Principal Software Engineer CuCa Tech (All Genders)

Zalando SE

•

Berlin, Germany

•

1 month ago

Estimated salary

€4,959 – €7,785per month

Auto-estimated from similar roles, location, experience & market data. Actual pay may vary.

✈️ Relocation 🏠 Hybrid Full-time 🏷️ Machine Learning / AI 📁 Data & AI Jobs — Data Science, ML, Data Engineering in Germany

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Description

A Principal Software Engineer role in Zalando's Customer Care (CuCa) Tech department in Berlin, providing hands-on technical leadership across the whole department. The engineer is the primary architect of Zalando's shift from traditional customer service to AI-powered automated resolution, defining the architecture where AI/ML models meet customer-facing production systems. The role integrates Python-based AI/ML microservices into production, partners with Applied Scientists to productionise models, and sets standards for AI productionisation (MLOps). It also mentors engineers across teams and influences the technology roadmap and internal Tech Radar.

Requirements

Recognised expert in Python with deep understanding of software design, data modeling and distributed systems
Proven track record of deploying AI/ML models into production at high volume
Ability to decompose ambiguous AI requirements into clear technical designs
Experience leading cross-team projects and managing dependencies across delivery teams
Ability to explain complex AI concepts to non-specialists and senior management
Active member of the engineering community and a talent champion for hiring and developing senior talent

Experience Level

InternEntry LevelMid-levelSeniorLeadExecutive

Benefits

Employee shares program

40% off fashion and beauty sold and shipped by Zalando, 30% off Zalando Lounge, external partner discounts

2 paid volunteering days a year

Hybrid working model with up to 60% remote per week

Work from abroad for up to 30 working days a year

27 days of vacation a year to start

Relocation assistance (subject to prior agreement)

Family services, including counseling and support

Health and wellbeing options (including Gympass)

Mental health support and coaching

💰 Net Salary Calculator

Tax class 1, no church tax

Gross Salary

€76,464/year

€6,372/month

Total Deductions

€30,316

40% effective rate

Net Salary (Take Home)

€3,845/mo

€46,148/year

Deduction Breakdown

🏛️ Income Tax€14,434

🏦 Pension Insurance€7,111

🏥 Health Insurance€6,103

🫶 Care Insurance€1,674

📋 Unemployment Insurance€994

🏠 Cost of Living in Berlin

Monthly Essentials

Rent (1BR)

€1231

Groceries

€280

Transport

€75

Utilities

€220

Internet

€40

Lifestyle & Entertainment

Eating Out

€13

Gym/Month

€45

Coffee

€4

Beer (0.5L)

€4

Cinema

€12

Monthly Net Salary:€3,845

Comfortable Living:€1,897

Monthly Savings:€1,948 (51%)

💰

Strong savings potential: You could save €1,948 monthly, which is €23,376 per year.

💡 These estimates are based on average costs in Berlin. Actual expenses vary based on lifestyle, neighborhood, and personal choices. "Comfortable living" includes rent, utilities, groceries, transport, and reasonable dining/entertainment.

Eligible for the EU Blue Card

A salary of €76,464 meets the EU Blue Card minimum of €45,300 (2026).

The EU Blue Card is a residence permit for highly qualified non-EU workers. It offers a fast track to permanent residency and allows family reunification.

Processing

4-12 weeks

Visa fee

€100

Requirements

University degree + Job offer

Also eligible: EU Blue Card (Shortage Occupation) (€41,042+)

Documents needed

Valid passport

Recognised university degree

Employment contract or binding job offer

Proof of salary meeting threshold

Health insurance coverage

Biometric passport photo

Explore visa & relocation guides

📍 Life in Berlin

👥

Population

3.6M

⭐

Quality of Life

8.0

🇬🇧

English Friendly

9.0

💻

Tech Scene

9.0

🌍

International

10.0

🚇

Public Transport

9.0

🚴

Bikeability

9.0

🌬️

Air Quality

6.0

🌳

Green Spaces

7.0

🚗

Car Free

8.0

ℹ️

About Berlin

•Creative and tech hub
•Diverse neighborhoods
•Excellent public transport

🌤️

Climate

•Continental climate
•Cold winters
•Mild summers
•Four distinct seasons

❄️Jan: 0°C☀️Jul: 19°C📅Avg: 10°C

☀️1625 sunshine hours/year

🛡️

Safety

•Generally safe
•Higher petty crime than Munich
•Some areas less safe at night

Overall:7.0

🏥

Healthcare

•Good hospital network
•Charité is world-renowned
•Wait times can vary

Quality: 9.0Access: 8.0

🎭

Culture

•World-class museums
•Vibrant art scene
•Rich history

10.0

🎉

Nightlife

•Famous club scene
•Diverse nightlife
•24/7 culture

10.0

🏞️

Recreation

•Many parks
•Lakes
•Tiergarten
•Active outdoor scene

8.0

💰

Cost of Living

•More affordable than Munich
•Prices rising rapidly
•Still cheaper than many European capitals

🏠 Rent (1BR center):€1231

⚡ Utilities:€220

🛒 Groceries:€280

🍽️ Dining out:€16

Be the first to apply today

Category:Machine Learning / AI

Job Type:Full-time

Experience:Mid-level

Posted:1 month ago

Part of Collections

Data & AI Jobs — Data Science, ML, Data Engineering in Germany

Zalando SE

Germany: Berlin

Europe's leading online multi-brand fashion and lifestyle platform, serving 61+ million active customers across 29 European markets with 7,000+ brands. Generating €15.3 billion in GMV and €10.6 billion in revenue annually (FY 2024), the DAX-listed company operates a consumer marketplace for apparel, footwear, accessories, and beauty, alongside Lounge by Zalando (off-price), and a growing B2B ecosystem comprising ZEOS (logistics-as-a-service), Tradebyte, and SCAYLE. Following its transformative €1.1 billion acquisition of ABOUT YOU in 2025, Zalando employs ~16,100 people from 140+ nationalities.

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