Principal AI Engineer (San Francisco)

About this role:Wells Fargo is seeking a Principal Engineer to join our AI Platforms and Enterprise Execution Group as part of Consumer Technology. Learn more about the career areas and business divisions at wellsfargojobs.com.This role focuses on designing and delivering enterprise‑scale strategic initiatives in reusable AI patterns that deliver business and customer value.This is a hands‑on Principal Engineer role for a technical leader who designs, builds, and scales AI‑driven platforms, while operating at enterprise scope. The Principal Engineer serves as a technical authority who codes, prototypes, and reviews architecture, not just oversees executionIn this role, you will:Act as a trusted advisor to leadership, guiding the development and influence of applications, networks, information security, databases, operating systems, web technologies, and emerging AI capabilities to address highly complex business and technical needs across multiple groupsLead the strategy and resolution of highly complex, unique challenges through end‑to‑end solution design, including Generative and Agentic AI systems, cloud‑native platforms, and legacy modernization efforts that require long‑term vision, creativity, innovation, and advanced analytical thinkingTranslate advanced technology expertise, deep understanding of enterprise business objectives, organizational structure, and the broader technology ecosystem into scalable engineering solutions, such as reusable architectures, AI-enabled platforms, and production‑ready systemsProvide vision, direction, and technical leadership to senior leaders on implementing innovative business solutions, embedding AI and automation into product delivery workflows, decision support, and developer productivity while ensuring alignment with security, compliance, and responsible AI standardsMaintain deep awareness of industry best practices, emerging technologies, and AI advancements, proactively recommending innovations that modernize operations, improve efficiency and quality, and create competitive advantage for the organizationStrategically engage with professionals and managers at all levels of the enterprise, serving as an expert technical advisor and escalation point for complex platform, data, and AI decisions while mobilizing and guiding large‑scale, cross‑organizational initiatives and communicating progress to executive leadershipRequired Qualifications:7+ years of Engineering experience, or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education7+ years of senior engineering experience, including architecture and hands‑on delivery of large‑scale platforms and systems4+ years of experience developing or deploying AI‑powered tools, chatbots, LLM‑based automation, or agentic workflows, including understanding of AI risks, observability needs, and stakeholder communication3+ years of hands‑on experience across Cloud architectures including Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure, AWS, etc. and internal platforms such as Tachyon3+ years of experience operating at both keyboard‑level technical depth and executive‑level technical storytellingDesired Qualifications:Experience working within agile product operating models in large enterprise environments, including agile software delivery and cloud infrastructureFinancial services experience preferred; Business Banking domain experience is beneficial but not requiredDemonstrated ability to mentor senior and staff engineers, raising the technical bar of the organizationProven strategic thinking, analytical problem‑solving, and sound technical judgment in fast‑paced settingsProven experience with cloud infrastructure and containerization, including enterprise compute, storage, and IaaS environmentsDemonstrated curiosity and innovation mindset for advancing Generative and Agentic AI solutions within regulated enterprise contextsStrong organizational savvy and customer centricity, with the ability to navigate complex enterprise structures and align technology to business outcomesJob Expectations:Ability to travel as needed This position offers a hybrid work scheduleThis position is not eligible for Visa sponsorshipJob Location:333 Market St - San Francisco, California 94105300 S. Brevard - Charlotte, North Carolina 282022600 S Price Rd - Chandler, Arizona 85286Pay RangeReflected is the base pay range offered for this position. Pay may vary depending on factors including but not limited to demonstrated examples of prior performance, skills, experience, or work location. Employees may also be eligible for incentive opportunities.$159,000.00 - $305,000.00Benefits Wells Fargo provides eligible employees with a comprehensive set of benefits, many of which are listed below. Visit Benefits - Wells Fargo Jobs for an overview of the following benefit plans and programs offered to employees.Health benefits401(k) PlanPaid time offDisability benefitsLife insurance, critical illness insurance, and accident insuranceParental leaveCritical caregiving leaveDiscounts and savingsCommuter benefitsTuition reimbursementScholarships for dependent childrenAdoption reimbursementPosting End Date:6 Aug 2026*Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.We Value Equal OpportunityWells Fargo is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other legally protected characteristic.Employees support our focus on building strong customer relationships balanced with a strong risk mitigating and compliance-driven culture which firmly establishes those disciplines as critical to the success of our customers and company. They are accountable for execution of all applicable risk programs (Credit, Market, Financial Crimes, Operational, Regulatory Compliance), which includes effectively following and adhering to applicable Wells Fargo policies and procedures, appropriately fulfilling risk and compliance obligations, timely and effective escalation and remediation of issues, and making sound risk decisions. There is emphasis on proactive monitoring, governance, risk identification and escalation, as well as making sound risk decisions commensurate with the business unit’s risk appetite and all risk and compliance program requirements.Applicants with DisabilitiesTo request a medical accommodation during the application or interview process, visit Disability Inclusion at Wells Fargo.Drug and Alcohol PolicyWells Fargo maintains a drug free workplace. Please see our Drug and Alcohol Policy to learn more.Wells Fargo Recruitment and Hiring Requirements:a. Third-Party recordings are prohibited unless authorized by Wells Fargo.b. Wells Fargo requires you to directly represent your own experiences during the recruiting and hiring process.SummaryLocation: SAN FRANCISCO, CA; CHANDLER, AZ; CHARLOTTE, NCType: Full time