Principal Software Engineer- - Enterprise Services & Workflow Automation [Python|Springboot|Kubernetes|AI]

About the job:

The Data & AI organization is driving a digital-first execution and transformation at Red Hat by strategically leveraging data and artificial intelligence to deliver innovative solutions for our customers, partners, and associates. Data & AI is at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge AI capabilities into business processes and applications.
Within Data & AI, the Data Management Engineering (DME) team is seeking an accomplished Principal Software Engineer with extensive experience in architecting, developing, and leading complex data systems and AI application initiatives. This role requires a proven track record of technical excellence, strategic thinking, and leadership in delivering enterprise-scale data solutions and AI-powered applications that drive measurable business value. The ideal candidate will have strong expertise in building AI-powered applications, developing intelligent agent systems, and seamlessly integrating AI capabilities across backend and frontend platforms.

What you will do?

1. Technical Leadership & Architecture
- Design and architect scalable, resilient data processing and integration solutions for enterprise-level systems
- Lead technical decision-making and provide guidance on complex architectural trade-offs, including AI API selection, agent framework choices, and integration strategies
- Drive innovation in data processing, AI application development, intelligent agent systems, and automation methodologies
2. Strategic Collaboration & Delivery
- Partner with cross-functional stakeholders, including product management, data science, and business teams to translate business objectives into technical solutions
- Lead the design and implementation of high-impact data initiatives that deliver measurable business value

3. AI Application Development & Integration
- Design and implement AI-powered features and intelligent automation into backend and frontend applications
- Architect and develop AI agent systems using Model Context Protocol (MCP) and other agent frameworks
- Integrate LLM APIs (OpenAI, Anthropic, etc.) into production applications with proper error handling, retry logic, and fallback strategies
- Build AI-driven workflows, intelligent data processing pipelines, and automated decision-making systems

4. System Optimization & Excellence
- Architect and optimize data systems for performance, scalability, reliability, and cost-efficiency
- Establish monitoring, observability, and operational excellence practices for data platforms

5. Mentorship & Knowledge Leadership
- Mentor and develop senior and junior engineers, fostering technical growth and career development
- Cultivate a culture of engineering excellence, innovation, and continuous learning

What you will bring?

1. Expert Python OR Java programming with data engineering skills with proficiency in data libraries (pandas, PySpark, Dask) and AI application frameworks (OpenAI/Anthropic SDKs, LangChain, LlamaIndex); advanced SQL across multiple database technologies (relational, NoSQL, data warehouses)
2. Strong AI application development experience including integrating LLM APIs into production systems, building AI agents using Model Context Protocol (MCP) or similar frameworks, and implementing AI patterns (RAG, prompt engineering, function calling, multi-agent systems)
3. Deep cloud and infrastructure expertise with hands-on experience in AWS/Azure/GCP, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), infrastructure-as-code, and building scalable data pipelines and integration solutions at enterprise scale
4. Proven technical leadership with 8+ years of software engineering experience (including 3+ years in senior/lead roles), demonstrated success in architecting complex systems, mentoring teams, and driving technical initiatives
5. Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related STEM field with exceptional problem-solving skills and ability to communicate complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders

Following are considered as plus:

1. Red Hat OpenShift expertise with advanced CI/CD pipeline development, DevOps automation (Terraform, Ansible), and experience coaching Agile/DevOps practices
2. Full-stack AI application development including frontend frameworks (React, TypeScript, Next.js), building conversational interfaces and streaming AI features, and developing MCP agent systems with multi-agent orchestration
3. Advanced AI infrastructure knowledge including vector databases, AI API optimization (caching, streaming, cost management), AI observability tools, and implementing AI safety/governance controls

- Proven ability to influence technical direction and drive consensus across multiple teams
- Track record of delivering high-impact AI-powered applications that solve critical business problems and drive measurable outcomes
- Passion for innovation and emerging technologies in the data engineering, AI agents, and generative AI application space
- Experience building and scaling high-performance engineering teams with AI integration capabilities
- Strong business acumen with ability to connect AI/technical solutions to business value and ROI
- Demonstrated success in integrating AI into production applications and building scalable AI-powered features
- Active involvement in the AI application development community through contributions, open-source projects, or thought leadership

About Red Hat

Red Hat is the world’s leading provider of enterprise open source software solutions, using a community-powered approach to deliver high-performing Linux, cloud, container, and Kubernetes technologies. Spread across 40+ countries, our associates work flexibly across work environments, from in-office, to office-flex, to fully remote, depending on the requirements of their role. Red Hatters are encouraged to bring their best ideas, no matter their title or tenure. We're a leader in open source because of our open and inclusive environment. We hire creative, passionate people ready to contribute their ideas, help solve complex problems, and make an impact.

Inclusion at Red Hat
Red Hat’s culture is built on the open source principles of transparency, collaboration, and inclusion, where the best ideas can come from anywhere and anyone. When this is realized, it empowers people from different backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences to come together to share ideas, challenge the status quo, and drive innovation. Our aspiration is that everyone experiences this culture with equal opportunity and access, and that all voices are not only heard but also celebrated. We hope you will join our celebration, and we welcome and encourage applicants from all the beautiful dimensions that compose our global village.

Equal Opportunity Policy (EEO)
Red Hat is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and an affirmative action employer. We review applications for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, veteran status, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, or any other basis prohibited by law.