Lead data Science Engineer

4026 Sabre Travel Technologies; Bengaluru; Hybrid; INR 4,000,000 - 7,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Sabre Travel Technologies in Bengaluru is seeking an accomplished AI engineer to architect, code and deploy complex ML/AI systems across Sabre’s core platforms. You will prototype, scale, and operationalize AI ideas in travel domains such as NDC adoption, optimization, and automated agency support, focusing on high performance, low latency deployments.

The role requires a PhD (preferred) with 7+ years in Data Science/AI, strong Python/C++ skills, and experience moving models from research to

Qualifications

• 7+ years of experience in Data Science, AI Engineering, or Operations Research.
• Advanced Degree (PhD preferred) in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, or Physics with a strong research background.
• Proven experience moving complex models from research to global production in Agile software development.
• Expertise in ML/AI solutioning including Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning, and NLP.
• High-performance programming skills in Python and C++ for latency-sensitive tasks.
• Deep knowledge of Modern AI Tech Stack: GCP (Vertex AI, BigQuery ML), MLOps, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Familiarity with Generative AI frameworks (LangChain, LlamaIndex) and RAG-based workflow automation.
• Self-motivated leadership to drive cross-functional projects to completion.

Responsibilities

• Architect, code, and deploy complex AI solutions for Sabre’s platforms.
• Prototype and scale new AI ideas within the travel domain, including AI-driven automation and real-time optimization.
• Design end-to-end AI systems with LLM integration for automated agency support and customer intent recognition.
• Improve GDS workflows and migrate legacy automation to modern, GCP-based AI architectures.
• Establish AI lifecycle policies and rigorous MLOps standards to ensure model performance.
• Collaborate with architects and product managers to align tech roadmaps with business goals like optimization and efficiency.
• Mentor and develop junior data scientists and engineers, promoting rigorous experimentation and high-performance engineering.

Skills

ML & AI

Deep Learning

Reinforcement Learning

NLP

Python

C++

GCP

MLOps

Education

PhD preferred

Tools

Gurobi

CPLEX

Vertex AI

BigQuery ML

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Role and Responsibilities:

Architects, codes, and deploys complex software solutions that integrate advanced mathematical algorithms and machine learning models into Sabre’s core retailing, Network Planning, Agency Automation, and Departure Control platforms. Drives Research & Innovation by identifying, prototyping, and scaling new ideas within the travel domain, such as AI-driven automation for Travel Management Companies (TMCs) and personalized, real-time itinerary optimization. Designs end-to-end AI systems, specifically focusing on the integration of Large Language Models (LLMs) for automated agency support, customer intent recognition, and conversational commerce. Solves high-impact organizational challenges, such as optimizing Global Distribution System (GDS) workflows and migrating legacy automation logic into modern, GCP-based AI architectures. Establishes strategic AI lifecycle policies, defining rigorous standards for MLOps to ensure high-fidelity model performance across the volatile data landscapes of the travel industry. Promotes engineering excellence by utilizing best practices in Python and C++, ensuring research-grade prototypes are refactored into production-quality, low-latency systems. Collaborates with cross-functional leadership, including architects and product managers, to align technical roadmaps with business goals like NDC adoption, total travel cost optimization, and operational efficiency. Influences stakeholder decision-making, advocating for the adoption of disruptive technologies—including Agentic AI—within mission-critical, high-availability travel environments. Mentors and develops junior data scientists and engineers, fostering a culture of rigorous experimentation, academic-level research, and high-performance engineering.

Qualifications and Education Requirements:

Minimum 7 years of related experience in Data Science, AI Engineering, or Operations Research. Advanced Optimization Modeling skills, including Linear Programming (LP), Mixed-Integer Programming (MIP), and experience with solvers like Gurobi or CPLEX. Advanced Degree (PhD preferred) in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, or Physics with a strong research background and a proven track record of innovation. Proven experience in Agile Software Development, with a demonstrated ability to move complex models from the research phase to global production. Expertise in advanced ML/AI solutioning, including Deep Learning, Reinforcement Learning, and Natural Language Processing (NLP). High-performance programming skills, with mastery of Python and C++ for computationally intensive and latency-sensitive tasks. Deep knowledge of the Modern AI Tech Stack, including GCP (Vertex AI, BigQuery ML), MLOps tools, and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes). Proficiency in Generative AI frameworks, such as LangChain or LlamaIndex, and experience with RAG-based systems for workflow automation. Self-motivated leadership, capable of driving complex, cross-functional projects to completion with minimal direction.

Desirable (Optional) Qualifications:

Experience in travel industry Domain knowledge in Airline Operations, Departure Control Systems (DCS), network planning, or route profitability. Superior analytical skills, particularly in processing high-volume, real-time data from GDS, OTA, and airline sources.

We will give careful consideration to your application and review your details against the position criteria. Please note that only candidates who meet the minimum criteria for the role will proceed in the selection process.

Reasonable Accommodation Sabre is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. Applicants applying for a Sabre position with a disability who require a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application or hiring process may contact Sabre at [e-mail]. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

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Equal Employment Opportunity

Sabre is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to minorities, females, veterans and disabled individuals.