Principal Engineer

Principal EngineerLocation: Hybrid – New York, NY / Chicago, IL / Dallas, TX Engagement: Contract Role Summary We are seeking a Principal Engineer with strong enterprise architecture and business-process expertise to design and lead AI and automation solutions across complex, multi-system environments. This role requires deep technical experience in integration architecture, data architecture, APIs, event-driven systems, and enterprise platforms, combined with the ability to work directly with business stakeholders to analyze fragmented processes and identify opportunities for AI and deterministic automation.Required Qualifications8+ years of experience in Senior/Staff/Principal Engineering, Enterprise Architecture, Integration Architecture, or Platform Architecture.Strong experience with REST/GraphQL APIs, event-driven architecture, Kafka/EventBridge, ETL/ELT, iPaaS, and middleware.Strong data architecture experience including data modeling, data lineage, master data management, and system-of-record design.Experience implementing or architecting AI/LLM, RPA, workflow automation, or rules-based automation.Strong knowledge of BPMN 2.0 or equivalent business-process modeling.Experience with enterprise architecture frameworks such as TOGAF.Strong understanding of enterprise security, data privacy, access control, governance, and audit requirements.Excellent communication skills with both technical engineering teams and senior business stakeholders.Preferred QualificationsProduction experience with OpenAI/Claude APIs, LangChain, MCP, or agentic AI architectures.Experience with UiPath, Power Automate, or Automation Anywhere.Experience integrating Salesforce, SAP, NetSuite, Yardi, MRI, or similar enterprise LoB platforms.Experience establishing an AI/Automation Center of Excellence or architecture governance model.TOGAF or cloud architecture certifications.AWS, Azure, or GCP architecture experience.