Job Details

Overview

The Trade Desk is a global technology company with a mission to create a better, more open internet for everyone through principled, intelligent advertising. Handling over 1 trillion queries per day, our platform operates at an unprecedented scale. We value the unique experiences and perspectives that each person brings to The Trade Desk, and we are committed to fostering inclusive spaces where everyone can bring their authentic selves to work every day.

Do you have a passion for solving hard problems at scale? Are you eager to join a dynamic, globally-connected team where your contributions will make a meaningful difference in building a better media ecosystem? Fortune magazine consistently ranks The Trade Desk among the best small- to medium-sized workplaces globally.

Our Software Engineers are end-to-end owners who have the opportunity to participate in many aspects of designing, building, and delivering data-focused products for our stakeholders. At The Trade Desk, we build the back-end infrastructure of our platform with a focus on quality at scale, ensuring that client-facing applications, internal solutions, and model pipelines for bidding optimizations have the infrastructure, development, and tools to be reliable and efficient. Our system operates 24/7, serving global traffic, and our back-end developers work on algorithmic, optimization, and scale challenges in a highly collaborative environment.

What we do: we are building internal-facing AI solutions that support teams across The Trade Desk, leveraging technologies like large language models, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and agentic tools to enhance productivity, streamline workflows, and eliminate friction in everyday processes. Our work emphasizes high-quality, scalable applications that deliver measurable value and improve day-to-day operations across the company.

What you'll do

As a Sr AI Software Engineer on this team, you'll be an end-to-end owner—collaborating closely with stakeholders, identifying opportunities, and delivering tools that make a real impact. You'll join a nimble, fast-paced, and highly collaborative group that thrives on transforming the way teams operate and driving greater value across The Trade Desk.

Some of the work you will be doing to help us deliver on our mission includes:

• Design and deploy intelligent agentic systems that integrate large language models (LLMs) with enterprise data, tools, and workflows using frameworks like LangChain, LlamaIndex, and Semantic Kernel.
• Develop Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) applications using tools like Azure AI Search, vector databases, and secure enterprise connectors to deliver contextual insights.
• Build and iterate on conversational agents that solve real-world problems, meet stakeholder needs, and deliver measurable business value.
• Deliver high-impact features by collaborating across teams, leading through ambiguity, and aligning technical solutions with business goals.
• Drive quality and performance through automated testing, monitoring, and data-driven evaluation of success criteria, user adoption, and operational efficiency.
• Mentor teammates and contribute to a culture of innovation, technical excellence, and continuous learning.

Who you are

Our culture is deeper than just having fun together. We value engineers who are trust-builders, generous givers, scrappy problem solvers, and gritty pursuers of excellence. You do not have to meet all the requirements below, but you will have a higher likelihood of success if you meet most of them:

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in computer science or a relevant engineering field, or equivalent experience.
• 8-10+ years of software engineering experience, including 1-2+ years working on AI-powered systems or products.
• Proficiency in Python and comfort with additional languages such as C#, SQL, or TypeScript/React.
• Foundational knowledge of or hands-on experience with LLM orchestration frameworks (e.g., LangChain, LlamaIndex, Semantic Kernel) and prompt engineering using LLM APIs.
• Experience productionizing applications and implementing CI/CD pipelines for reliable, scalable deployments.
• Skilled in data ingestion and transformation using APIs, ETL pipelines, and connectors, and familiar with vector databases and retrieval strategies.
• Strong communication across technical and non-technical audiences and a collaborative, cross-functional mindset.
• Fast learner who adapts quickly to new technologies and solves complex problems with creativity and pragmatism.

Variety of technical opportunities is a key aspect of working at The Trade Desk as a Sr Software Engineer. What we care about is the ability to learn quickly and find solutions using the optimum tools for the job. We don't require engineers who know all the answers; we need engineers who can invent the answers to questions not yet asked.

The Trade Desk does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firm recruiters. Fees will not be paid if a candidate submitted by a recruiter without an agreement in place is hired. The Trade Desk is an equal opportunity employer. All aspects of employment are based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs, and we do not discriminate on race, color, religion, marital status, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic information, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected status.

[LA JOBS ONLY] The Trade Desk will consider qualified applicants with criminal histories for employment in a manner consistent with the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring, Ordinance No. 184652.

[SF JOBS ONLY] Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

#LI-TP1

CO, CA, IL, NY, WA, and Washington DC residents only: In accordance with local laws, the range provided is The Trade Desk's reasonable estimate of base compensation. The actual amount may differ based on experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and location. The Trade Desk offers stock-based compensation plans, health benefits, retirement plans, disability coverage, life insurance, tuition assistance, parental leave, vacation, holidays, and other well-being benefits. Details vary by location and role.

The Trade Desk is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to an inclusive hiring experience where everyone can thrive. For accommodations during the hiring process, please contact ...@thetradedesk.com with your accessibility needs.