Principal / Distinguished Engineer, Machine Learning

Netskope · San Francisco

Data & AI

Join the Future of Security at Netskope

Netskope (NASDAQ: NTSK) is a leader in modern security and networking for the cloud and AI era. We secure and accelerate cloud, data, and AI in real time, everywhere. Thousands of customers, including more than 30 of the Fortune 100, trust the Netskope One platform, its Zero Trust Engine, and the powerful NewEdge network to gain full visibility and control without performance trade-offs.

At Netskope, our technology is driven by our greatest strength: our people. We believe that belonging powers innovation, and success is both personal and organizational. We embrace differences in gender, ethnicity, beliefs, ability, and identity, creating an environment where every voice is heard and respected. We empower our employees to bring their authentic selves to work, grow their careers through continuous education and mentorship, and lead with transparency and curiosity. Join a team where you belong, where you are encouraged to be an entrepreneur, and where together, we continue to redefine the landscape of security.

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Positions are available at both Principal and Distinguished Engineer levels. Candidates are assessed individually and leveled according to their specific skills and background.

About the role

Within Netskope Engineering, the Netskope AI Labs is responsible for advancing state-of-the-art artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) technology to power the Netskope One security platform. We are seeking a visionary Distinguished Machine Learning Engineer to serve as the chief architect of our AI technical strategy, bridging the gap between cutting-edge AI research and enterprise-scale business impact. Leveraging our deep expertise in AI/ML and security, you will lead the architecture and deployment of large-scale, production-grade AI/ML solutions for our Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) architecture.

What’s in it for you

This is a highly impactful leadership opportunity to shape the AI transformation of a market-leading cloud security company. A successful candidate will serve as a primary technical pillar for the organization, possessing deep technical expertise in applying AI/ML technologies to complex security applications. You will have the platform to build a scalable 'AI Engine', working alongside top-tier engineers, researchers, and machine learning scientists to solve the industry's most challenging AI latency, scalability, and cloud security problems today.

What you will be doing

Define the AI Transformation Roadmap: Drive the overarching AI/ML technical strategy, ruthlessly prioritizing architectural choices to ensure highly scalable, reliable, and production-grade systems.
Architect Production-Grade Inference Systems: Design, optimize, and deploy highly scalable AI/ML inference systems, leveraging the latest LLM serving technologies such as vLLM, SGLang, and advanced KV Cache optimization to maximize throughput and minimize latency.
Lead the End-to-End AI Lifecycle: Collaborate with ML scientists, engineers, and executive stakeholders to translate complex business requirements into industrialized enterprise solutions.
Establish Rigorous AI Evaluation: Create strict 'Report Cards' for AI models in production, ensuring models are robust, scalable, and well-documented by measuring accuracy, latency, and security relevance before deployment.

Required skills and experience

12-15+ years of industry experience (or equivalent combination of an Advanced technical degree + experience) in architecting and developing AI/ML solutions, preferably on large-scale security products or services.
Fluency in the modern AI stack with proven, hands-on experience optimizing cutting-edge LLMs in production environments, with deep knowledge of vLLM, SGLang, and KV Cache optimization.
Ability to translate complex technical architectures and concepts between CXOs, non-technical stakeholders, and Data Scientists.
Energetic self-starter with a true startup spirit, demonstrated ability to influence without authority, and the willingness to wear multiple hats to deliver end-to-end solutions in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Education

Advanced degree (Masters or PhD) in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent technical degree.

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Compensation:

At Netskope, salary is one component of our competitive total rewards package. The salary range for this position is as listed below. This is a national range. For purposes of complying with applicable laws, the range applies to candidates in California, Colorado, Illinois, Maryland, New York, Washington, and other states.

The successful candidate’s starting pay will also be determined based on job-related skills, experience, qualifications, location, and market conditions.

For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the On Target Earnings (OTE) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target commission amount at 100% goal achievement.

In addition to salary, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus plan (for non-sales roles) and a stock award program. Candidates may also be eligible for a comprehensive health plan and other benefits that can be reviewed at Netskope Benefits site.

Salary Range

$154,000—$312,000 USD

Netskope is committed to implementing equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment. Netskope does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on religion, race, color, sex, marital or veteran statues, age, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, pregnancy (including childbirth, lactation and related medical conditions), or any other characteristic protected by the laws or regulations of any jurisdiction in which we operate.

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The application window for this position is expected to close within 50 days. You may apply by filling out the below information, or visiting our Netskope Careers site.