Principal Software Engineer, Product

Pika

. Own and define the architecture and technical strategy for Pika’s web and multi-platform products .

Posted 9/24/2026full-timePalo Alto • California • United StatesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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

Demonstrates expertise in defining technical strategy and architecture for web and multi-platform products, with a strong focus on real-time collaboration and generative AI integration. Proven ability to lead product development from ideation to launch while ensuring high standards of technical excellence and user-centric design.

Highest-signal resume keywords

8+ Years Software Engineering ExperienceReact, TypeScript, Node.js, GoDistributed Systems ExpertiseGenerative AI IntegrationLeadership and Communication Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Software EngineeringWeb DevelopmentMobile Product DevelopmentScalable APIsCloud InfrastructureMachine LearningPythonGPU-Backed WorkflowsReal-Time CollaborationUser-Centric Feature Development

Soft Skills

Excellent CommunicationLeadershipStrategic MindsetInfluencing Across DisciplinesSense of Ownership

Tools & Technologies

AWSGCPGenerative AI ToolsAgentic WorkflowsCreative Tooling

Industry Keywords

Creative ApplicationsMedia-Rich ApplicationsStartup ExperienceFast-Paced EnvironmentsArchitecture Reviews

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

AWSCloudDistributed SystemsGoogle Cloud PlatformJavaScriptNode.jsPythonReactTypeScriptGo

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own and define the architecture and technical strategy for Pika’s web and multi-platform products
Spearhead real-time collaboration capabilities, messaging, and live multi-user interactions
Drive product features from ideation through scoping, development, launch, and continuous improvement
Integrate complex generative AI workflows, including LLMs, models, and agentic tools, into creative tooling
Partner with product and design leaders to deliver accessible creative workflows
Champion technical excellence through high standards, architecture reviews, mentorship, and proposals
Oversee and improve cross-service metrics, tracing, and observability for critical product features
Guide engineering direction for user-facing systems serving millions of creative users

Requirements

What you’ll need

8+ years of professional software engineering experience, with substantial time in senior/principal engineering and product-focused roles
Distinguished track record leading the design, execution, and scaling of high-impact web or mobile products
Experience with React, TypeScript, Node.js, Go, or similar
Demonstrated strategy and execution in building robust, user-centric features for creative applications
Comprehensive expertise in distributed systems, scalable APIs, and cloud infrastructure (AWS/GCP)
Experience working across the stack, including ML/AI infrastructure, Python, and GPU-backed workflows
Exceptional product intuition and a strategic mindset
Excellent communication and leadership skills; able to influence across disciplines and build consensus
Strong sense of ownership and passion for delivering creative experiences at scale
Experience building or integrating generative AI, agentic workflows, or ML inference platforms (preferred)
Creative background in design, art, architecture, or similar (preferred)
Expertise in media-rich and real-time collaboration applications (preferred)
Startup experience and ability to thrive in fast-paced, ambiguous environments (preferred)

Benefits

Comp & perks

Significant equity in a rapidly growing startup shaping the future of AI and creativity
Comprehensive health benefits
Monthly stipends
Company retreats
Supportive, collaborative office culture