Principal Data Science Engineer

Sabre Corporation; India; On-site; INR 3,000,000 - 7,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Sabre Corporation seeks a Principal Data Science Engineer to join the DIR team, shaping AI-driven travel tech with advanced ML/AI methods. You will design and deploy high-performance systems that integrate ML models into Sabre's platforms, while mentoring junior researchers and engineers.

Ideal candidates have a PhD (preferred), 10+ years in data science/AI, and strong Python/C++ skills, with hands-on GCP, MLOps, and cloud-native architectures.

Qualifications

• Able to move complex models from research to global production.
• Expertise in ML/AI including NLP, RL, and DL.
• Strong programming in Python and C++ for latency-sensitive tasks.
• Advanced knowledge of MLOps, GCP, and AI lifecycle policies.
• Experience with real-time data sources from travel ecosystems.

Responsibilities

• Architect and deploy software integrating ML models into Sabre platforms.
• Drive R&D by prototyping AI ideas for TMCs and real-time itineraries.
• Design end-to-end AI systems with LLMs for agency support and intents.
• Optimize GDS workflows and migrate legacy logic to cloud-native AI.
• Define AI lifecycle standards and mentor junior engineers.

Skills

ML/AI solutioning

Deep Learning

Reinforcement Learning

Natural Language Processing

Python

C++

GCP Vertex AI

MLOps

LangChain

LlamaIndex

RAG systems

Docker

Kubernetes

Agile software development

Leadership

Education

PhD preferred in Math/Statistics/CS/Physics

Tools

GCP (Vertex AI, BigQuery ML)

Docker

Kubernetes

LangChain

LlamaIndex

Gurobi/CPLEX

Job description

Powering the agentic revolution in travel.

Sabre is an AI-native technology leader, backed by one of the world`s largest travel data clouds. Built on an open, modular, cloud-native architecture, Sabre serves as the backbone for both established leaders and bold, new disruptors, guiding them to the next age of travel retailing through intelligent, connected, and personalized experiences. With AI at its core and operating at unparalleled scale, Sabre transforms insights into innovation, empowering airlines, hoteliers, agencies and other partners to retail, distribute and fulfill travel worldwide.

Team Description

Sabre is seeking a talented Principal Data Science Engineer to join the Data Intelligence and Research (DIR) team. DIR 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. Our mission spans Airline Pricing, Agency Automation, Network Planning, Airline Operations, and Departure Control Systems. We build high-performance systems that streamline travel agency workflows, optimize airline networks, and enhance the productivity of travel consultants worldwide. By blending classical mathematical optimization with cutting-edge Generative AI and robust MLOps, we ensure our models power the next generation of travel distribution - from initial search and booking to post-trip service, agency efficiency, and seamless airport operations.

At Sabre, we’re passionate about building software that solves problems. 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

• 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 golang 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 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 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 Revenue Management, Airline Operations, Departure Control Systems, network planning, or route profitability.
• Advanced Optimization Modeling skills, including Linear Programming (LP), Mixed-Integer Programming (MIP), and experience with solvers like Gurobi or CPLEX.

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity: Sabre is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities to minorities, females, veterans and disabled individuals. EEO IS THE LAW.