Principal Software Engineer

Siemens; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 165,220 - 283,234; Full time

Job summary

Siemens in Santa Clara, CA is seeking a Principal Engineer to set the technical direction for systems that blend cloud infrastructure, machine learning, and hardware interaction. You will define architecture that is robust, scalable, and adaptable to rapid research and product iteration.

This high‑impact leadership role requires coordinating with engineers, ML researchers, product managers, and executives to shape the next generation of intelligent, interactive systems.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of professional software development experience
• Experience designing and scaling distributed systems and real‑time applications
• Proven ability to lead technical strategy and cross‑team architecture efforts
• Proficiency in at least one backend systems language (e.g., Python, Go, Java)
• Strong understanding of system design, performance optimization, and fault‑tolerance
• Experience bridging machine learning research and production environments
• Background in building systems that operate in or interact with the physical world
• Ability to influence engineering orgs and contribute to hiring and culture
• Track record of mentoring senior and staff‑level engineers

Responsibilities

• Define and evolve the technical architecture across core systems and products
• Provide hands‑on technical leadership on strategic projects
• Lead technical reviews and mentor engineers across all levels
• Align engineering direction with product and ML research priorities
• Identify and address scaling challenges before they become bottlenecks
• Champion engineering excellence, reliability, and system sustainability

Job description

Here at Siemens, we take pride in enabling sustainable progress through technology. We do this through empowering customers by combining the real and digital worlds. Improving how we live, work, and move today and for the next generation! We know that the only way a business thrives is if our people are thriving. That’s why we always put our people first. Our global, diverse team would be happy to support you and challenge you to grow in new ways. Who knows where our shared journey will take you?

We are developing AI-native products that bring generative intelligence into the physical world. As a Principal Engineer, you will set the technical direction for systems that blend cloud infrastructure, machine learning, and hardware interaction. You will be responsible for defining architecture that is robust, scalable, and adaptable to rapid research and product iteration.

This is a high-impact role for a technical leader who thrives on deep systems work and cross-disciplinary problem solving. You will work closely with engineers, ML researchers, product managers, and executives to define the architecture and foundational components that will support the next generation of intelligent, interactive systems. Your decisions will influence the trajectory of multiple engineering teams and the product itself.

You’ll make an impact by:

• Define and evolve the technical architecture across core systems and products
• Provide hands‑on technical leadership on strategic projects
• Lead technical reviews and mentor engineers across all levels
• Align engineering direction with product and ML research priorities
• Identify and address scaling challenges before they become bottlenecks
• Champion engineering excellence, reliability, and system sustainability

Technologies We Use

• Languages: Python, Go, TypeScript
• ML: PyTorch, HuggingFace, ONNX Runtime, LangChain
• Infrastructure: AWS, Kubernetes, Redis, Postgres, S3, Terraform
• DevOps & Observability: GitHub Actions, Datadog, Grafana, Prometheus

We do not expect deep experience with every tool, but we are looking for engineers who have repeatedly solved difficult problems at scale, and who know how to make good technical decisions under uncertainty.

Basic Qualifications

• 10+ years of professional software development experience
• Experience designing and scaling distributed systems and real‑time applications
• Proven ability to lead technical strategy and cross‑team architecture efforts
• Proficiency in at least one backend systems language (e.g., Python, Go, Java)
• Strong understanding of system design, performance optimization, and fault‑tolerance

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience bridging machine learning research and production environments
• Background in building systems that operate in or interact with the physical world
• Ability to influence engineering orgs and contribute to hiring and culture
• Track record of mentoring senior and staff‑level engineers

About the Team

We are an early‑stage engineering team solving hard technical problems at the intersection of AI, systems, and real‑world interaction. We operate with high autonomy, collaborate closely across functions, and maintain high technical standards. Principal Engineers at our company are expected to lead by example, model engineering excellence, and shape both what we build and how we build it.

Our Commitment to Equity and Inclusion in our Diverse Global Workforce

We value your unique identity and perspective. We are fully committed to providing equitable opportunities and building a workplace that reflects the diversity of society, while ensuring that we attract the best talent based on qualifications, skills, and experiences. We welcome you to bring your authentic self and transform the everyday with us.

$165,220 $283,234 15%