Software Engineer (Java, AI)
Role summary
Sovrn is seeking a Principal Software Engineer with deep adtech infrastructure and AI-native engineering experience. This backend-focused role involves developing and maintaining systems for their exchange platform, including bid request processing and auction logic. The engineer will lead AI integration, leveraging LLMs and agentic AI tools, and establish AI engineering standards. Responsibilities include designing backend systems, leading architectural decisions, promoting AI practices, identifying AI opportunities within the adtech stack, and mentoring engineers. The role requires 10+ years of software engineering experience, with 5+ years in adtech infrastructure, and expertise in distributed systems and AI integration patterns.
About The Company
Sovrn is a leading Software and Data company committed to empowering Open Web businesses by fostering independence and innovation. Our mission is to help these businesses understand their operations better, operate more efficiently, and maximize their revenue streams. We believe in the free flow of information and see the Open Web as the largest source of valuable data and insights. Through our advanced software products and data solutions, we enable our clients to make informed decisions, streamline their operations, and retain control over their digital assets. Sovrn's core values emphasize candor, customer empathy, continuous learning, resourcefulness, and strategic thinking, guiding us in delivering impactful solutions that drive growth and sustainability for our partners.
About The Role
We are seeking a highly experienced Principal Software Engineer with a deep understanding of adtech infrastructure and a strong conviction in the practical application of AI-native engineering. This role is primarily backend-focused, involving the development and maintenance of systems that power our exchange platform, including bid request processing, traffic shaping, data pipelines, and auction logic. As we stand at a pivotal point in our software development journey, we are looking for a leader who can guide us through integrating AI capabilities more intentionally into our workflows. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with generative and agentic AI tools, such as large language models (LLMs), and will be instrumental in advancing our AI adoption from general use to strategic leverage. You will work closely with cross-functional teams, driving architectural decisions, establishing AI engineering standards, and mentoring engineers to foster a culture of innovation and technical excellence.
Qualifications
- 10+ years of comprehensive software engineering experience, with a focus on backend development
- 5+ years of specialized experience in adtech infrastructure, including SSP, DSP, exchange, or ad server environments
- Deep understanding of programmatic ecosystem protocols such as OpenRTB, bid request/response flows, and auction mechanics
- Proven experience building and operating systems at exchange scale, ensuring high QPS, low latency, and fault tolerance
- Hands-on experience leading AI or agentic engineering projects in production, including deployment, operation, and iteration
- Expertise in LLM integration patterns, including RAG, prompt engineering, multi-step workflows, and evaluation frameworks
- Strong knowledge of distributed systems fundamentals, including messaging, caching, service architecture, and observability
- Ability to make informed technical decisions in fast-paced, ambiguous environments
- Clear point of view on the appropriate use of AI tools and the ability to advocate for best practices
Responsibilities
- Design, develop, and evolve backend systems that operate at exchange scale, ensuring high throughput, low latency, and reliability
- Lead architectural decisions related to auction infrastructure, bid processing, traffic shaping, and supply-side integrations
- Establish and promote AI engineering practices across the engineering team, including prompt engineering, RAG patterns, and agentic workflows
- Identify strategic opportunities to leverage AI within our adtech stack—such as traffic scoring, bid shading, yield optimization, anomaly detection, and automated decision-making
- Develop standards for evaluating, trusting, and operating AI-powered systems, including observability, fallback strategies, and model governance
- Drive technical standards, conduct design reviews, and uphold engineering best practices within a senior engineering team
- Collaborate with product, data science, and platform teams to deliver end-to-end solutions
- Enhance the overall AI fluency and confidence of the engineering organization through mentorship and knowledge sharing
- Mentor engineers through code reviews, technical guidance, and collaborative design sessions
Benefits
- Competitive annual salary ranging from $200,000 to $240,000, commensurate with experience
- Performance-based bonus, equity options, and comprehensive benefits package
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance coverage
- Short-term and long-term disability insurance, life insurance
- Paid holidays, flexible vacation policy, and paid parental leave
- Commuter benefits and 401(k) plan with company match
- Opportunities for professional growth and development within a collaborative environment
Equal Opportunity
Sovrn is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, parental or pregnancy status, marriage and civil partnership, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage diverse candidates to apply and value the unique perspectives each individual brings to our team.
