Principal Software Engineer- ML Search Infrastructure

Snowflake1 weeks ago

Location

US-CA-Menlo Park

Type

Full Time

Salary

USD 264,000 – 379,500

Level

Principal

Role

Principal Software Engineer

Posted

Apr 9, 2026

Full TimePrincipal

The role

Summary

Snowflake is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to lead the development of their advanced search infrastructure, focusing on creating a scalable, high-performance search engine that supports next-generation AI and RAG workflows. The role involves architecting distributed search systems, integrating vector and keyword search technologies, and driving technical innovation for Snowflake's Universal Search platform.

What you'll do

Infrastructure Architecture: Design and build next-generation search infrastructure with focus on scalable indexing, storage, and low-latency retrieval for massive, heterogeneous datasets.

Vector & Hybrid Search Systems: Lead architectural evolution of hybrid search engine, ensuring seamless integration of keyword-based and vector-based search at scale.

Distributed Data Systems: Evolve data-intensive platform components including durable indexing workflows, streaming/queuing systems, and advanced caching strategies with strong observability.

AI and Agent Search Enablement: Architect the platform to support advanced 'agentic' search patterns, ensuring safe, secure, and performant retrieval and RAG capabilities.

Production Excellence: Define service level objectives (SLOs), incident management patterns, and rollout practices for mission-critical search services.

What we look for

Technical

Search InfrastructureDeep expertise in search engine internals and vector database technologies

Distributed SystemsExtensive experience in high-throughput backend platform software with Principal-level architectural ownership

Programming LanguagesProficiency in systems-level languages: Go, Java, C++

Cloud and Container TechnologiesExperience with secure, cost-aware container execution and Kubernetes-class patterns

Education

Advanced DegreeBachelor's or Master's in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related technical field preferred

Experience

Production Experience10+ years of experience shipping high-performance backend platform software

Distributed Data SystemsProven track record building distributed data systems with expertise in partitioning, replication, and handling complex failure modes

Skills

Required skills

Search InfrastructureComprehensive understanding of search engine internals and vector database technologies

Distributed SystemsExpertise in designing and implementing large-scale, high-performance distributed systems

Performance OptimizationAdvanced skills in optimizing systems for low-latency retrieval and high-concurrency workloads

Nice to have

Multi-tenant SaaS ExperienceBackground in building workflow orchestration or high-throughput async systems for multi-tenant environments

User Experience DesignUnderstanding of how infrastructure latency and reliability impact end-user search experiences

Compensation & benefits

Salary

USD 264,000 – 379,500 (annual)

Stock options

Available

Benefits

Health Insurance

Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

Retirement Planning

401(k) with company matching

Equity Compensation

Stock options and potential equity grants

Professional Development

Ongoing learning and conference attendance opportunities

Interview process

1
Initial Screening — Technical resume review and initial phone/video screening with recruiting team
2
Technical Interview — In-depth technical interviews focusing on distributed systems, search infrastructure, and system design
3
Architecture Design Challenge — Presentation and deep-dive into candidate's approach to complex search infrastructure challenges
4
Executive Leadership Interview — Final interview with technical leadership to assess strategic thinking and architectural vision