Principal Software Engineer

Principal Software EngineerThe Principal Software Engineer is a senior technical leader responsible for driving the design, architecture, and delivery of large-scale AI-powered systems across retail platforms. This role leads complex AI initiatives from concept to production, influences engineering direction, and ensures systems are scalable, reliable, and aligned with business outcomes.Overview of ResponsibilitiesAdvanced AI System Design Lead design and development of complex AI/ML systems at scaleTranslate ambiguous business problems into robust system architecturesSelect models and frameworks based on performance, explainability, and operational constraintsDefine reusable AI platforms, frameworks, and service patternsArchitecture & Technical Leadership Define reference architectures for AI and platform systemsLead design for distributed systems, real-time inference, and agentic workflowsEnsure systems meet scalability, reliability, and cost efficiencyAI Innovation & Retail Impact Identify and drive high-impact AI use cases: store intelligence, associate copilots, inventory optimizationBuild agentic AI workflows, autonomous systems, and intelligent decision enginesMLOps & Platform Excellence Define and standardize model lifecycle management, monitoring and observability, and evaluation frameworksEstablish best practices for AI governance, responsible AI, and system reliabilityProduct & Business Influence Partner with Product and Business teams to shape technical direction, influence solution design, and ensure alignment with outcomesProvide technical leadership in trade-offs, feasibility, and scalability decisionsProduction & Operational Leadership (Build + Run) Ensure systems are production-ready, observable, and maintainableLead resolution of critical production issues and system performance challengesImprove system resilience and uptimeTechnical Mentorship & Influence Mentor engineers and technical leadsDrive engineering standards and best practicesInfluence architecture and design across teamsQualifications15+ years of experience in software engineering and 2 years in AI/MLDeep expertise in distributed systems, cloud-native architecture, and AI/ML systemsHands-on experience with generative AI/LLMs, agentic AI systems, and data pipelinesPreferred QualificationsExperience leading large-scale AI initiativesStrong background in real-time systems, high-scale platforms, and AI observabilityCore CompetenciesCommunicationCustomer FocusDriving for ResultsPositive ApproachBenefitsIn addition to a rewarding career, Sprouts offers a comprehensive program to help support you and your family. These programs include:Competitive paySick time plan that you can use to support you or your immediate families’ healthVacation accrual planOpportunities for career growth15% discount for you and one other family member in your household on all purchases made at SproutsFlexible schedulesEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)401(K) Retirement savings plan with a generous company matchCompany paid life insuranceContests and appreciation events throughout the year full of prizes, food, and fun!Eligibility requirements may apply for the following benefits:Bonus based on company and/or individual performanceAffordable benefit coverage, including medical, dental, and visionHealth Savings Account with company matchPre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent careCompany paid short-term disability coveragePaid parental leave for both mothers and fathersPaid holidaysGet Paid Every Day!Sprouts Farmers Market offers DailyPay - if you're hired as an eligible employee, you'll be able to transfer the money you've already earned at no extra cost, and get it the next business day, for free. With DailyPay, you can see how much you've made every day and you can transfer your money any time before payday.You can learn more by visiting https://www.dailypay.com/partners/sprouts-farmers-market/.Why SproutsGrow with us! If you have a passion for inspiring people and a flair for fresh food, consider applying for a job at Sprouts! With a focus on customer service, our neighborhood grocery stores offer high-quality, farm fresh produce, natural meats, plenty of scoop-your-own bulk goods, and much more in a fun, friendly, old-fashioned farmer's market setting. Come grow your career in healthy living with a fast-paced, rapidly growing company and teams that pride themselves on empowering others along their journey.The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements. Sprouts' management reserves the right to amend and change duties, responsibilities, and requirements to meet business and organizational needs as necessary.Sprouts will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance.California Residents: We collect information in accordance with California law, please see here for more information.