Principal AI Engineer

CBRE; Richardson (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Job summary

CBRE seeks a Principal AI Engineer to shape enterprise intelligence by architecting, building, and scaling AI/ML solutions end-to-end. You will work across a production-grade platform to deliver integrated, scalable AI products in a fast-paced enterprise environment.

Join CBRE to lead architecture, drive responsible AI adoption, and influence senior stakeholders while collaborating with data, engineering, and business teams.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in software and platforms engineering with 5+ years AI/ML at enterprise scale.
• Proven track record building and scaling enterprise platforms with strong architecture thinking.
• Strong Python proficiency and cloud, CI/CD experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead full AI-powered platform lifecycle from inception to deployment.
• Design end-to-end AI/ML capabilities integrated into product architecture.
• Operationalize LLM-powered experiences and fine-tune models for domain workflows.
• Embed responsible AI practices across development lifecycle.
• Build MLOps pipelines with monitoring and drift detection.
• Provide strategic recommendations to executives.

Skills

LLMs

Generative AI

Agentic frameworks

Knowledge graphs

MLOps

LangChain

Python

Cloud platforms

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree

Tools

LangChain

CrewAI

Docker

Kubernetes

Azure

AWS

GCP

Job description

About The Role

As a CBRE Principal AI Engineer, you will shape enterprise intelligence by architecting, building, and scaling cutting-edge AI/ML solutions and intelligent platforms end-to-end, from inception through deployment and ongoing operations, combining deep AI engineering expertise with a product and platform mindset to deliver production-grade, enterprise-scale AI products.

About The Role

As a CBRE Principal AI Engineer, you will shape enterprise intelligence by architecting, building, and scaling cutting-edge AI/ML solutions and intelligent platforms end-to-end, from inception through deployment and ongoing operations, combining deep AI engineering expertise with a product and platform mindset to deliver production-grade, enterprise-scale AI products.

This job is part of the Software Engineering job function. They are responsible for successfully executing and monitoring system improvements to increase efficiency.

What You'll Do

• Lead the full lifecycle of AI-powered platforms - inception, architecture, development, deployment, and iteration. Apply framework thinking and architectural pattern expertise to build systems that scale, evolve, and minimize tech debt over time.
• Design and implement the full spectrum of AI/ML capabilities - predictive models, generative AI, agentic frameworks, RAG pipelines, and conversational systems - as integrated components of a coherent product architecture rather than isolated solutions.
• Operationalize LLM-powered experiences including multi-turn dialogue systems, virtual assistants, and knowledge graph-enhanced retrieval; apply enterprise fine-tuning techniques (DPO, ORPO, SPIN) to align models with domain-specific workflows and knowledge.
• Embed responsible AI principles across the development lifecycle - covering bias detection, model explainability, adversarial risk, and compliance - ensuring AI systems are trustworthy, auditable, and aligned with enterprise standards.
• Build production-grade MLOps pipelines with end-to-end model lifecycle management, monitoring, drift detection, and performance observability baked in by design.
• Translate platform architecture and AI capabilities into strategic recommendations for executive audiences; drive alignment across engineering, data, and business teams.
• Use experience and knowledge of all job areas within a function, practical experience in several functional areas or businesses, or concentrated knowledge of a particular discipline to coach and guide others.
• Lead by example and model behaviors that are consistent with CBRE RISE values. Negotiates with senior management, customers, regulators, or vendors to influence decisions of strategic importance. Anticipate potential objections, and persuade others, often at senior levels and of divergent interest, to adopt a different point of view.
• Drive the direction and resource allocation for programs, projects, or services.
• Significantly impact the design of policies and procedures. Provide moderate impact on the business direction through the development of innovative services or products.

What You'll Need

• Bachelor's or Master's Degree preferred with 10+ years of relevant experience in software and platforms engineering, with 5+ years of experience focused on AI/ML systems at enterprise scale. In lieu of a degree, a combination of experience and education will be considered.
• Proven track record building and scaling enterprise platforms with strong architectural and design pattern thinking.
• Hands-on experience across the AI stack - LLMs, generative AI, agentic frameworks (LangChain, CrewAI), knowledge graphs, and MLOps tooling.
• Strong Python proficiency and solid software engineering fundamentals.
• Experience with cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP), containerization, and CI/CD pipelines.
• Strong communication and leadership skills with ability to influence executive audiences.

Why CBRE

When you join CBRE, you become part of the global leader in commercial real estate services and investment that helps businesses and people thrive. We are dynamic problem solvers and forward-thinking professionals who create significant impact. Our collaborative culture is built on our shared values — respect, integrity, service and excellence — and we value the diverse perspectives, backgrounds and skillsets of our people. At CBRE, you have the opportunity to chart your own course and realize your potential. We welcome all applicants.

Our Values In Hiring

At CBRE, we are committed to fostering a culture where everyone feels they belong. We value diverse perspectives and experiences, and we welcome all applications.

Applicant AI Use Disclosure

We value human interaction to understand each candidate's unique experience, skills and aspirations. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to make hiring decisions, and we ask that candidates disclose any use of AI in the application and interview process.

About CBRE Group, Inc.

CBRE Group, Inc. (NYSE:CBRE), a Fortune 500 and S&P 500 company headquartered in Dallas, is the world’s largest commercial real estate services and investment firm (based on 2024 revenue). The company has more than 140,000 employees (including Turner & Townsend employees) serving clients in more than 100 countries. CBRE serves clients through four business segments: Advisory (leasing, sales, debt origination, mortgage serving, valuations); Building Operations & Experience (facilities management, property management, flex space & experience); Project Management (program management, project management, cost consulting); Real Estate Investments (investment management, development). Please visit our website at www.cbre.com.

Equal Employment Opportunity

CBRE is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity. We have a long-standing commitment to providing equal employment opportunity to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, veteran status, political belief, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

Candidate Accommodations

CBRE values the differences of all current and prospective employees and recognizes how every employee contributes to our company’s success. CBRE provides reasonable accommodations in job application procedures for individuals with disabilities. If you require assistance due to a disability in the application or recruitment process, please submit a request via email at [e-mail] or via telephone at [phone] (U.S.) and [phone] (Canada).