> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/212281-principal-software-engineer-backend-ai-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/212281-principal-software-engineer-backend-ai-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 - Backend AI Engineer - **Company:** Red Hat - **Location:** Raleigh, NC, United States (Remote available) - **Salary:** $148,540.0 - $245,050.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Artificial Intelligence, Amazon Web Services, Application Integration Architecture, Business Logic, Microsoft Azure, Code Generation, Software Quality, Code Review, Databases, Customer Data Management, Data Integrity, Relational Databases, Software Debugging, Distributed Systems, Django Web Framework, Python (Programming Language), PostgreSQL, Machine Learning, MongoDB, NoSQL, OAuth, Open Source Technology, OpenShift, Performance Tuning, Scrum Methodology, Systems Development Life Cycle, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Redis, SQL Databases, Systems Architecture, Systems Integration, Management of Software Versions, Flask (Web Framework), Large Language Models, Generative AI, Indexer, Backend, Git, Fastapi, Containerization, Kubernetes, Graphql, Front End Software Development, Api Design, Restful APIs, Microservices - **Published:** May 23, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.juju.com/job/00000000g1pwa7 ## About the Role + 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 The following is considered a plus + Proficiency in React to contribute to internal tools or full-stack feature sets ## Description The Principal Software Engineer is a high-level individual contributor and technical leader responsible for the architecture, stability, and evolution of core backend services. You will exercise expert judgment to design scalable distributed systems, high-performance APIs, and robust data models. While your foundation is in core backend engineering, you will also lead the integration of LLMs and AI Agentic workflows to solve complex automation challenges and enhance product intelligence. You will provide technical steering for the team, mentoring engineers while ensuring all solutions align with Red Hat's standards for security, privacy, performance and the ability to handle sensitive customer data with the highest level of integrity. You will act as the technical backbone of our engineering efforts, balancing the "tried and true" stability of robust backend engineering with the "cutting edge" potential of AI Agents. This is a role for a builder who loves deep system design as much as they enjoy experimenting with the future of automation. At Red Hat, our commitment to open source innovation extends beyond our products - it's embedded in how we work and grow. Red Hatters embrace change - especially in our fast-moving technological landscape - and have a strong growth mindset. That's why we encourage our teams to proactively, thoughtfully, and ethically use AI to simplify their workflows, cut complexity, and boost efficiency. This empowers our associates to focus on higher-impact work, creating smart, more innovative solutions that solve our customers' most pressing challenges. What you will do + System Architecture: Lead the design and implementation of highly scalable, resilient backend services using Python, ensuring best practices in microservices and distributed systems. + API Leadership: Drive the strategy for API development, designing and maintaining high-performance RESTful and GraphQL endpoints that support complex frontend and internal requirements. + Data Modeling & Strategy: Architect and optimize database schemas (SQL and NoSQL), ensuring data integrity, performance tuning, and efficient query design for high-traffic applications. + Pragmatic AI Integration: 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. + Performance Engineering: Lead deep-dive debugging sessions and performance audits across the stack, from the database layer to the application logic. + AI-Enhanced SDLC: Proactively utilize and experiment with AI-assisted tools (code generation, intelligent suggestions) to accelerate development cycles and improve code quality across the team. + Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Product Managers to translate Requests for Enhancement (RFEs) into technical specifications and lead the implementation of complex, multi-sprint features. ## Related Videos - [How a Small Team Shrank a Microsoft Monorepo by 94%](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1236-how-a-small-team-shrank-a-microsoft-monorepo-by-94) - [Leveraging Real time data in FSIs](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/806-leveraging-real-time-data-in-fsis) - [Keeping applications secure by evolving OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100152-keeping-applications-secure-by-evolving-oauth-2-0-and-openid-connect) - [The AI-Native Engineering Org: What’s Real, What’s Hype, What’s Next](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100004-the-ai-native-engineering-org-what-s-real-what-s-hype-what-s-next) - [Git for Code Reviews](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/429-git-for-code-reviews) - [Shipping Faster with Less: Render on Cloud Hosting, AI Workloads, and the Future of DevOps](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1894-shipping-faster-with-less-render-on-cloud-hosting-ai-workloads-and-the-future-of-devops) ## Related Articles - [Navigating the AI Shift](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/629-navigating-the-ai-shift) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer) - [Dev Digest 120 - Apple and peers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/455-dev-digest-120-apple-and-peers) - [Dev Digest 121 - AI goes offline](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/456-dev-digest-121-ai-goes-offline) - [What is Software Engineering in the Age of AI?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/640-what-is-software-engineering-in-the-age-of-ai)