Principal Architect

Adobe

. Set long-term architectural and technology direction aligned with Adobe’s product, technical, and business strategy .

Posted 9/16/2026full-timeSan Francisco • California • United StatesLead💰 $248,900 - $360,500 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates extensive expertise in software engineering and platform architecture, with a focus on distributed systems, APIs, and cloud-native technologies. Proven ability to lead architectural direction, mentor technical teams, and communicate complex concepts effectively to diverse audiences.

Highest-signal resume keywords

20+ Years Experience In Software EngineeringExpertise In Distributed SystemsExperience In Developing Agentic AI SystemsBachelor’s Degree In Computer ScienceExperience Architecting Content Platforms

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Platform ArchitectureAPIsMicroservicesEvent-Driven ArchitecturesData PlatformsCloud-Native TechnologiesSystems IntegrationPerformance OptimizationScalabilityReliability

Soft Skills

Excellent Written CommunicationExcellent Verbal CommunicationMentoring

Certifications & Qualifications

Advanced Degree In Computer Science

Industry Keywords

Content SearchDiscovery SystemsDigital-Asset SystemsLarge-Scale Media-Processing WorkflowsOperational Efficiency

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudDistributed SystemsMicroservices

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Set long-term architectural and technology direction aligned with Adobe’s product, technical, and business strategy
Assess architectural feasibility of strategic objectives, including dependencies, risks, tradeoffs, investment needs, and execution paths
Lead architecture of large-scale systems supporting content search, discovery, delivery, licensing, generative AI, agentic workflows, and customer experiences
Shape integration of AI-native and agentic capabilities into production workflows
Establish architectural patterns and standards for APIs, microservices, frontend architecture, event-driven systems, data platforms, and cross-product integrations
Identify systemic technical risks and architectural gaps and establish practical mitigation plans with leaders
Communicate Stock’s architectural direction, decisions, risks, and investment needs to senior executives and key participants
Mentor architects and technical leads in systems thinking, technical judgment, and communication

Requirements

What you’ll need

20 or more years of experience in software engineering and platform architecture
Expertise in distributed systems, networked and event-driven architectures, APIs, frontend architecture, data platforms, cloud-native technologies, and systems integration
Experience designing systems for demanding performance, scalability, reliability, security, privacy, observability, and operational-efficiency requirements
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex decisions and tradeoffs to technical and nontechnical audiences
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in Computer Science, engineering, or a related technical field
Experience architecting content platforms, digital-asset systems, marketplaces, search and discovery systems, or large-scale media-processing workflows
Experience in developing Agentic AI systems and solutions
Experience working in highly matrixed, enterprise-scale environments
Advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Computer Science or related field

Benefits

Comp & perks

Annual Incentive Plan (AIP) for short-term incentives
Potential new hire equity award for eligible roles
Comprehensive benefits programs
Accessibility accommodations during the recruiting process
Equal Employment Opportunity protections