Lead Machine Learning Engineer

Bain & Company; Mumbai; On-site; INR 1,800,000 - 3,600,000; Full time

Job summary

Bain & Company, Inc. in Mumbai, India seeks a Lead Machine Learning Engineer to drive AI initiatives across client engagements. You will design and deploy ML models, build production-grade systems, and mentor teams in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Must have 5+ years of ML experience, strong Python skills, and cloud proficiency, with ability to work with stakeholders. Regional travel is required, offering an opportunity to shape AI strategy at scale.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of relevant experience in machine learning or AI engineering.
• Strong theoretical and practical ML knowledge with production-ready deployment experience.
• Proficiency in Python with solid software engineering foundations (testing, version control).
• Experience with data wrangling, data analysis and modelling using Python/SQL/PySpark.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) and deploying ML/AI apps.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and deliver production-grade ML models and AI solutions for client problems.
• Architect and implement enterprise ML systems with MLOps and CI/CD approaches.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate business needs into ML solutions.
• Research emerging frameworks and convert learnings into reusable components and accelerators.
• Mentor peers and share best practices in ML engineering across projects.
• Contribute to internal R&D and AI capability development within Bain.

Skills

Python

ML/AI engineering

Software engineering

Cloud platforms

Data wrangling

CI/CD

Education

Advanced degree in CS/Math/ML

Tools

FastAPI

Flask

SQL

PySpark

Job description

WHAT MAKES US A GREAT PLACE TO WORK

We are proud to be consistently recognized as one of the world’s best places to work. We are currently the top ranked consulting firm on Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work list and have earned the #1 overall spot a record seven times. Extraordinary teams are at the heart of our business strategy, but these don’t happen by chance. They require intentional focus on bringing together a broad set of backgrounds, cultures, experiences, perspectives, and skills in a supportive and inclusive work environment. We hire people with exceptional talent and create an environment in which every individual can thrive professionally and personally.

WHO YOU’LL WORK WITH

You’ll join our Machine Learning and Data Science experts within the Applied Tech & AI team. This team is part of Bain’s digital capabilities practice, which includes experts in analytics, engineering, product management, and design. In this multidisciplinary environment, you'll leverage deep technical expertise with business acumen to help clients tackle their most transformative challenges. You’ll work on integrated teams alongside our general consultants and clients to develop data-driven strategies and innovative solutions. Together, we create human-centric solutions that harness the power of data and artificial intelligence to drive competitive advantage for our clients. Our collaborative and supportive work environment fosters creativity and continuous learning, enabling us to consistently deliver exceptional results.

WHERE YOU’LL FIT WITHIN THE TEAM

As a Lead Machine Learning Engineer, you’ll help drive innovation by integrating AI and data-driven solutions into strategy and execution. Whether launching new ventures, reimagining user experiences, or building tech-enabled products, you’ll work at the intersection of analytics and impact—turning bold strategies into breakthrough results. Bain offers comprehensive benefits and flexible policies that are designed to support you, so you can thrive personally and professionally.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Design, build, and deliver statistical/ML models and agentic AI/LLM solutions to solve high-impact client problems.
• Architect and implement production-grade ML systems by building enterprise-grade services, applying MLOps and CI/CD for reliable deployment and monitoring, and ensuring high standards in engineering quality and documentation.
• Partner with general consulting teams and client stakeholders to translate business problems into ML solutions, prioritize work, and enable enterprise‑scale AI transformation.
• Continuously research emerging frameworks and state‑of‑the‑art AI (e.g., LLMs, agents, retrieval, post-training, etc.) and convert learnings into reusable frameworks, components, and accelerators used across industries and functions.
• Share knowledge and mentor others on best practices tools, and approaches in applied machine learning and AI engineering.
• Contribute to internal R&D and learning initiatives to advance Bain’s AI capabilities and foster continuous innovation between projects.

ABOUT YOU

Must Have:

• 5+ years of relevant experience or an advanced degree
• Strong theoretical and practical experience in machine learning
• Proficiency in Python, with solid software engineering foundations — including clean code practices, testing, version control.
• Experience with data wrangling, data analysis and modeling using python, sql, pyspark or similar tools
• Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure) and deploying ML/AI applications.
• Comprehensive understanding of the ML lifecycle, from experimentation and model development to deployment.
• Experience productionizing and exposing ML models (e.g., using FastAPI, Flask, or similar frameworks) for seamless integration into applications and platforms.
• Excellent communicator and collaborator, able to align with technical and business stakeholders in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
• Curious and growth-oriented, passionate about exploring new tools, mentoring peers, and sharing best practices.
• Adaptable and self-driven, comfortable operating with autonomy, embracing feedback, and learning new skills to deliver client impact.
• Travel is required. This position requires regional travel away from your home office/primary working location.
• Travel frequency and destinations will vary based on project needs.

Nice to Have:

Experience with R&D or academic research

Interest in publishing technical content and mentoring others