Principal Engineer - AI

At FRONTSTEPS, we don’t just build software—we empower communities to thrive.

As the nation’s most comprehensive Community Management platform, we simplify how management companies and homeowner associations connect, operate, and optimize their communities.

With cutting-edge technology and a relentless focus on user experience, we create solutions that help community leaders collaborate and succeed.

But technology is only as strong as the people behind it.

That’s where you come in.

We’re not for everyone—only those who are ready to step up, dive in, and own their impact.

Our team is built on championship-level talent, a winning mindset, and the drive to solve complex problems.

At FRONTSTEPS, we challenge each other, push boundaries, and build industry-leading solutions together.

If you’re looking for a place to grow, make a difference, and be part of something bigger, this is it.

POSITION OVERVIEW The Principal Engineer - AI will be an integral part of our fast-moving Development Team with high standards in all aspects of development.  This individual should possess the desire and drive to utilize the latest technologies while embracing a fearless approach to innovation.

In addition to mentoring groups and individuals, the Principal Engineer is the go-to person for entire product lines and must take ownership of their assigned responsibilities.  This role is also responsible for driving technical solutions for strategic projects.  The Principal Engineer should be comfortable tackling challenges and collaborating with others to push the limits of their knowledge and expertise.  The Principal Engineer _ AI must also be proficient at designing and developing callable solutions using AI tools and machine-learning models.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS Utilize AI and emerging technologies to productively accomplish development objectives and integrate LLM and agentic solutions into systems.

Provide technical leadership and guidance to engineering teams, serving as a subject matter expert in the relevant field.   Lead and manage engineering projects from conception to completion, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget.   Participate in the design and architecture of complex systems, products, or solutions, leveraging industry best practices and innovative approaches.   Mentor and coach junior engineers and quality engineers, sharing knowledge and best practices to help them grow in their roles.   Stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends, technologies, and tools, and apply them to improve existing processes or develop new solutions.

Ensure the scalability, reliability, and performance of AI systems.   Develop and execute performance tests on AI systems to measure their efficiency in handling large amounts of data, complex algorithms, and processing speeds to ensure optimal performance.

Perform research and testing to develop machine learning algorithms and predictive modeling.

Utilize big data computation and storage tools to create prototypes and datasets.

Conduct model training and evaluation.

Integrate, test, tune, and monitor solutions.

Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product management, quality assurance, and support, to align engineering efforts with organizational goals.   Create and maintain technical documentation, including design specifications, architectural diagrams, and process workflows.   Ensure that engineering projects comply with industry standards, regulations, and safety requirements.   Identify and mitigate technical risks associated with projects, proposing contingency plans when necessary.   Identify opportunities for process improvement, cost reduction, and efficiency enhancements within the engineering department.   Lead and contribute to the planning, tasking, and execution at all levels of the agile development process.   Prepare features for delivery following the defined development process and deploy them to production.   Demonstrate new development in stand-ups to the organization's product ownership.   Deliver value to Frontsteps engineering while fostering positive relationships within the team.   Work with legacy code and contribute to modernization efforts.   Fulfill other duties as assigned by management.   SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS Bachelor's or Master's degree in software engineering, computer science, or a related field.

Or a minimum of 12 to 15 years equivalent development work experience in lieu of a degree.   Minimum of 1 year of experience in developing AI using LLM-based solutions.

Minimum of 10 years' experience in developing ASP.NET-based applications using C#, Entity Framework, MVC, object-oriented programming, and ASP.NET Web API's.   Minimum of 4 years' experience with modern .NET and recent experience with in .Net 8 / 9.   Minimum of 10 years' experience with SQL and relational databases (preferably SQL Server).   Minimum of 5 years' experience architecting cloud-scale software solutions.   Minimum of 5 years' experience creating applications using Docker containers.   Minimum of 5 years' experience with Azure, working with multiple types of deployments, Functions, Logic Apps, and ServiceBus.   Proficient in big data tools, cloud platforms, multiple AI tools such as Python, Java, or R, and machine learning frameworks like Spark, TensorFlow, or scikit-learn.

Previous experience integrating with third-party providers via APIs.   Experience deploying applications with Azure Pipelines or other CI / CD tools is a plus.   Current Microsoft certification is preferred.   Experience in designing distributed software deployments using Azure.   Several years of hands-on engineering experience, with a proven track record of success and progressive responsibility.   Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically and analytically.   Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.   Leadership and mentoring abilities to guide and inspire engineering teams.   Proficiency in relevant tools, software, and technologies.   Project management skills and the ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously.   Familiarity with industry standards and regulations applicable to the specific field.   Continuous learning mindset and a commitment to staying updated with industry trends.   Previous experience working in larger teams consisting of more than 5 people.   Supervisory Responsibility The Principal Engineer provides guidance and instruction, in addition to being responsible for motivating team members on a daily basis.  As a team leader, the Principal Engineer should also be able to act proactively to ensure smooth team operations and effective collaboration.

Work Environment This job operates in a remote work setting.  Occasional meetings at FRONTSTEPS facilities may be required.  This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, copiers, and scanners.

Travel Travel is not required for this position.

Physical Demands While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear.  The employee is frequently required to sit, stand, walk, use hands to handle or feel, and reach with arms and hands. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please note that this job description is not intended to be a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this role. _________________________________________________________________________________________________ Benefits include the following :

• Medical, Dental, and Vision  Company-sponsored Life Insurance  Voluntary Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance  FSA / HSA
• Paid Time Off
• Sick Time
• 401k match     FRONTSTEPS is proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
• All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, marital status, protected veteran status, or disability status.
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