Principal Software Engineer, AI Automation

About the Role

The role entails working with a high degree of autonomy to define what a fully AI-driven company looks like from the ground up. You will report to the VP, Engineering, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify high-impact automation opportunities. With a focus on economic freedom, Coinbase is committed to increasing economic freedom in the world, and this role is critical to achieving that mission.

As a Principal Software Engineer, you will be part of a team that is passionate about crypto and blockchain technology and believes in its power to update the financial system. You will work in a fast-paced environment that requires high-caliber colleagues who excel in their disciplines and expect the same from you.

What You Will Do

• Architect Agentic Systems: Design and build sophisticated multi-agent architectures that move beyond simple chat to autonomous execution and complex reasoning.
• Solve the 'Hard Problems' of AI: Define and implement reliable evaluation frameworks, eliminate hallucinations through rigorous data grounding, and build deep observability into LLM reasoning chains.
• Build the Core AI Platform: Develop the underlying primitives and orchestration tools that will allow the rest of the org to adopt AI, improving developer productivity and operational efficiency across the entire organization.
• Lead the AI-First Transition: Partner with leadership to identify high-impact automation opportunities across Product Foundations and Core functions, ensuring our AI strategy creates compounding leverage.
• Bridge Engineering and AI: Act as a 'Software Engineer with deep AI expertise'—applying world-class backend engineering principles (scalability, reliability, performance) to the bleeding edge of Generative AI.
• Mentor and Elevate: Serve as a mentor to senior ICs and engineering teams, raising the bar for AI literacy and engineering excellence across the organization.
• Collaborate with Cross-Functional Teams: Work closely with product, design, and engineering teams to develop and implement AI-driven solutions that meet business needs.
• Develop and Implement AI Strategies: Create and execute AI strategies that align with business objectives and drive growth.
• Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends: Stay current with the latest developments in AI, machine learning, and automation, applying this knowledge to continuously improve Coinbase's AI capabilities.

What We Are Looking For

• Deep AI/LLM Expertise: Extensive experience working with LLMs, RAG, and Agentic frameworks.
• Backend Engineering Experience: Strong background in backend engineering principles, including scalability, reliability, and performance.
• Leadership Experience: Proven ability to lead and mentor engineering teams, with a focus on AI literacy and engineering excellence.
• Collaboration and Communication: Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Problem-Solving: Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to analyze complex problems and develop creative solutions.
• Passion for Crypto and Blockchain: A strong passion for crypto and blockchain technology, with a belief in its power to update the financial system.
• Experience with Agile Development: Familiarity with agile development methodologies and the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong Understanding of Software Engineering Principles: A deep understanding of software engineering principles, including design patterns, testing, and deployment.

Nice to Have

• Experience with Cloud-Based Technologies: Familiarity with cloud-based technologies, such as AWS or Google Cloud.
• Knowledge of DevOps Practices: Understanding of DevOps practices, including continuous integration and continuous deployment.
• Experience with Machine Learning: Experience with machine learning frameworks and algorithms.
• Certification in AI or Related Field: Certification in AI, machine learning, or a related field.

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive Salary: A competitive salary that reflects your skills and experience.
• Equity: The opportunity to own a part of Coinbase through equity.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package: A comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options and flexible hours.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for professional development, including training and conference attendance.
• Access to Cutting-Edge Technology: Access to cutting-edge technology and tools, including the latest AI and machine learning frameworks.
• Collaborative Work Environment: A collaborative work environment that encourages innovation and creativity.

• Develop a strong understanding of Agentic AI systems and LLMs, including their applications and limitations.
• Create a portfolio that showcases your experience with AI and automation, including any relevant projects or certifications.
• Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams, including product, design, and engineering.
• Emphasize your passion for crypto and blockchain technology, and your belief in its power to update the financial system.
• Prepare to discuss your experience with backend engineering principles, including scalability, reliability, and performance.
• Be ready to provide examples of your problem-solving skills, including times when you had to analyze complex problems and develop creative solutions.
• Research Coinbase's mission and values, and be prepared to discuss how your skills and experience align with them.