Principal Forward-Deployed Engineer, AI & Strategy Lead

Thoughtworks; Riyadh Region; On-site; SAR 420,000 - 640,000; Full time

Job summary

Thoughtworks is seeking a Tech Principal to lead technical strategy and delivery on lighthouse projects within CXPD, anchored in Riyadh. You’ll guide architecture, AI design, and cross‑region collaboration while shaping program scope and client outcomes.

The role emphasizes rapid prototyping, production-grade delivery, and strategic advisory across global teams. You’ll work with a pod structure to align product strategy, design, and engineering, driving AI-enabled product innovations and

Qualifications

• Strong proficiency in Python or TypeScript with working knowledge of the other and production code experience in an additional language.
• Experience with AI/LLM ecosystems, RAG and vector databases.
• Experience with major cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) and DevOps pipelines.
• Experience delivering in GCC markets or international settings; Arabic language proficiency is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Shaping the bet by running concept sprints with client executives, product managers and designers; scope and test ideas before coding.
• Winning the work by shaping technical narratives and owning technical scope in proposals with pricing awareness.
• Proving it by directing prototyping and evaluation for AI-powered components, ensuring testable evidence with users.
• Landing it by owning architecture for a three‑month window and establishing delivery systems, monitoring, security and privacy by design.
• Advising by presenting options to steering committees and shaping new opportunities with client partners.
• Developing team members by mentoring engineers and sharing reusable practices across teams.

Skills

Python

TypeScript

Other language

Tools

LangGraph

LangChain

LlamaIndex

Job description

Thoughtworks is seeking a Tech Principal to lead technical strategy and delivery on lighthouse projects within CXPD, anchored in Riyadh. You’ll guide architecture, AI design, and cross‑region collaboration while shaping program scope and client outcomes.

The role emphasizes rapid prototyping, production-grade delivery, and strategic advisory across global teams. You’ll work with a pod structure to align product strategy, design, and engineering, driving AI-enabled product innovations and