P6P6 — Principal Professional
Principal
Define the overall AI vision and technical strategy. Pioneer new AI capabilities that drive business growth.
What this level means
Top individual contributor; recognized authority with strategic impact, equivalent to a low executive level
- Scope
- Organization-wide architecture and the hardest problems
- Autonomy
- Defines direction; minimal oversight
- Complexity
- Strategic, open-ended problems shaping the technical future
- Impact
- Organization-wide
- Decision rights
- Sets technical strategy for a major area
- Leadership
- Recognized authority; multiplies many teams
- Typical experience
- 12–18 yrs
What you'd do
- Define AI vision
- Pioneer new AI capabilities
- Lead strategic AI initiatives
- Collaborate with executive leadership
- Drive business growth through AI
- Represent AI strategy at the executive level
- Ensure alignment with organizational goals
- Foster a culture of innovation
- Define and communicate AI vision
- Lead AI capability development
- Collaborate with executives
- Drive strategic growth
- Foster innovation culture
Skills, knowledge & tools
- Visionary leadership
- Strategic foresight
- Executive collaboration
- Business growth strategies
- Cultural leadership
- AI vision and strategy
- Business growth through AI
- Executive leadership
- Innovation culture
- Strategic alignment
- Visionary insight
- Mentorship
- Strategic Leadership
- Business acumen
- Cultural influence
What good looks like
- 12+ years of AI leadership experience
- Experience in executive technology roles
- Proven track record in AI strategy
Common titles
AI Model Development VIAI Model Development 6Principal AI Model DevelopmentAI Model Developer VIAI Model Developer 6Principal AI Model DeveloperSoftware Engineering VISoftware Engineering 6Principal Software EngineeringSoftware Engineer VISoftware Engineer 6Principal Software Engineer
Where it sits & what it pays
O*NET / SOC: 15-0000 — Computer & Mathematical Occupations(inferred · under review)
Market-pay benchmarks for this family × level are coming — JobFrame anchors pay to the family/level structure rather than the raw title.