.
• Experience leading architectural modernization for large, legacy distributed systems.
• Proven track record in full-stack engineering and operating across multiple technical layers.
• Expertise in championing data-driven decision making and operational excellence.

Culture & Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flexible work model with hybrid office environment.
• Generous time-off policy, parental leave, and career development resources.
• Travel-focused perks including wellness reimbursements, travel discounts, and IATAN membership.
• Inclusive, vibrant community culture recognized for diversity and employee experience.