Principal Machine Learning Engineer

Overview

We help the world run better 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.

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 Responsibilitie

• Architect, design, and implement production systems in Go, Java and Python (full-stack experience a plus
• Build and optimize backend services, databases, APIs, and LLM infrastructur
• Leverage technologies such as Kafka, Postgres, Hana, gRPC , and advanced LLM framework
• Mentor and guide engineers from junior to senior levels, fostering technical excellenc
• Partner with cross-functional teams to translate business goals into scalable, high-impact solution
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or related field, with strong programming expertis
• 10+ years of software engineering experience, with a track record of delivering complex system
• Proven ability to work independently and lead initiatives from idea to deploymen
• Hands-on experience with AI / ML and / or LLM systems in a production environmen
• Expertise in distributed systems design and implementatio
• Familiarity with CI / CD pipelines and modern development practice
• Strong English communication skills and ability to thrive in global, multicultural team

Preferred Qualification

Why Join Us

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 : Careers@sap.com.

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, age, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, et al), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or disability.

Compensation Range Transparency : SAPbelieves 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 192,500 - 420000(USD)USD.The actual amount to be offered to the successful candidatewill be within that range, dependent upon the key aspects of each case which may include education, skills,experience, scope ofthe role, location, etc. as determinedthrough theselection 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 .

Please note that any violation of these guidelines may result in disqualification from the hiring process.

Requisition ID : 433535 | Work Area : Software-Design and Development | Expected Travel : 0 - 10% | Career Status : Professional | Employment Type : Regular Full Time | Additional Locations : #LI-Hybrid

Requisition ID : 433535

Posted Date : Aug 14, 2025

Work Area : Software-Design and Development

Employment Type : Regular Full Time

Expected Travel : 0 - 10%

Location :

Palo Alto, CA, US, 94304

Nearest Major Market : San Jose

Nearest Secondary Market : Palo Alto

Job Segment : Training, ERP, Cloud, Developer, Software Engineer, Education, Technology, Engineering

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