Principal Software Engineer, ITC

Nike; Karnataka; On-site; INR 3,800,000 - 6,800,000; Full time

Job summary

Nike in India seeks a Principal Software Engineer—Generative AI to lead architectural vision for large-scale data and AI platforms. You will guide engineering teams through ambiguity, set technical standards, and drive cloud-native AI architectures across multiple product lines.

You will mentor leaders, work with global stakeholders, and advance MLOps, automation, and secure software practices to sustain Nike’s competitive edge in data-driven experiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Machine Learning, AI systems, or a related field.
• A Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or Generative AI is highly desirable.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in software engineering, including at least five years in a senior leadership or principal engineer capacity.
• Extensive expertise in building, deploying, and scaling sophisticated AI platforms, distributed systems, and cloud-native AI architectures.
• Advanced proficiency in Python, Java, Scala, or Go.
• Experience deploying large‑scale ML models in production environments.
• Experience with modern ML stacks (LLMs, PyTorch, TensorFlow, Spark) and cloud-native MLOps tools.
• Strong experience with DevOps, CI/CD, and infrastructure as code; Kubernetes, Docker are essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead architectural vision, design, and implementation of large-scale data and AI platforms for performance and security.
• Champion best practices in agentic AI systems and cloud-based ML infrastructure across engineering teams.
• Mentor senior engineers and provide thought leadership to solve challenging problems.
• Collaborate with global stakeholders to translate strategy into technology roadmaps and deliver value.
• Drive modern engineering methodologies, including MLOps, CI/CD, automation, and test-driven development.
• Evaluate and integrate emerging technologies to strengthen Nike’s tech ecosystem.
• Oversee end-to-end lifecycle of critical projects from requirements to monitoring and optimization.
• Ensure platforms meet security, privacy, and compliance standards; mitigate risks.
• Represent Nike Tech Center in India as a senior technical ambassador.

Skills

AI platforms

Distributed systems

Cloud-native architectures

Programming Python

Java

Scala

Go

DevOps

Kubernetes

Docker

MLOps

LLMs

PyTorch

TensorFlow

Security and compliance

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor’s or Master’s in CS/Software Engineering/IT/ML

Tools

AWS SageMaker

Databricks

Azure Machine Learning

Google Vertex AI

Kubernetes

Docker

Job description

Who You’ll Work With

We are seeking a visionary and accomplished Principal Software Engineer – Generative AI to join our Tech Center in India. You are not only an expert in software architecture, engineering, and AI/ML frameworks but also a strategic thinker who understands the long‑term impact of technology decisions. Your experience enables you to guide teams through ambiguity, establish clear technical standards, and shape the future of Nike’s data‑driven platforms. You thrive in a fast‑paced environment where cross‑functional collaboration, creativity, and agility are essential. You have a demonstrated track record of successfully leading engineering teams, delivering innovative solutions, and driving organizational change at scale.

Who We Are Looking For

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, Machine Learning, AI systems, or a related field. A Master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or Generative AI is highly desirable.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in software engineering, including at least five years in a senior leadership or principal engineer capacity.
• Extensive expertise in building, deploying, and scaling sophisticated AI platforms, distributed systems, and cloud‑native AI architectures using one or more of AWS SageMaker, Databricks, Azure Machine Learning, or Google Vertex AI.
• Advanced proficiency in one or more programming languages, including Python, Java, Scala, or Go.
• A proven track record of deploying large‑scale machine learning models in production environments.
• Experience with modern machine learning stacks, including LLMs, PyTorch, TensorFlow, Spark, and cloud‑native MLOps tools.
• Strong experience with modern DevOps methodologies, automation, CI/CD pipelines, and infrastructure as code. Expertise in Kubernetes, Docker, and container technologies is essential.
• Strong familiarity with agentic workflows and experience developing AI/LLM‑powered enterprise applications.
• Exceptional communication, leadership, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence and inspire at all levels of the organization.
• Experience driving and managing complex, high‑impact technology projects in a fast‑paced, agile environment.
• Deep understanding of security and compliance best practices in large‑scale enterprise environments.
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within engineering teams.

What You Will Work On

• Lead the architectural vision, technical design, and implementation of complex, large‑scale data and AI platforms, ensuring that they are robust, secure, and highly performant.
• Champion best practices in software development, agentic AI systems, and cloud‑based machine learning infrastructure while setting high standards for code quality, reliability, and maintainability across multiple engineering teams.
• Mentor and coach senior engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, intellectual curiosity, and continuous growth. Provide thought leadership that enables teams to solve challenging engineering problems.
• Collaborate extensively with global product and business stakeholders to translate strategic goals into actionable technology roadmaps, align engineering efforts with business priorities, and deliver exceptional value to Nike’s customers and partners.
• Drive the adoption of modern engineering methodologies, including automation, continuous integration and delivery, MLOps and DevOps practices, test‑driven development, and agile frameworks, to accelerate innovation and delivery.
• Evaluate, recommend, and integrate emerging technologies, frameworks, and tools to strengthen Nike’s technology ecosystem and maintain its position as an industry leader.
• Oversee the end‑to‑end lifecycle of critical projects, from requirements gathering and solution design through implementation, monitoring, and optimization.
• Ensure all platforms and services meet stringent security, privacy, and compliance standards by proactively identifying and mitigating risks.
• Represent the Tech Center in India as a senior technical ambassador, collaborating with global teams, sharing expertise, and contributing to Nike’s worldwide engineering community.