Principal Software Engineer (AI/ML Architect-Engineer)

UKG; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

UKG is seeking an experienced Architect for Generative AI to define the architecture strategy that will keep us at the cutting edge of AI innovation. In this role, you'll lead hands-on guidance using advanced AI methods while collaborating with executive leadership, engineering, and product teams.

The ideal candidate brings over 12 years in software development and a deep understanding of AI best practices, coupled with a passion for mentorship and innovation. This role is based in Seattle, Washington and offers opportunities for community engagement.

Qualifications

• 12+ years in software development and AI, with 5 years in generative AI.
• Expert-level skills in programming languages and AI frameworks.
• Recognized thought leader in AI with publications.

Responsibilities

• Define and drive the generative AI architecture strategy.
• Mentor senior engineering leaders to foster a culture of AI excellence.
• Oversee deployment of large-scale AI models.

Skills

Programming languages (Python, Java)

AI frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch)

Cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure)

Generative AI methodologies

MLOps practices

Ethical AI practices

Education

MS or PhD in Computer Science, AI, or related field

Tools

Kubernetes

Terraform

GitHub Actions

Job description

Architectural Vision & Strategy

Define and drive the generative AI architecture strategy, ensuring UKG remains at the leading edge of AI innovation. Develop and communicate a cohesive architectural vision that aligns with business goals, enabling the seamless integration of GenAI capabilities across our product suite.

Technical Leadership

Serve as the primary technical visionary for generative AI, providing hands‑on guidance in advanced methods (e.g., transformer models, diffusion models, GANs) and setting technical standards that ensure scalability, security, and efficiency.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Work closely with executive leadership, product management, data science, and engineering teams to establish and prioritize GenAI initiatives. Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to ensure alignment on requirements and objectives, driving the infusion of AI capabilities across products.

Innovation & Research

Conduct hands‑on, advanced research in generative AI, staying current with emerging technologies, industry trends, and best practices. Lead the exploration and implementation of state‑of‑the‑art GenAI techniques to enhance product value and drive a competitive edge.

Mentorship & Culture Building

Mentor and influence senior engineering leaders, fostering a culture of AI excellence, thought leadership, and continuous innovation. Champion best practices in AI/ML development, MLOps, CI/CD processes, and quality assurance to ensure high standards across the organization.

Community Engagement

Act as an ambassador for generative AI internally and externally, representing UKG in the AI community through publications, speaking engagements, and industry forums.

Scalable Solutions

Oversee the deployment of large‑scale AI models, ensuring they are optimized for performance, cost, and resource efficiency in production environments. Establish guidelines for high‑quality, production‑ready AI/ML systems that can scale with business needs.

Governance & Standards

Define and enforce development methodologies, CI/CD standards, and architectural guidelines for AI solutions. Maintain documentation of architectural decisions and technical roadmaps, ensuring a sustainable foundation for future AI‑driven capabilities.

Qualifications

• Educational Background: MS or PhD in Computer Science, AI, Machine Learning, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• Experience: 12+ years in software development and AI, with at least 5 years of hands‑on experience in generative AI, NLP, or related fields.
• Expert‑level skills in programming languages (Python, Java) and AI frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch). Strong understanding of cloud platforms (AWS, Google Cloud, Azure) and MLOps practices for large‑scale model training and deployment.
• In‑depth knowledge of generative AI methodologies, including transformer models, diffusion models, GANs, large language models, and multi‑modal architectures. Familiarity with NLP and machine learning algorithms such as linear and logistic regression, decision trees, and clustering methods.
• Recognized thought leader in AI with a record of publications in top‑tier AI conferences/journals (e.g., NeurIPS, ICML, CVPR) and a strong network within the AI research community.
• Exceptional problem‑solving skills and a proven ability to influence and implement long‑term AI‑driven strategic initiatives.
• Experience working in high‑compliance environments or with privacy‑preserving AI techniques. Strong familiarity with trends in responsible AI, model interpretability, and ethical AI practices.
• Proven record of optimizing AI models for cost‑efficiency at scale through model compression, distillation, and efficient deployment strategies.
• Strong experience with cloud‑native architectures, containerization (Kubernetes), and CI/CD pipeline automation (Terraform, GitHub Actions).

Legal Notice

UKG is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.