Principal Computer Scientist
Adobe Software
JOB LEVEL
M60/P60EMPLOYEE ROLE
Individual ContributorOur Company
Changing the world through digital experiences is what Adobe’s all about. We give everyone—from emerging artists to global brands—everything they need to design and deliver exceptional digital experiences! We’re passionate about empowering people to create beautiful and powerful images, videos, and apps, and transform how companies interact with customers across every screen.
We’re on a mission to hire the very best and are committed to creating exceptional employee experiences where everyone is respected and has access to equal opportunity. We realize that new ideas can come from everywhere in the organization, and we know the next big idea could be yours!
The Opportunity
We’re looking for a Principal Computer Scientist to serve as the technical leader and architect for our next-generation SaaS application. This role is ideal for someone who has deep experience in building and scaling customer-facing software and who can also guide the integration of generative AI and ML technologies into real-world applications.
You’ll work with engineering, product, and research teams to define and implement architectural strategies that support both robust application development and intelligent, AI-enhanced features. You’ll be responsible for identifying and integrating the right generative AI or ML technologies for the job, driving and measuring product improvements, understanding and managing production systems, and improving engineering health.
Job Responsibilities
Serve as a technical lead and architect, driving the design and implementation of scalable SaaS applications with integrated AI/ML capabilities.
Partner with engineering and product leaders to align platform architecture with business goals and customer needs.
Design and evolve application architecture for production readiness, including scalability, reliability, and observability.
Guide the selection and integration of generative AI and ML technologies (e.g., LLMs, vector databases, fine-tuning frameworks) into application workflows.
Collaborate with ML research teams to scope and implement fine-tuning or reinforcement learning (RLHF/RLAIF) strategies when needed.
Provide technical mentorship and leadership across engineering teams.
What You'll Need to Succeed
15+ years of experience in full-stack software development, with a strong focus on customer-facing SaaS platforms.
Proven success in designing and scaling distributed systems and cloud-native applications
Strong understanding of architectural principles for production systems, scalability, reliability and monitoring.
Experience integrating generative AI/ML technologies into applications
Experience with LLM APIs (Azure OpenAI, Amazon Bedrock)
Understanding of vector search (ElasticSearch, MongoDB, Pinecone)
Awareness of fine-tuning techniques (e.g., RLHF, LoRA, PEFT)
Ability to scope and direct lightweight model customization
Expert-level proficiency in modern web technologies and component libraries (Lit, React)
Deep backend engineering experience for highly-scaled, horizontally deployed microservices (Python, NodeJS, Kubernetes)
Excellent communication and storytelling skills to convey technical vision across teams and leadership.
Track record of multi-functional collaboration and technical leadership.
At Adobe, for sales roles starting salaries are expressed as total target compensation (TTC = base + commission), and short-term incentives are in the form of sales commission plans. Non-sales roles starting salaries are expressed as base salary and short-term incentives are in the form of the Annual Incentive Plan (AIP).
In addition, certain roles may be eligible for long-term incentives in the form of a new hire equity award.
State-Specific Notices:
California:
Fair Chance Ordinances
Adobe will consider qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records for employment in accordance with state and local laws and “fair chance” ordinances.
Colorado:
Application Window Notice
If this role is open to hiring in Colorado (as listed on the job posting), the application window will remain open until at least the date and time stated above in Pacific Time, in compliance with Colorado pay transparency regulations. If this role does not have Colorado listed as a hiring location, no specific application window applies, and the posting may close at any time based on hiring needs.
Massachusetts:
Massachusetts Legal Notice
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Internal Opportunities
Creativity, curiosity, and constant learning are celebrated aspects of your career growth journey. We’re glad that you’re pursuing a new opportunity at Adobe!
Put your best foot forward:
1. Update your Resume/CV and Workday profile – don’t forget to include your uniquely ‘Adobe’ experiences and volunteer work.
2. Visit the Internal Mobility page on Inside Adobe to learn more about the process and set up a job alert for roles you’re interested in.
3. Check out these tips to help you prep for interviews.
4. If you are applying for a role outside of your current country, ensure you review the International Resources for Relocating Employees on Inside Adobe, including the impacts to your Benefits, AIP, Equity & Payroll.
Once you apply for a role via Workday, the Talent Team will reach out to you within 2 weeks. If you move into the official interview process with the hiring team, make sure you inform your manager so they can champion your career growth.
At Adobe, you will be immersed in an exceptional work environment that is recognized around the world. You will also be surrounded by colleagues who are committed to helping each other grow through our unique Check-In approach where ongoing feedback flows freely. If you’re looking to make an impact, Adobe's the place for you. Discover what our employees are saying about their career experiences on the Adobe Life blog and explore the meaningful benefits we offer.
Adobe is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on gender, race or color, ethnicity or national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law. Learn more.
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