> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2104594-principal-software-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2104594-principal-software-engineer). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Principal Software Engineer - **Company:** Sovrn, Inc. - **Location:** Boulder, CO, United States (Remote available) - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $200,000.0 - $240,000.0 - **Contract:** Temporary contract - **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Artificial Intelligence, Amazon Web Services, Code Review, Distributed Systems, Fault Tolerance, Service-Oriented Architecture, Software Engineering, Datadog, Large Language Models, Prompt Engineering, Caching, Backend, Yield Optimization, Low Latency, ONNX (Open Neural Network Exchange) Format, Apache Kafka, Data Pipelines, Server Operating Systems & Platforms, Databricks - **Published:** August 18, 2026 - **Apply:** https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/sovrn/jobs/7872979 ## About the Role * 10+ years of software engineering experience, with a strong backend track record * 5+ years working specifically in adtech infrastructure - SSP, DSP, exchange, or ad server environments * Deep fluency in the programmatic ecosystem: OpenRTB, bid request/response flows, auction mechanics, supply path optimization, or similar * Experience building and operating systems at exchange scale - high QPS, strict latency budgets, fault tolerance * Demonstrated experience leading AI or agentic engineering efforts in production environments - not just experimentation, but shipped, operated, and iterated on * Hands-on experience with LLM integration patterns: RAG, tool use, multi-step agentic workflows, prompt engineering, and evaluation frameworks * Strong distributed systems fundamentals: messaging, caching, service architecture, observability * Comfort driving technical decisions in ambiguous, fast-moving environments * A point of view on where AI is and isn't the right tool - and the credibility to make that case Location: Sovrn offices are located in Boulder, CO and New York, NY. We believe collaboration and shared purpose lead to deeper relationships, more creative problem-solving, and more learning, faster. For employees located near one of our offices, working in-person is our default. We trust people to use personal agency when focused work or life circumstances call for flexibility.. For exceptional candidates we would consider remote locations in these states: AZ, CA, CO, GA, MD, MA, MI, MO, NJ, NY, NC, OK, TX, UT, WA. #LI-Hybrid #LI-Remote We understand that no candidate is perfectly qualified for any job. Experience comes in different forms; many skills are transferable; and passion goes a long way. Even more important than your resume is a clear demonstration of accountability and the ability to thrive in a fluid and collaborative environment. We expect you to learn new things in this role and encourage you to apply if your experience is close to what we're looking for. ## Description We're looking for a Principal Software Engineer with deep roots in adtech infrastructure and a genuine conviction about what AI-native engineering looks like in practice. This role is backend-focused at its core - you'll work on the systems that power our exchange, from bid request processing and traffic shaping to data pipelines and auction logic. But we're also at an inflection point in how we build software, and we want this person to help lead us through it. From a generative/agentic AI capabilities standpoint, we already use LLMs and agentic tooling across our data stack and, we're looking for is someone who can help us take that from general adoption to intentional practice - who has strong opinions about where AI creates real leverage in a high-throughput adtech environment, and who can bring the rest of the engineering organization along with them. Languages/components/tools in our stack: Java, Kafka (Redpanda), AWS, Databricks, Datadog, ONNX. What you'll be doing: * Own the design and evolution of backend systems that operate at exchange scale - high throughput, low latency, always on * Lead architectural decisions across auction infrastructure, bid processing, traffic shaping, and supply-side integrations * Establish and champion AI engineering practices across the team - from prompt engineering and RAG patterns to agentic workflow design and LLM evaluation * Identify high-leverage opportunities to apply AI in our adtech stack: traffic scoring and filtering, bid shading, yield optimization, anomaly detection, and automated decisioning * Set standards for how we evaluate, trust, and operate AI-powered systems in production - including observability, fallback behavior, and model governance * Drive technical standards, design reviews, and engineering best practices across a senior team * Partner with product, data science, and platform teams to ship end-to-end * Help the broader engineering team build fluency and confidence with AI tooling, not just tolerance of it * Mentor and level up engineers through code review, design collaboration, and hands-on guidance, Will you now or in the future require sponsorship for employment visa status (e.g., H-1B visa status)?* Select... Are you currently working in the US on a temporary visa?* Select... Do you have adtech experience (SSP, DSP, exchange, or ad server environments)? * Select... 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