Distinguished Software Engineer

Overview The Distinguished Software Engineer is the top technical authority responsible for designing and building AI-powered platforms and applications that enable next-generation retail capabilities. This role partners with Product, Engineering, and Business teams to influence technical direction , drive innovation through hands-on development , and ensure production-grade AI systems are scalable, reliable, and impactful. Overview of Responsibilities Hands-on AI Engineering Design and develop AI/ML and Generative AI solutions Build rapid POCs and prototypes , and scale them to production Work with: LLMs Agentic AI systems RAG architecture Prompt engineering Architecture Leadership Define reference architectures for AI systems and platforms Design scalable systems for: Real-time inference Distributed processing Data pipelines Ensure systems are: Performant Reliable Cost-efficient AI Innovation (Retail Focus) Partner with Product and Business teams to identify and solve high-impact problems Build solutions for: Inventory intelligence Store associate copilots Personalization Operational optimization Develop: Autonomous workflows AI copilots Intelligent decision systems Production Engineering & Supportability (Build + Run) Design systems that are production-ready and supportable at scale Define standards for: Logging Monitoring Model evaluation Drift detection Enable teams with: Debugging tools Performance optimization techniques Incident diagnosis frameworks Support resolution of critical production issues , especially in AI systems Technical Leadership Influence engineering direction across cross-functional teams, on complex project initiatives of strategic importance to the organization. Mentor engineers and architects Partner closely with Director, Product, and Data teams Qualifications 15+ years engineering experience Deep expertise in: Distributed systems Cloud-native architecture AI/ML systems Hands-on experience with: Generative AI / LLMs Agentic systems Data pipelines Core Competencies Communication Customer Focus Driving for Results Positive Approach Benefits In addition to a rewarding career, Sprouts offers a comprehensive program to help support you and your family. These programs include: Competitive pay Sick time plan that you can use to support you or your immediate families health Vacation accrual plan Opportunities for career growth 15% discount for you and one other family member in your household on all purchases made at Sprouts Flexible schedules Employee Assistance Program (EAP) 401(K) Retirement savings plan with a generous company match Company paid life insurance Contests and appreciation events throughout the year full of prizes, food and fun! Eligibility requirements may apply for the following benefits: Bonus based on company and/or individual performance Affordable benefit coverage, including medical, dental and vision Health Savings Account with company match Pre-tax Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare and dependent care Company paid short-term disability coverage Paid parental leave for both mothers and fathers Paid holidays Get Paid Every Day! Sprouts Farmers Market offers DailyPay - if you’re hired as an eligible employee, you’ll be able to transfer the money you’ve already earned at no extra cost, and get it the next business day, for free . We offer DailyPay so you don’t have to wait for payday to access the money you’ve already worked for. With DailyPay, you can see how much you’ve made every day and you can transfer your money any time before payday. You can learn more by visiting https://www.dailypay.com/partners/sprouts-farmers-market/ . Why Sprouts Grow with us! If you have a passion for inspiring people and a flair for fresh food, consider applying for a job at Sprouts! With a focus on customer service, our neighborhood grocery stores offer high-quality, farm fresh produce, natural meats, plenty of scoop-your-own bulk goods and much more in a fun, friendly, old-fashioned farmer’s market setting. Come grow your career in healthy living with a fast-paced, rapidly growing company and teams that pride themselves on empowering others along their journey. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by people assigned to this work. This is not an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and requirements. Sprouts’ management reserves the right to amend and change duties, responsibilities, and requirements to meet business and organizational needs as necessary. Sprouts will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance. California Residents: We collect information in accordance with California law, please see here for more information. Hands-on AI Engineering Design and develop AI/ML and Generative AI solutions Build rapid POCs and prototypes , and scale them to production Work with: LLMs Agentic AI systems RAG architecture Prompt engineering Architecture Leadership Define reference architectures for AI systems and platforms Design scalable systems for: Real-time inference Distributed processing Data pipelines Ensure systems are: Performant Reliable Cost-efficient AI Innovation (Retail Focus) Partner with Product and Business teams to identify and solve high-impact problems Build solutions for: Inventory intelligence Store associate copilots Personalization Operational optimization Develop: Autonomous workflows AI copilots Intelligent decision systems Production Engineering & Supportability (Build + Run) Design systems that are production-ready and supportable at scale Define standards for: Logging Monitoring Model evaluation Drift detection Enable teams with: Debugging tools Performance optimization techniques Incident diagnosis frameworks Support resolution of critical production issues , especially in AI systems Technical Leadership Influence engineering direction across cross-functional teams, on complex project initiatives of strategic importance to the organization. Mentor engineers and architects Partner closely with Director, Product, and Data teams 15+ years engineering experience Deep expertise in: Distributed systems Cloud-native architecture AI/ML systems Hands-on experience with: Generative AI / LLMs Agentic systems Data pipelines Core Competencies Communication Customer Focus Driving for Results Positive Approach