Senior AI Forward-Deployed Engineer / Architect

Alvarez & Marsal; Madrid; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Alvarez & Marsal’s Madrid AI Lab is seeking a senior technical leader to own the solution architecture for AI engagements. You will guide a small embedded squad (2–3 engineers), shape scoping with client teams, and ensure robust, scalable production-ready AI solutions including non-functional requirements.

Fluency in English is required, Spanish helpful, and travel within Europe is expected. You will also work with client executives, contribute to the codebase, and build reusable patterns and

Qualifications

• Several years delivering live AI/ML systems with ownership of architecture.
• Experience with at least one enterprise AI platform and deployment across production.
• Strong Python development and modern LLM engineering: design, retrieval, orchestration, evaluation.

Responsibilities

• Own the solution architecture for AI engagements: what gets built, on which platform, how it integrates, and operated post-handover.
• Lead a small embedded squad (2–3 engineers), setting quality, reviews, delivery pace and technical rigor.
• Shape work pre-engagement: collaborate with PEPI, CTS, FSI, and DTS during scoping and sizing.
• Be the senior technical voice with client executives, including when messages are challenging.
• Hands-on architect role with direct codebase contributions.
• Own non-functional requirements: security, data protection, EU AI Act obligations, reliability, and handover.
• Coach and develop engineers through pairing, reviews, and training.
• Create reusable assets, reference architectures, and guardrail patterns.

Skills

System architecture

Python

LLM engineering

Team leadership

Stakeholder mgmt

Tools

Salesforce Agentforce

Copilot Studio

Power Platform

SAP Joule

Job description

Madrid, Spain

Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) is a global professional services firm known for driving change and delivering results for companies, investors, and government entities. With a focus on operational, financial, and digital transformation, A&M combines deep industry expertise with hands-on execution to help clients accelerate growth, improve performance, and create long-term value. Our people are action-oriented, entrepreneurial, and collaborative—committed to making a measurable impact for clients across sectors and geographies.

The Team

• The AI Lab is A&M’s forward-deployed AI engineering capability within Digital & Technology Services EMEA, launching from Madrid.
• We embed inside client teams to architect, build, and ship AI agents, automations, and accelerators that move from advisory insight into production reality—and stay there.
• We partner closely with A&M consulting teams (PEPI, CTS, FSI, DTS) to scope, assess feasibility, and deliver on client platforms with their people, processes, and controls.

How you will contribute

• Own the solution architecture for AI engagements: what gets built, on which platform, how it integrates, and how it will be operated post-handover.
• Lead a small embedded squad (typically 2–3 engineers), setting the bar for quality, code review, delivery pace, and technical rigor.
• Shape work pre-engagement: collaborate with PEPI, CTS, FSI, and DTS during scoping; size effort honestly; distinguish viable use cases from those that won’t sustain value.
• Be the senior technical voice with client executives (CIO, data leaders, process owners), including when messages are challenging.
• Build alongside the team—this is a hands‑on architect role with direct contributions to the codebase.
• Own non‑functional requirements: security, data protection, EU AI Act obligations, evaluation/monitoring, reliability, and a handover that keeps solutions operating.
• Coach and develop engineers through pairing, reviews, and structured training/certification within your platform area.
• Create reusable assets, reference architectures, and guardrail patterns; contribute to the firm‑wide AI marketplace.

Qualifications

• Several years in software, data, or AI engineering, including architectural ownership of systems that went live and stayed live.
• Deep experience in at least one enterprise AI platform (SAP Joule/BTP, Salesforce Agentforce, Microsoft Copilot Studio/Power Platform) with sound judgment across build/buy/configure.
• Strong Python and modern LLM engineering: agent design, retrieval, orchestration, evaluation, cost/latency management in production.
• Demonstrated technical leadership of small teams, with evidence of growing other engineers.
• Credibility with senior client stakeholders: able to defend designs, facilitate trade‑offs, and adjust position when evidence dictates.
• Practical grasp of risk domains—data protection, security review, IP, EU AI Act—sufficient to keep engagements safe without waiting on legal.
• Fluent English; Spanish strongly advantageous; other European languages welcome.
• Willingness to travel within Europe and to work regularly on client sites.
• Consulting or professional services background, ideally with private equity value creation or transformation exposure.
• Experience building a capability or practice from the ground up.
• Platform certifications, published work, open‑source contributions, or speaking engagements.
• Sector depth in financial services, life sciences, industrials, or consumer.

Your journey at A&M

We recognize that our people are the driving force behind our success, which is why we prioritize an employee experience that fosters each person’s unique professional and personal development. Our robust performance development process promotes continuous learning, rewards your contributions, and fosters a culture of meritocracy. With top‑notch training and on‑the‑job learning opportunities, you can acquire new skills and advance your career.

We prioritize your well‑being, providing benefits and resources to support you on your personal journey. Our people consistently highlight the growth opportunities, our unique, entrepreneurial culture, and the fun we have together as their favorite aspects of working at A&M. The possibilities are endless for high‑performing and passionate professionals.

Culture & Values

At Alvarez & Marsal, our core values of Integrity, Quality, Objectivity, Fun, Personal Reward, and Inclusive Diversity guide everything we do, shaping a culture rooted in entrepreneurship, impact, and integrity. We trust our people to take ownership early, contribute to meaningful challenges, and drive results that matter. We empower growth and champion diverse perspectives. Above all, we value doing the right thing. For those ready to roll up their sleeves, lead with integrity, and be difference makers, this is where it starts.

Equal Opportunity Employer

It is Alvarez & Marsal’s practice to provide and promote equal opportunity in employment, compensation, and other terms and conditions of employment without discrimination because of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, sex or gender, gender identity or gender expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, military service and veteran status, physical or mental disability, family medical history, genetic information or other protected medical condition, political affiliation, or any other characteristic protected by and in accordance with applicable laws. Employees and Applicants can find A&M policy statements and additional information by region here.