Lead data Science Engineer

Sabre; Bengaluru; On-site; INR 2,500,000 - 3,500,000; Full time

Job summary

Sabre is looking for a Principal Data Science Engineer to join the Sabre Labs Research team in Bengaluru, India. This role requires a minimum of 10 years of experience in Data Science or AI Engineering, along with an advanced degree, ideally a PhD. The position involves architecting and deploying AI systems, driving innovations, and mentoring junior staff. Applicants should possess strong programming skills in Python and C++, as well as significant experience with modern AI tools and MLOps practices.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of related experience in Data Science, AI Engineering, or Operations Research.
• Demonstrated ability to move complex models from the research phase to global production.
• Superior analytical skills in high-volume, real-time data processing.

Responsibilities

• Architect, code, and deploy complex software solutions integrating ML models.
• Drive research and innovation within the travel domain.
• Design end-to-end AI systems focusing on Large Language Models.

Skills

Data Science

AI Engineering

Agile Software Development

Deep Learning

Python

C++

Natural Language Processing

MLOps

Education

PhD in Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, or Physics

Tools

GCP (Vertex AI, BigQuery)

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

Overview

Sabre is seeking a talented Principal Data Science Engineer to join the Sabre Labs Research team. Sabre Labs Research is a specialized team of researchers, mathematicians, and AI engineers who serve as the intelligent core of Sabre’s travel marketplace. We are dedicated to solving the most complex challenges across the global travel domain, with a mission spanning Airline Pricing, Agency Automation, Network Planning, Airline Operations, and Departure Control Systems (DCS). In this role you will plan, design, develop, and test software systems or applications for software enhancements and new products, including cloud‑based tools.

Role and Responsibilities

• Architect, code, and deploy 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.
• Drive research and innovation by identifying, prototyping, and scaling next‑gen ideas within the travel domain, such as AI‑driven automation for Travel Management Companies (TMCs) and personalized, real‑time itinerary optimization.
• Design 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.
• Resolve high‑impact organizational challenges, such as optimizing Global Distribution System (GDS) workflows and migrating legacy automation logic into modern, GCP‑based AI architectures.
• Establish strategic AI lifecycle policies, defining rigorous standards for MLOps to ensure high‑fidelity model performance across the volatile data landscapes of the travel industry.
• Promote engineering excellence by utilizing best practices in Python and C++, ensuring research‑grade prototypes are refactored into production‑quality, low‑latency systems.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional leadership—including architects and product managers—to align technical roadmaps with business goals such as NDC adoption, total travel cost optimization, and operational efficiency.
• Influence stakeholder decision‑making, advocating for the adoption of disruptive technologies—including Agentic AI—within mission‑critical, high‑availability travel environments.
• Mentor and develop junior data scientists and engineers, fostering a culture of rigorous experimentation, academic‑level research, and high‑performance engineering.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Minimum 10 years of related 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 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.
• Superior analytical skills, particularly in processing high‑volume, real‑time data from GDS, OTA, and airline sources.
• Deep knowledge of the Modern AI Tech Stack, including GCP (Vertex AI, BigQuery), MLOps tools, and containerization (Docker, Kubernetes).
• Proficiency in Generative AI frameworks 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 the Travel Industry, specifically within the Global Distribution System (GDS) or Online Travel Agency (OTA) space.
• Domain knowledge in Airline Operations, including Departure Control Systems (DCS), network planning, or route profitability.
• Advanced Optimization Modeling skills, including Linear Programming (LP), Mixed‑Integer Programming (MIP), and experience with solvers such as Gurobi or CPLEX.