Principal Engineer

Company Description OPAQUE Systems is a Confidential AI company focused on solving the core trust and security challenges that limit AI adoption at scale. Its Confidential AI Platform provides verifiable runtime governance so enterprises can safely use proprietary data to power AI agents and workflows while maintaining strict privacy, security, and policy compliance. The platform is purpose‑built for AI workloads and delivers cryptographic proof of data and model weight privacy, enabling organizations to ground AI for significantly improved accuracy without compromising confidentiality. Born out of UC Berkeley’s RISELab, OPAQUE helps teams move from pilot to production 4–5x faster by extending traditional data governance with real runtime verification. Customers and partners include ServiceNow, Anthropic, Encore Capital, Accenture, and leading organizations across technology, financial services, insurance, and healthcare. Role Description The Principal Engineer will lead the design and implementation of core components of OPAQUE’s Confidential AI Platform, owning critical architectural decisions and driving technical strategy across teams. This full‑time, hybrid role is based in Bellevue, WA, with flexibility for partial work from home. Day‑to‑day responsibilities include designing scalable distributed systems for AI workloads, developing secure runtime governance mechanisms, and collaborating closely with product management and security teams to translate customer requirements into robust technical solutions. The Principal Engineer will mentor other engineers, establish best practices for code quality and reliability, and perform design and code reviews to ensure performance, security, and compliance standards are met. This role also involves evaluating new technologies, contributing to technical roadmaps, and supporting customer engagements with deep technical expertise. Qualifications Strong background in software architecture and distributed systems, including experience designing and scaling complex cloud‑native services. Expertise in programming languages commonly used for high‑performance backend systems (such as Go, Rust, C++, or Java) and modern development practices. Experience with AI/ML infrastructure or platforms, including model deployment, orchestration, and integration with data pipelines. Deep understanding of security, privacy, and compliance in data‑intensive environments, such as encryption, secure computation, and access control. Hands‑on experience with modern DevOps and reliability practices, including CI/CD, observability, and performance optimization. Proven ability to lead complex technical initiatives, mentor engineers, and collaborate effectively with cross‑functional partners. Comfort working in a hybrid environment based in Bellevue, WA, and engaging with customers and partners on technical topics. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Experience in enterprise software, data governance, or security‑focused products is highly beneficial. #J-18808-Ljbffr