Principal Engineer, Online Systems

Pinterest; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 285,452 - 499,541; Full time

Job summary

Pinterest is seeking a Principal Engineer for the Online Systems team in San Francisco, responsible for driving reliability and efficiency across critical online systems. This role requires 12+ years of experience in software engineering with deep expertise in distributed systems and proficiency in C++, Java, or Python. The successful candidate will lead modernization efforts and cross-functional collaboration within the team, with a salary range of $285,452 to $499,541 USD. Office presence is required 1-2 times per quarter.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of software engineering experience.
• Hands-on experience with highly available production-grade systems.
• Ability to use AI for operational workflows.

Responsibilities

• Improve reliability, scalability, and efficiency of online systems.
• Lead initiatives for multi-region deployment and Kubernetes migration.
• Drive vision and strategy for online systems development.

Skills

Distributed systems expertise

C++, Java, or Python proficiency

Reliability and scalability improvements

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field

Job description

As a principal engineer on the Online Systems team, you’ll join a team that powers Pinterest’s most business‑critical online systems at massive scale, driving the reliability, efficiency, and evolution behind every core Pinner and Advertiser experience. You’ll lead major efforts like multi‑region deployment and Kubernetes migration, set the standard for operational excellence, and define the long‑term vision for our online serving infrastructure, supporting machine learning and product innovation across the company. This is an opportunity for high‑impact technical leadership, broad visibility, and cross‑functional influence at the heart of Pinterest’s platform.

What you’ll do

• Improve reliability, scalability and infra efficiency for Pinterest’s critical online systems across storage and caching, online service and realtime analytics systems to support continued business growth.
• Lead cross‑functional strategic initiatives to modernize Pinterest’s online serving stack through multi‑region deployment, Kubernetes migration, and the adoption of cutting‑edge technologies and industry best practices.
• Quality champion for online systems and the broad engineering organization, holding a high bar on execution quality and operational excellence.
• Drive the online systems vision and strategy for the next 3 years and beyond, and translate that strategy into cross‑functional roadmaps with measurable outcomes.
• Foster a diverse and inclusive engineering culture that makes all feel welcome, and invest in mentorship, critical thinking, and candid feedback to strengthen individual and organizational growth.

What we’re looking for

• 12+ years of software engineering experience with deep expertise in distributed systems, especially online serving, storage, and caching systems: hands‑on experience building and operating highly available, reliable, production‑grade systems at large scale; strong technical judgment in reliability, scalability, performance, and infrastructure efficiency; proficiency in at least one of C++, Java, or Python.
• Proven track record driving large‑scale technical impact: experience leading reliability and scalability improvements, cost‑efficiency initiatives, and modernization efforts across critical production systems; able to define technical strategy, influence architecture decisions, and drive execution through cross‑functional collaboration, strong communication, and operational excellence.
• Strong ownership, quality mindset, and thoughtful use of AI: demonstrates high standards for engineering quality, integrity, and accountability for final outcomes; able to use AI to accelerate analysis, debugging, design exploration, or operational workflows while applying critical thinking, validating correctness, and maintaining sound technical judgment rather than outsourcing ownership to tools.
• Exceptional collaboration skills with cross‑functional partners, with the ability to navigate ambiguity, make tradeoffs, and keep stakeholders aligned on priorities and progress.
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, a related technical field, or equivalent experience.

Relocation

This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.

In‑Office Requirement

This role will need to be in the office for in‑person collaboration 1‑2 times per quarter and therefore needs to be in a commutable distance from one of the following offices: PA or SF offices.

Salary range: $285,452 — $499,541 USD.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Pinterest is an equal opportunity employer and makes employment decisions on the basis of merit. We want to have the best qualified people in every job. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion or religious creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, status as a protected veteran, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information or characteristics (or those of a family member) or any other consideration made unlawful by applicable federal, state or local laws. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If you require a medical or religious accommodation during the job application process, please complete this form for support.