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At SAP, we keep it simple: you bring your best to us, and we'll bring out the best in you. We're builders touching over 20 industries and 80% of global commerce, and we need your unique talents to help shape what's next. The work is challenging – but it matters. You'll find a place where you can be yourself, prioritize your wellbeing, and truly belong. What's in it for you? Constant learning, skill growth, great benefits, and a team that wants you to grow and succeed.
Principal Machine Learning Expert/Engineer
Location: This position must be based in the Bay Area.
We are seeking a highly skilled and driven Principal Machine Learning Engineer to design and deliver intelligent, distributed systems that power large-scale AI and large language model (LLM) capabilities. In this role, you will shape cutting-edge infrastructure, mentor world-class engineers, and bring bold ideas from concept to production—driving meaningful impact across SAP’s global ecosystem.
Description
As a key member of our fast-moving team, you will have the unique opportunity to define and execute the vision for AI and LLM-based systems at scale. We are looking for someone with exceptional programming expertise, deep distributed systems knowledge, and the curiosity and grit to tackle complex, ambiguous challenges. You will work across a diverse technology stack, collaborate closely with engineers and product leaders, and help set the technical direction for AI initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
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-Architect, design, and implement production systems in Go, Java and Python (full-stack experience a plus)
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-Build and optimize backend services, databases, APIs, and LLM infrastructure
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-Leverage technologies such as Kafka, Postgres, Hana, gRPC, and advanced LLM frameworks
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-Mentor and guide engineers from junior to senior levels, fostering technical excellence
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-Partner with cross-functional teams to translate business goals into scalable, high-impact solutions
Minimum Qualifications
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-Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or related field, with strong programming expertise
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-10+ years of software engineering experience, with a track record of delivering complex systems
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-Proven ability to work independently and lead initiatives from idea to deployment
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-Hands-on experience with AI/ML and/or LLM systems in a production environment
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-Expertise in distributed systems design and implementation
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-Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines and modern development practices
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-Strong English communication skills and ability to thrive in global, multicultural teams
Preferred Qualifications
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-Open-source contributions or significant personal technical projects
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-Experience integrating AI capabilities into large-scale enterprise products
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-Strong problem-solving skills and an iterative, results-oriented mindset
Why Join Us
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-Build cutting-edge AI and LLM systems used across SAP’s global platforms
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-Work in a high-autonomy, trust-based environment without unnecessary bureaucracy
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-Collaborate with some of the best engineers in the industry in a fast-paced, impact-driven team
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-Take ownership of projects that directly influence SAP’s AI strategy and product capabilities
Bring out your best
SAP innovations help more than four hundred thousand customers worldwide work together more efficiently and use business insight more effectively. Originally known for leadership in enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, SAP has evolved to become a market leader in end-to-end business application software and related services for database, analytics, intelligent technologies, and experience management. As a cloud company with two hundred million users and more than one hundred thousand employees worldwide, we are purpose-driven and future-focused, with a highly collaborative team ethic and commitment to personal development. Whether connecting global industries, people, or platforms, we help ensure every challenge gets the solution it deserves. At SAP, you can bring out your best.
We win with inclusion
SAP’s culture of inclusion, focus on health and well-being, and flexible working models help ensure that everyone – regardless of background – feels included and can run at their best. At SAP, we believe we are made stronger by the unique capabilities and qualities that each person brings to our company, and we invest in our employees to inspire confidence and help everyone realize their full potential. We ultimately believe in unleashing all talent and creating a better world.
SAP is committed to the values of Equal Employment Opportunity and provides accessibility accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment with SAP and are in need of accommodation or special assistance to navigate our website or to complete your application, please send an e-mail with your request to Recruiting Operations Team: Careerssap.
For SAP employees: Only permanent roles are eligible for the SAP Employee Referral Program, according to the eligibility rules set in the SAP Referral Policy. Specific conditions may apply for roles in Vocational Training.
Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their age, race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, et al), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or disability, in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local legal requirements.
Compensation Range Transparency: SAP believes the value of pay transparency contributes towards an honest and supportive culture and is a significant step toward demonstrating SAP’s commitment to pay equity. SAP provides the annualized compensation range inclusive of base salary and variable incentive target for the career level applicable to the posted role. The targeted combined range for this position is 244,700 - 609,200 USD. The actual amount to be offered to the successful candidate will be within that range, dependent upon the key aspects of each case which may include education, skills, experience, scope of the role, location, etc. as determined through the selection process. Any SAP variable incentive includes a targeted dollar amount and any actual payout amount is dependent on company and personal performance. Please reference this link for a summary of SAP benefits and eligibility requirements: SAP North America Benefits.
We are ethical and compliant
Our leadership credo: Do what’s right. Make SAP better for generations to come. We believe that great leadership extends far beyond the mere pursuit of business goals. We value and foster leadership that is driven with purpose and integrity. Our leaders are role models who uphold SAP’s values and shape SAP’s culture of integrity, by demonstrating and championing ethical and compliant behavior towards all stakeholders.
AI Usage in the Recruitment Process
For information on the responsible use of AI in our recruitment process, please refer to our Guidelines for Ethical Usage of AI in the Recruiting Process.
Please note that any violation of these guidelines may result in disqualification from the hiring process.
Requisition ID: 435721 | Work Area: Software-Design and Development | Expected Travel: 0 - 10% | Career Status: Professional | Employment Type: Regular Full Time | Additional Locations: #LI-Hybrid
