Principal Software Engineer - Platform

Who We AreMost companies are racing to deploy AI, but very few have the foundation to make it work reliably. Atlan is building that missing layer: the context layer for enterprise AI. We connect the business context behind data so humans and agents can operate with far more accuracy and confidence. With backing from world-class investors including GIC, Insight Partners, Meritech, Peak XV, and Salesforce Ventures, we've earned the trust of most AI-forward enterprises like General Motors, Nasdaq, Workday and Elastic.Come build the infrastructure that AI runs on.About the RoleAtlan is building the context layer for AI agents and applications - transforming how data platforms power the next generation of AI. We're looking for a Principal Engineer to help architect and scale the foundational data plane that makes it easy to build apps, agents, and solutions for the AI <era.You>'ll work on systems handling billions of assets, serving 100K+ users, with 99.99% availability targets. This is a high-agency role where you'll define technical direction, drive multi-quarter initiatives, and pioneer AI-native development practices.What you will do 🤔Design and build platform services - APIs, infrastructure components, runtime systems, and ingestion frameworks at enterprise scaleArchitect the context store that transforms lakehouse infrastructure into AI-ready systems with multimodal capabilities (structured, unstructured, vector, graph)Solve complex multi-tenant isolation and scaling problems for enterprise SaaSDesign data contracts governing ingestion, validation, processing, routing, storage, and serving across heterogeneous systemsOwn critical shared infrastructure including lakehouse (Iceberg/Polaris), vector stores, graph databases, and OLTP systemsDrive technical standards through RFCs, architecture reviews, and documentationMentor senior engineers and influence architecture decisions across teamsWrite production code using AI-assisted development tools (Claude Code, Cursor)Debug distributed systems issues across Kubernetes, workflow orchestration, and microservicesWhat makes you a match? 😍Must Have10+ years in platform engineering, infrastructure, or backend systems at a SaaS companyExperience building enterprise-scale distributed systems at scaleDeep expertise in multi-tenant architectures and tenant isolation strategiesStrong Kubernetes, containerization, and cloud infrastructure skills (AWS/GCP/Azure)Hands-on experience with distributed systems patterns - service mesh, event-driven architecture, orchestrationTrack record of driving multi-quarter technical initiatives from concept through production at scaleStrong to HaveExperience designing contract-driven or schema-first data platformsFamiliarity with Temporal or similar workflow orchestration systemsData quality frameworks, observability systems, and cost attribution at scaleExperience supporting enterprise workloads with strict compliance requirementsCI/CD pipeline design and GitOps practicesWho You AreYou embrace AI-native development and want to pioneer new engineering workflowsYou have high agency and take ownership of ambiguous problemsYou're a strong async communicator who can influence without authorityYou're comfortable with fast-changing priorities in a scale-up environmentYou act as a force multiplier—elevating the technical bar for those around youWhy Atlan?Joining Atlan means being part of a global movement to help data teams do their life’s best work. Here’s what you can expect:Competitive Compensation: We benchmark at the top of the market and keep compensation simple: strong base salary, performance‑based variable pay, and impact‑driven equity (for most roles), so your total rewards grow in step with the value you create over <time.AI> Native Culture: Atlan is where AI-native builders come to build the systems the future of work will run on. AI isn’t an add-on, it’s woven into how we build, think, and work every day, empowering every Atlanian to move faster and create a bigger <impact.Health> & Wellness: From Day‑1 health, dental, vision, and mental health to flexible health stipends, we design benefits offerings that lead in each country we're in.Flexible Time Off & Leave Policies: We trust you to own your energy: flexible time off and modern leave so you can unplug properly, support yourself and your loved ones, and come back ready to drive an impact.Accelerated Growth & Learning: Develop at an uncommon velocity through cutting-edge tech, complex implementations, and an experienced team that values <mastery.Global>, Remote-First, High-Trust: Work from anywhere with a diverse team across 15+ countries, in a trust-first, async environment that gives you true flexibility and ownership over how you work.More About UsAtlan is building the shared context layer that enterprises need so AI can operate on trusted, governed context. The conversation has moved from data leaders asking: “Can we trust the data in our stack?” to businesses asking: “Can we trust AI inside the business?”We are the missing infrastructure for businesses becoming AI-forward - the connective tissue between their data stack, operational systems, and AI <agents.To> learn more, visit <www.atlan.com> and follow us on LinkedIn.Equal Opportunity EmployerAtlan is committed to building an inclusive, diverse, and authentic workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, military or veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.Recruitment Fraud Alert Atlan only posts job openings through our official Careers page at <atlan.com/careers>. Any other listings or communications claiming to represent Atlan may be fraudulent. We never ask for payment during hiring. Please report suspicious activity to <[email hidden]>.