Principal Applied AI Engineer

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in United States.

📋 Description

• Design, construct, and enhance high-performance production LLM systems.

• Lead strategic technology transformations and code refactoring initiatives within Appian’s codebase and AI systems.

• Utilize AI coding tools to produce, assess, and critically analyze AI-assisted code.

• Facilitate the breakdown of technical stories, define acceptance criteria, and design architecture across intricate multi-tier and AI-driven application layers.

• Create prototypes to mitigate risks associated with innovative AI methodologies and set engineering standards.

• Oversee product availability, latency, scalability, and efficiency through reliability engineering and system optimization.

• Advocate for development best practices throughout the department.

• Conduct thorough code reviews and develop automation frameworks to avert recurring issues.

• Mentor and guide engineers at various levels while addressing skill gaps within the team.

• Disseminate domain expertise and publish technical documentation on Engineering’s permanent site.

⛳️ Requirements

• A minimum of a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science or a related technical/analytical field; equivalent experience will not be considered in place of a degree.

• At least 10 years of relevant software development experience with a BS, or 8 years of experience combined with a Master of Science in Computer Science or a related area.

• Extensive hands-on experience in designing and managing production LLM systems.

• Proficiency in code generation, agents, retrieval, structured generation, tool usage, model routing, evaluation, and observability.

• Experience in utilizing AI coding assistants, along with evaluating, mentoring others on, and selectively implementing AI-generated code in production engineering.

• Strong foundational knowledge of distributed systems, APIs, security, and reliability.

• Capability to contribute as a senior individual contributor.

• Ability to influence technical decisions and shape engineering methodologies beyond a single team or project.

• Experience in developing, optimizing, and sustaining a high-volume, mission-critical production service environment.

• Outstanding ability to articulate highly technical architectures verbally, visually, and in writing.

• Experience with compilers, program analysis, formal or executable specifications, or legacy modernization is highly preferred.

• Experience with enterprise platforms such as Salesforce or ServiceNow is considered advantageous.

🏝️ Benefits

• Discretionary bonuses may be awarded based on individual and company performance.

• 401(k) plan with company matching.

• Flexible time off policies.

• Paid parental leave.

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans.

• Life insurance coverage.

• Disability insurance.

• Wellness programs available.

• Flexible spending accounts.

• Contributions to health savings accounts.

• Employee referral bonus program.

• Learning and development resources.

• Training and development opportunities during onboarding.

• Continuous learning and mentorship initiatives.

• First-Friend program.

• Leadership program for new and aspiring managers.

• Access to Appian University’s training library.

• Skills-based training sessions.

• Tuition reimbursement assistance.

• Employee-led affinity groups to foster community.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering free mental health support.

• Employee Stock Purchase Program (ESPP).

• Retirement/pension plan options.

• Wellness dollars to promote health.

• Family-forming benefits available.

• Certain positions may qualify for equity awards.