Principal Engineer, AI Platform

As a Principal Engineer on the AI Platform team, you'll help architect the infrastructure that powers both Generative AI and Recommender Systems across Pinterest's entire product suite. The team builds end-to-end engines for petabyte-scale data orchestration, model training and fine-tuning, and high-performance inference, ensuring models scale to hundreds of millions of inferences per second in service of over 600 million monthly active users.

• Set the technical vision and roadmap for the Pinterest AI Platform, aligning with business priorities and long-term company strategy.
• Drive cross-functional strategic initiatives that advance platform capabilities across Generative AI (multimodal data management, post-training, evaluation, batch/online inference) and Recommender Systems (feature stores, training infra, large-scale high-performance inference).
• Build AI-powered tools that automate the user experience across platforms, connecting every stage of the AI/ML lifecycle to enhance productivity and accelerate development.
• Cultivate a collaborative and inclusive culture, providing candid, constructive feedback that accelerates individual and team growth.

• Deep expertise in AI/ML infrastructure and distributed systems.
• Hands-on experience designing, building, and operating highly available, production-grade systems at large scale.
• Strong technical judgment and proficiency in at least one of C++, Java, or Rust.
• Proven track record of company-wide impact: leading cross-organizational initiatives, navigating ambiguity, defining technical strategy, influencing architecture decisions, and aligning cross-functional partners and executives.
• Strong ownership and a high engineering bar, with end-to-end ownership of outcomes.
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field.

Base salary range: $242,634—$499,541 USD. The position is also eligible for equity. Final salary is based on factors including location, travel, relevant prior experience, and particular skills and expertise. Information regarding culture and benefits can be found on the Pinterest careers site.

This role is available in San Francisco, CA, US and Remote, US. The role requires in-person collaboration 1-2 times per quarter and must be in a commutable distance from Palo Alto, CA or San Francisco, CA. This position is not eligible for relocation assistance.

Apply through the Pinterest careers portal using the provided job link.