Salesforce

Principal Data Platform Engineer

Salesforce$197K — $344K *
Information Technology
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 15+ years of experience in designing and building production backend services at scale.
  • Expert-level proficiency in Python, Go, or Java programming languages.
  • Hands-on experience with production AI/LLM applications and their deployment.
  • Deep understanding of cloud infrastructure (AWS), Infrastructure as Code, and CI/CD pipelines.
  • Strong knowledge of identity and security practices, including OAuth/OIDC.

Responsibilities

  • Design and build backend services and event-driven systems for the data platform.
  • Develop retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines and AI tools for enhanced data discovery.
  • Extend platform automation and command-line tools for daily data team use.
  • Set technical direction through design, code review, and mentoring while ensuring service reliability.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive benefits and resources for work-life balance.
  • Access to AI agents to enhance productivity and efficiency.
  • Opportunities for personal and professional growth in a supportive environment.
Full Job Description

To get the best candidate experience, please consider applying for a maximum of 3 roles within 12 months to ensure you are not duplicating efforts.

Job Category

Software Engineering

Job Details

The Experience

The Developer Experience team builds the tooling, paved paths, and automation that let Salesforce's data teams ship discoverable, governed, and consumable data products quickly and safely. As our Principal Data Platform Engineer, based in San Francisco, you'll design and build the backend services, data-platform automation, and AI agent systems that power our Snowflake-based lakehouse — setting technical direction for how the rest of the org builds on top of it.

What You'll Actually Be Doing

  • Design and build backend services and event-driven systems that support our data platform, including AI agent runtimes and API integrations.

  • Build retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) pipelines and tool-calling AI agents that make our data products and catalog easier to discover, query, and trust.

  • Extend the platform's automation, command-line tooling, and shared utilities that data teams rely on as their day-to-day interface to the platform.

  • Set technical direction through system and API design, code review, and mentoring, while owning service reliability, delivery, and cost efficiency.


You're Our Person If...

  • You have 15+ years of experience designing, building, and operating production backend services at scale, with expert-level Python, Go, or Java.

  • You have hands-on experience building and deploying production AI/LLM applications, including RAG pipelines and tool-calling agents — not just research or prototypes.

  • You have deep experience with cloud infrastructure (AWS), infrastructure as code, and CI/CD pipelines for containerized services.

  • You have strong knowledge of identity and security practices, including OAuth/OIDC, least-privilege access, and multi-tenant isolation.

  • A related technical degree required.

Even Better If...

  • You have hands-on experience with dbt, Airflow, Snowflake, or Iceberg-based lakehouse architectures.

  • You've worked with Model Context Protocol (MCP) or built conversational/agentic tools on a platform like Slack.

  • You have experience layering AI capabilities into existing production systems.

  • You have experience with data observability or data-quality/governance tooling.

Unleash Your Potential

When you join Salesforce, you’ll be limitless in all areas of your life. Our benefits and resources support you to find balance andbe your best, and our AI agents accelerate your impact so you cando your best. Together, we’ll bring the power of Agentforce to organizations of all sizes and deliver amazing experiences that customers love. Apply today to not only shape the future — but to redefine what’s possible — for yourself, for AI, and the world.

About Salesforce

ExactTarget is a provider of on-demand email marketing software solutions. Their suite of on-demand one-to-one marketing applications enables clients to send business-critical and event-triggered communications to increase sales, optimize marketing investments, and strengthen customer relationships. They offer four editions of their on-demand software application along with integrated solutions such as ExactTarget for AppExchange and ExactTarget for [Microsoft](/organization/Microsoft) Dynamics CRM.

Salesforce Careers

Joining Salesforce means becoming part of a dynamic, global team of professionals who are deeply committed to driving customer success and innovation. As the world's leading Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform, Salesforce offers unparalleled job opportunities in technology and consulting, making it an ideal place for ambitious individuals looking to make a significant impact.

Work You'll Do

At Salesforce, every position is a chance to leverage your skills and creativity to transform businesses and industries. Our diverse team of experts collaborates to deliver cutting-edge solutions that foster growth and enhance leadership capabilities. By joining our team, you'll be at the forefront of digital innovation, using Salesforce's powerful platform to help clients navigate their transformation journeys.

Innovate and Lead

Salesforce is not just a company; it's a community where you can lead with your ideas and see them come to life. Our culture of innovation encourages you to challenge the status quo and push the boundaries of what's possible. With Salesforce, you'll work alongside leaders in technology and business who are committed to your growth and professional development.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Whether you're looking for an internship, a full-time position, or leadership roles, Salesforce provides a wealth of opportunities to advance your career. Our commitment to professional growth is reflected in our robust training programs, including leadership development and diversity training, designed to help you excel at every stage of your career.

Be Part of a Great Team

Salesforce prides itself on a culture that values diversity, teamwork, and open communication. We believe that our strength lies in our people, and we're committed to creating an environment where everyone can thrive. Joining our team means being part of a supportive community that encourages networking and collaboration.

Benefits and Culture

At Salesforce, we understand that job satisfaction extends beyond the office. That's why we offer competitive benefits to support the health, well-being, and financial security of our employees and their families. From health insurance and retirement plans to wellness programs and flexible working arrangements, we provide the benefits that contribute to a better work-life balance.

Explore Job Opportunities

Ready to take the next step in your career? Explore the wide range of employment opportunities at Salesforce. From technical roles to customer engagement positions, we are continuously hiring talented individuals who are passionate about making a difference.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest at Salesforce by following our careers blog. Gain insights from the people who work here and learn how you can bring your career to the next level with Salesforce.

Apply Now

Are you ready to join a company that's leading the way in CRM technology? Search open positions that match your skills and interests on our careers page. Tailor your resume, prepare for your interview, and take the first step towards a rewarding career at Salesforce.

SEARCH SALESFORCE JOBS

Join Salesforce today and be part of a company that's shaping the future of technology, fostering a culture of innovation, and building a more equitable world.
Learn more about Salesforce
Size
73,541 employees
Market Cap
$130.4 billion
Industry
Net Income
$4 billion
Founded
2000
5 Year Trend
+25.7%
Revenue
$21.2 billion
NASDAQ

Similar Jobs

More Jobs at Salesforce

More Information Technology Jobs

Find similar Principal Data Platform Engineer jobs: