Wells Fargo

Principal Engineer - AI Engineering

Wells Fargo$159K — $305K *
Enterprise Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 7+ years of engineering experience or equivalent in related fields.
  • 5+ years of programming experience using Python, Java, or Shell scripting.
  • 5+ years implementing Infrastructure as Code using tools like Terraform.
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience with OpenShift Container Platform or enterprise cloud platforms like GCP and Azure.
  • 2+ years of experience developing AI, Generative AI, or agentic automation solutions.

Responsibilities

  • Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on AI/ML platform decisions.
  • Lead strategy for enterprise challenges across multiple technology areas.
  • Translate business objectives into engineering solutions for AI capabilities.
  • Provide vision for scalable AI solutions and guide modernization efforts.
  • Engage with professionals to influence architecture standards and modernization roadmaps.
  • Maintain knowledge of emerging technologies to enhance operational effectiveness.

Benefits

  • Health benefits
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Paid time off
  • Disability benefits
  • Life and critical illness insurance
  • Parental and critical caregiving leave
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Commuter benefits and discounts
Full Job Description

About this role:

Wells Fargo is seeking a Principal Engineer for Tachyon Cortex AI Engineering within the Digital Technology and Innovation organization. This organization supports the evolution of digital platforms and accelerates the integration of innovation into enterprise and customer-facing capabilities.

The Principal Engineer will provide strategic and hands-on technical leadership for the architecture, development, modernization, and operationalization of enterprise-scale predictive and generative AI solutions across hybrid and multi-cloud environments. This role requires deep engineering expertise, architectural vision, and the ability to influence complex technology decisions across multiple organizations.

The ideal candidate will be a seasoned AI/ML platform architect with proven hands-on experience designing, building, and operating enterprise AI platforms. The candidate should have expertise in AI compute environments, data engineering, cloud-native architecture, Model Development Lifecycle (MDLC), MLOps, Generative AI, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and agentic AI systems.

The role will drive the continued evolution of the Tachyon Cortex enterprise AI/ML platform, including the modernization and migration of models from legacy and on-premises environments to secure, scalable, and compliant cloud-native platforms. The Principal Engineer will also guide enterprise architecture patterns for data and compute separation, platform integration, data protection, security, technology risk, and data governance.


In this role, you will:

  • Act as a trusted technical advisor to senior leadership on highly complex AI/ML platform, application, infrastructure, data, security, and cloud engineering decisions.

  • Lead the strategy and resolution of unique enterprise challenges requiring in-depth evaluation across multiple technology areas and organizations.

  • Translate business objectives, enterprise technology strategy, regulatory requirements, and emerging AI capabilities into scalable engineering solutions.

  • Provide vision, direction, and technical expertise for innovative, long-term, and enterprise-scale AI solutions.

  • Maintain knowledge of industry practices and emerging technologies, recommending innovations that improve operational effectiveness or provide a competitive advantage.

  • Strategically engage with professionals and leaders across the enterprise and influence technical decisions, architecture standards, and modernization roadmaps.

Key Responsibilities:

Platform Architecture and Engineering Leadership

  • Lead the architecture and continued evolution of the Tachyon Cortex enterprise AI/ML platform across GCP Vertex AI, Azure Machine Learning, Kubernetes-based environments, and on-premises AI/ML platforms.

  • Design scalable, resilient, secure, and compliant AI/ML platform capabilities across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

  • Define enterprise architecture patterns for data and compute separation, distributed processing, platform interoperability, and data integration.

  • Provide hands-on technical leadership for the design, implementation, and operationalization of enterprise AI/ML platforms.

  • Establish reusable architecture patterns, engineering standards, reference implementations, and platform guardrails.

  • Apply deep expertise in Kubernetes and container orchestration platforms, including OpenShift Container Platform (OCP) and Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE).

Model Lifecycle Management

  • Oversee the end-to-end Model Development Lifecycle, including data preparation, feature engineering, model development, validation, deployment, monitoring, governance, and retirement.

  • Establish scalable MLOps capabilities and automated engineering workflows that improve model delivery, reliability, and operational support.

  • Implement proactive, event-driven model monitoring, performance management, observability, and drift detection.

  • Define platform capabilities that support both predictive AI and Generative AI workloads.

  • Ensure AI solutions comply with enterprise model risk, data governance, technology risk, security, and operational requirements.

Agentic AI Innovation

  • Drive the integration of Generative AI, RAG pipelines, and agentic AI capabilities into enterprise workflows and platform services.

  • Architect full-stack agentic AI solutions, ranging from conversational experiences to complex multi-agent systems.

  • Evaluate and apply technologies such as Large Language Models, vector databases, prompt engineering, orchestration frameworks, Model Context Protocol (MCP), and agent-to-agent patterns.

  • Promote modern development approaches, rapid prototyping, and AI-assisted engineering practices to accelerate responsible innovation.

  • Convert successful prototypes into secure, scalable, governed, and production-ready enterprise solutions.

  • Identify opportunities to improve operational service levels, engineering productivity, and business outcomes through automation.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner with data scientists, AI engineers, MLOps engineers, data engineers, architects, cybersecurity teams, model governance teams, and application development teams.

  • Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on AI strategy, platform architecture, modernization priorities, and technical investment decisions.

  • Facilitate architecture discussions and build alignment across business, engineering, governance, infrastructure, and operations teams.

  • Clearly communicate complex technical concepts, architecture decisions, risks, trade-offs, and recommendations to both technical and executive audiences.

  • Ensure platform capabilities are aligned with enterprise priorities, customer needs, and measurable business outcomes.


Required Qualifications:

  • 7+ years of Engineering experience, or equivalent demonstrated through one or a combination of the following: work experience, training, military experience, education

  • 5+ years of hands-on programming or scripting experience using Python, Java, Shell scripting, or similar technologies.

  • 5+ years of experience implementing Infrastructure as Code using Terraform, Crossplane, or equivalent solutions.

  • 5+ years of hands-on experience with OpenShift Container Platform, Google Cloud Platform, Microsoft Azure, or comparable enterprise cloud platforms.

  • 5+ years of experience designing and implementing enterprise-grade automation solutions using technologies such as Ansible, Harness CD, GitHub Actions, Playwright, or equivalent tools.

  • 2+ years of experience designing and developing AI, Generative AI, or agentic automation solutions.


Desired Qualifications:

  • Proven experience architecting, building, and operating enterprise-scale AI/ML platforms across hybrid and multi-cloud environments.

  • Deep understanding of enterprise AI/ML architecture, including data and compute separation, platform interoperability, and integration patterns.

  • Strong expertise in the end-to-end Model Development Lifecycle (MDLC), MLOps, model governance, monitoring, and operationalization.

  • Experience with cloud AI platforms such as GCP Vertex AI, Azure ML, and enterprise on-premises AI/ML environments.

  • Strong hands-on expertise in Kubernetes platforms, including OpenShift (OCP) and Google Kubernetes Engine (GKE).

  • Experience designing and implementing Generative AI, RAG, Agentic AI, and multi-agent solutions.

  • Knowledge of LLMs, prompt engineering, vector databases, embedding models, orchestration frameworks, MCP, and agent-to-agent architectures.

  • Experience building AI solutions using frameworks such as LangGraph, CrewAI, Microsoft AutoGen, LangChain, and Chainlit.

  • Strong understanding of security architecture, data protection, technology risk, regulatory compliance, and data governance controls.

  • Experience delivering enterprise AI modernization and model migration initiatives from on-premises to cloud-native platforms.

  • Strong programming skills in Python and SQL, with experience using machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch.

  • Ability to influence technical strategy and architecture decisions across multiple organizations and senior leadership teams.

  • Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and executive presentation skills.

  • Cloud, AI, or Kubernetes-related certifications (AWS, GCP, Azure, CKA, or equivalent) preferred.


Job Expectations:

  • This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

  • Ability to work on-site at an approved location.

  • Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Locations:

  • 1755 Grant St., Concord, California

  • 300 S. Brevard St., Charlotte, North Carolina

  • 333 Market St., San Francisco, California

Pay Range

Reflected is the base pay range offered for this position. Pay may vary depending on factors including but not limited to demonstrated examples of prior performance, skills, experience, or work location. Employees may also be eligible for incentive opportunities.

$159,000.00 - $305,000.00

Benefits

Wells Fargo provides eligible employees with a comprehensive set of benefits, many of which are listed below. Visit for an overview of the following benefit plans and programs offered to employees.

  • Health benefits
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Paid time off
  • Disability benefits
  • Life insurance, critical illness insurance, and accident insurance
  • Parental leave
  • Critical caregiving leave
  • Discounts and savings
  • Commuter benefits
  • Tuition reimbursement
  • Scholarships for dependent children
  • Adoption reimbursement

Posting End Date:

1 Sep 2026

*Job posting may come down early due to volume of applicants.

About Wells Fargo

Wells Fargo Careers

Joining Wells Fargo means becoming part of a distinguished financial institution that has been a cornerstone of innovation and leadership in the banking industry. At Wells Fargo, we offer a plethora of job opportunities designed to empower your career growth and development in a diverse and inclusive environment.

Work You’ll Do

At Wells Fargo, you will be part of a team that values diversity and is committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We are looking for professionals who are eager to drive innovation and lead with integrity. Our employees are our greatest asset, and we invest in their professional growth through comprehensive leadership and diversity training programs that are recognized industry-wide.

Explore a Multitude of Career Paths

Whether you're interested in a position in finance, IT, customer service, or management, Wells Fargo has career opportunities in various fields. Our team members benefit from job stability, competitive benefits, and a culture that values and rewards performance and dedication.

Internship Programs

Kickstart your career with a Wells Fargo internship. Our programs provide invaluable industry exposure, professional skills development, and networking opportunities that often lead to full-time employment offers. Interns at Wells Fargo work on real projects, solve actual challenges, and gain the mentorship of seasoned professionals.

Professional Growth and Development

We believe in nurturing the potential of our employees. Wells Fargo offers robust training programs and resources to help every team member excel in their current roles and prepare for future challenges. Growth at Wells Fargo is not just about climbing the career ladder but expanding your skills and expertise to add value to our team and customers.

Benefits and Rewards

Wells Fargo is committed to the well-being of our team members. We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes health care, retirement plans, and generous paid time off. Additionally, we provide unique perks like employee discounts, adoption assistance, and tuition reimbursement.

Join Our Team

Discover the opportunities waiting for you at Wells Fargo by exploring open positions that match your skills and interests. We are continuously hiring and looking for individuals who bring creativity, passion, and a drive to serve our customers.

Stay Connected

Keep up to date with the latest from Wells Fargo Careers by subscribing to our job alert emails. Tailor your subscription to receive updates that align with your career preferences and get insider tips on crafting the perfect resume and acing your interview.

Networking and Innovation

At Wells Fargo, networking and innovation go hand in hand. We encourage our employees to connect across departments and roles to foster new ideas and strategies that lead to groundbreaking solutions.

Empower Your Career

Step into a role at Wells Fargo where your skills will be honed, your achievements recognized, and your career can flourish. We're not just filling positions; we're building leaders who are equipped to navigate the complexities of the financial world. Join Wells Fargo today and be part of a team that’s redefining the future of banking.
Learn more about Wells Fargo
Size
246,577 employees
Market Cap
$155.2 billion
Industry
Net Income
$3.3 billion
Founded
1852
5 Year Trend
-5.9%
NASDAQ

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