> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3006831-principal-software-engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3006831-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:** Sprouts Farmers Market - **Location:** Phoenix, AZ, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $150,000.0 - $200,000.0 - **Contract:** Temporary to permanent - **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Engineering, Distributed Systems, Monitoring of Systems, Calypso Programming Language, Software Engineering, Systems Architecture, Real Time Systems, Large Language Models, Reliability of Systems, Generative AI, AI Platforms, Machine Learning Operations, Virtual Agents, Data Pipelines - **Published:** September 19, 2026 - **Apply:** https://www.careerjet.com/job/usd7930445a9ae590e2fa9573665691bcd/eaa ## About the Role * 15+ years of experience in software engineering and 2 years in AI/ML * Deep expertise in: * Distributed systems * Cloud-native architecture * AI/ML systems * Hands-on experience with: * Generative AI / LLMs * Agentic AI systems * Data pipelines Preferred Qualifications * Experience leading large-scale AI initiatives * Strong background in: * Real-time systems * High-scale platforms * AI observability Core Competencies * Communication * Customer Focus * Driving for Results * Positive Approach ## Description The 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 Responsibilities Advanced AI System Design * Lead design and development of complex AI/ML systems at scale * Translate ambiguous business problems into robust system architectures * Select models and frameworks based on: * Performance * Explainability * Operational constraints * Define reusable: * AI platforms * Frameworks * Service patterns Architecture & Technical Leadership * Define reference architectures for AI and platform systems * Lead design for: * Distributed systems * Real-time inference * Agentic workflows * Ensure systems meet: * Scalability * Reliability * Cost efficiency AI Innovation & Retail Impact * Identify and drive high-impact AI use cases: * Store intelligence * Associate copilots * Inventory optimization * Build: * Agentic AI workflows * Autonomous systems * Intelligent decision engines MLOps & Platform Excellence * Define and standardize: * Model lifecycle management * Monitoring and observability * Evaluation frameworks * Establish best practices for: * AI governance * Responsible AI * System reliability Product & Business Influence * Partner with Product and Business teams to: * Shape technical direction * Influence solution design * Ensure alignment with outcomes * Provide technical leadership in: * Trade-offs * Feasibility * Scalability decisions Production & Operational Leadership (Build + Run) * Ensure systems are: * Production-ready * Observable * Maintainable * Lead resolution of: * Critical production issues * System performance challenges * Improve system resilience and uptime Technical Mentorship & Influence * Mentor engineers and technical leads * Drive engineering standards and best practices * Influence architecture and design across teams, 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 for more information. ## Related Videos - [This App Reached 10,000 Users in One Week. Here's How.](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100329-this-app-reached-10-000-users-in-one-week-here-s-how) - [Your imaginations is (no longer) the limit: how Generative AI empowers people to be creative](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/741-your-imaginations-is-no-longer-the-limit-how-generative-ai-empowers-people-to-be-creative) - [Guiding Agentic AI with Vue](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2033-guiding-agentic-ai-with-vue) - [Coffee with Developers - Maria Apazoglou](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1209-coffee-with-developers-maria-apazoglou) - [Supercharge your cloud-native applications with Generative AI](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/950-supercharge-your-cloud-native-applications-with-generative-ai) - [From AI Assistance to Agentic Systems: Scaling Sovereign AI in Banking](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100070-from-ai-assistance-to-agentic-systems-scaling-sovereign-ai-in-banking) ## Related Articles - [Navigating the AI Shift](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/629-navigating-the-ai-shift) - [MLOps And AI Driven Development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/82-mlops-and-ai-driven-development) - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer) - [Coffee with Developers - Maria Apazoglou - Making AI understandable for all in production](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/475-coffee-with-developers-maria-apazoglou-making-ai-understandable-for-all-in-production) - [What is Software Engineering in the Age of AI?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/640-what-is-software-engineering-in-the-age-of-ai) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers)