Principal Backend Engineer AI (Python)

Role Description

We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Software Engineer to design and build the backend infrastructure for our centralized AI platform. This role will focus on developing robust, scalable backend services that power our agentic framework and enable teams across the company to securely deploy, manage, and access AI agents through unified APIs and user interfaces.

• Design and implement scalable RESTful APIs endpoints for the AI platform.
• Design and develop Python/Java SDKs that provide intuitive interfaces for teams to interact with the AI platform.
• Build robust backend services using Python (FastAPI, Django, or Flask) to handle agent lifecycle management, deployment, and monitoring.
• Develop secure authentication and authorization systems supporting multi-tenant architecture.
• Understand how an agentic solution works and create efficient data access layers and database schemas that enable AI agents to interact with various internal data sources.
• Implement asynchronous task processing systems for handling long-running AI agent operations.
• Lead technical discussions, mentor junior engineers, and help set the technical vision for the AI platform roadmap.
• Ensure compliance with security, privacy, and regulatory requirements across the software development lifecycle.
• Provide technical guidance on backend architecture, Python development, and SDK design best practices.
• Complete all responsibilities as outlined in the annual performance review and/or goal setting.
• Complete all special projects and other duties as assigned.
• Must be able to perform duties with or without reasonable accommodation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
• 12+ years of backend development experience with 5+ years building scalable Python applications and APIs.
• Experience in building large-scale distributed systems and microservices.
• Strong programming skills in Python; proficiency in Java a plus.
• Expert-level proficiency in Python and modern frameworks (FastAPI, Django REST Framework, Flask).
• Strong experience with database technologies (PostgreSQL, MySQL) and ORM frameworks (SQLAlchemy, Django ORM).
• Hands-on experience with agentic AI frameworks such as LangChain, LangGraph, CrewAI, AutoGen, or similar.
• Proven experience developing and maintaining SDKs or client libraries for internal or external usage.
• Strong experience with version control (Git), CI/CD pipelines (GitHub Actions, GitLab CI, Jenkins), and automated testing.
• Experience with containerization and orchestration (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Cloud platform experience (AWS, GCP, or Azure).

Requirements

• Ability to navigate complex and fast-changing technologies and requirements.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaborate as a team with a sense of urgency.
• Professional with the ability to properly handle confidential information.
• Be value-driven, understand that success is based on the impact of your work rather than its complexity or the level of effort.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, prioritize, and meet deadlines.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• Flexibility to work with global teams as well as geographically dispersed US-based teams.
• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Must be able to provide a dedicated, secure work area.
• Must be able to provide high-speed internet access/connectivity and office setup and maintenance.

Benefits

• Base compensation ranges from $217,000 to $258,000 per year.
• Cotiviti offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance coverage.
• 401(k) savings plans.
• Paid family leave.
• 9 paid holidays per year.
• 17-27 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) per year, depending on specific level and length of service with Cotiviti.