Principal Software Engineer, .NET / Data / AI

About the Role

We are seeking a highly experienced and versatile Principal Engineer with expertise in full-stack development, data engineering, and large language model (LLM) systems. This role is ideal for a technical leader who thrives in cross-functional environments, enjoys solving complex problems, and is passionate about building scalable, intelligent, and impactful software solutions.

You will lead the design and development of modern web applications, data pipelines, and AI-powered systems, collaborating with product managers, data scientists, and engineers across disciplines. Act as a bridge between product, engineering, and analytics teams to ensure alignment on data and AI initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Software Engineering & Architecture

• Design and develop full-stack applications using .NET, C#, Angular, and modern web technologies (JavaScript/TypeScript, HTML, CSS).
• Build scalable backend services and APIs, integrating with databases and cloud platforms.
• Lead end-to-end delivery of high-quality software solutions, ensuring performance, security, and maintainability.
• Conduct code reviews, mentor engineers, and enforce coding standards and best practices.

Data Engineering & Analytics

• Integrate data from multiple sources and curate datasets for reporting, dashboards, and AI applications.
• Participate in data modeling efforts involving multiple data sources with dependencies across enterprise data models.
• Develop and embed reporting capabilities using tools like Power BI.
• Write and optimize DAX expressions; manage and refactor Power BI source queries to align with evolving data architecture.
• Ensure data governance, security, and compliance with privacy regulations.

LLM & AI Systems

• Build and maintain LLM pipelines including prompt engineering, fine-tuning, and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG).
• Integrate with APIs from providers like OpenAI and manage vector databases.
• Debug and evaluate natural language queries translated to SQL, especially in AI-powered tools like Copilot.
• Identify and implement new capabilities to expand the functionality of AI assistants like Copilot.

What You’ll Bring

• 10+ years of experience in software engineering, with strong full-stack development skills.
• Experience in data engineering, including big data technologies (Spark, Databricks, Data Lake).
• Proficiency in C#, .NET Core, Python, and SQL; experience with cloud platforms (Azure preferred).
• Experience with REST APIs, asynchronous messaging, and microservices.
• Strong understanding of LLM concepts, including prompt engineering, fine-tuning, and RAG.
• Familiarity with CI/CD pipelines, TDD, and Agile methodologies.

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Blackbaud is a remote-first company which embraces a flexible remote work culture. Blackbaud supports hiring and career development for all roles from the location you are in today!

Blackbaud is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

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Benefits Include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance

• Remote-first workforce

• 401(k) program with employer match

• Flexible paid time off

• Generous Parental Leave

• Volunteer for vacation

• Opportunities to connect to build community and belonging

• Pet insurance, legal and identity protection

• Tuition reimbursement program