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Principal Software Engineer

Gradial
Location
Seattle, WA
Posted
2 months ago
Department
Engineering
Salary
$160,000 – $250,000
What they actually want (must-haves)
  • 8+ years of professional software engineering experience
  • Deep expertise in distributed systems, algorithms, and scalable software design
  • Proven track record architecting and shipping systems in fast-moving, high-ambiguity environments
  • Hands-on experience with LLM integration, generative AI frameworks, or building AI-native applications
  • Strong communication and cross-functional leadership skills
  • High-agency, ownership-driven mindset
Nice to have
  • Experience building or scaling AI agent architectures for production environments
  • Prior experience in early-stage startups where you owned both strategy and execution
  • Passion for designing systems that blend technical sophistication with elegant, intuitive user experiences
What the job really is

As a Principal Software Engineer at Gradial, you will lead the architecture and technical vision for AI-native systems that enhance how creative teams build and update websites. Your role involves defining technical architecture, implementing LLM agents, mentoring engineers, and collaborating with product and design leaders to innovate user interfaces. You will also champion best practices in system health and own complex problem spaces, driving both technical and product innovation.

Benefits
  • Performance-based annual bonus
  • Meaningful equity awards
  • Medical, dental & vision (fully covered for employees with 75% for dependents)
  • Fertility & family-planning support
  • 401k plan
  • Unlimited PTO
Things to weigh
  • Salary range provided is $190,000 – $240,000, which may vary based on experience and qualifications
  • The role emphasizes AI literacy, and over-reliance on AI in interviews may lead to disqualification
  • Fast-paced, hyper-growth environment may not suit everyone
Job score4/5
Benefits4/5
Freshness1/5
Career value5/5
Role clarity5/5
Pay transparency5/5

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