Gradial is a Seattle-based developer of an AI-native content operations platform and marketing work system that automates end-to-end digital marketing workflows.
<div class="content-intro"><p>Gradial is the marketing operations system of work that helps marketers and creatives move from idea to execution faster. Our platform orchestrates across martech stacks, workflows, and people to automate marketing execution, cutting execution time, so marketers focus on the work only humans can do: shaping brands, understanding customers, and creating the work that moves people.</p> <p>Backed by leading investors, we’re building software that adapts to the user, not the other way around. We move with urgency, operate with ownership, and solve hard problems from first principles. If you want to do ambitious work, take real responsibility, and help define the future of AI-native content operations, you’ll do your best work here.</p></div><p><strong>The Role</strong></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">Gradial is seeking a Principal Software Engineer to drive the architecture and technical vision behind AI-native systems that transform how creative teams build and update websites. As a foundational technical leader, you’ll push the boundaries of how LLMs can power real-world workflows and reimagine the intersection of language, software, and creativity.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> <p><span data-contrast="auto">You’ll work closely with engineering, product, and design leaders to shape not just features, but the technical backbone and strategic direction of the company. This is a rare opportunity to set the blueprint for a fast-evolving product in a high-agency, low-ego environment committed to solving hard problems from first principles.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></p> <p><strong>What You'll Own</strong></p> <ul> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Define and drive the technical architecture for systems that convert natural language into intelligent, multi-step workflows using generative AI.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Lead the design, implementation, and scaling of LLM agents for real-time inference, dynamic prompting, memory management, and tool orchestration.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Set engineering standards and influence system design across the stack, with a focus on performance, reliability, and long-term extensibility.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Design learning systems that integrate customer feedback, usage data, and brand preferences to evolve autonomously over time.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Mentor senior engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence, rapid iteration, and ownership.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Collaborate deeply with product and design leaders to rethink how interfaces and features dynamically adapt to user intent.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Champion best practices in testing, observability, deployment, and operational excellence to ensure system health at scale.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Own critical, ambiguous problem spaces from end to end, advocating for technical and product innovation.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li> </ul> <p><strong>What We're Looking For</strong></p> <ul> <li><span data-contrast="auto">8+ years of professional software engineering experience, including significant leadership of complex technical initiatives.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Deep expertise in distributed systems, algorithms, and scalable software design.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Proven track record architecting and shipping systems in fast-moving, high-ambiguity environments.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Hands-on experience with LLM integration, generative AI frameworks, or building AI-native applications.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Strong communication and cross-functional leadership skills, with the ability to influence technical and non-technical audiences.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">High-agency, ownership-driven mindset with a passion for solving real-world problems at scale.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Background in technical fields such as computer science, mathematics, physics, or systems engineering.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"335559738":240,"335559739":240}"> </span></li> </ul> <p><strong>Nice to Have</strong></p> <ul> <li><span data-contrast="auto">Experience building or scaling AI a