Principal Forward Deployed Architect

SAP; United States; Hybrid; USD 198,000 - 420,000; Full time

Job summary

SAP, a global leader in enterprise software, seeks a Principal Forward Deployed Architect to lead end-to-end enterprise AI programs. You will define architectures, guide cross-functional teams, and partner with executives to shape AI transformations.

The role demands deep expertise in AI platforms, LLMs, and SAP technologies, with a focus on scalable, secure deployments across large enterprises. Hybrid work from NYC is offered.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of software engineering and enterprise architecture experience with significant customer-facing delivery.
• Expertise in Python and modern enterprise application architecture.
• Deep experience with LLMs, agentic AI, RAG, Knowledge Graphs, vector databases, MCP, tool calling, evaluation frameworks, and AI observability.
• Extensive experience with SAP BTP, SAP AI Core, Joule, SAP integration technologies, and enterprise landscapes.
• Strong background in Kubernetes, Docker, CI/CD, DevSecOps, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), and distributed systems.

Responsibilities

• Own the end-to-end architecture for complex enterprise AI programs from discovery through production.
• Lead solution architecture spanning AI agents, RAG, Knowledge Graphs, MCP, multi-agent systems, enterprise integrations, and cloud-native platforms.
• Serve as the primary technical advisor for customer executives, enterprise architects, and program leadership.
• Architect scalable AI platforms using SAP AI Core, SAP BTP, Joule, Kubernetes, hyperscalers, and enterprise integration services.
• Define reference architectures, reusable frameworks, golden paths, engineering standards, and governance models.
• Lead technical discovery workshops, architecture reviews, and executive solution presentations.
• Guide engineering teams across multiple customer engagements while mentoring senior engineers and architects.
• Drive security, observability, performance, compliance, and operational excellence for enterprise AI solutions.
• Influence SAP product teams by providing architectural feedback from customer implementations.
• Identify innovation opportunities and establish new technical capabilities for the Forward Deployed Engineering organization.

Skills

Python

LLMs

Knowledge Graphs

RAG

MCP

Tool calling

Kubernetes

Docker

CI/CD

DevSecOps

SAP BTP

SAP AI Core

Joule

Enterprise architecture

Executive stakeholder mgmt

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science, AI, Engineering, or related discipline

Tools

SAP BTP

SAP AI Core

Joule

Kubernetes

Docker

Job description

We help the world run better

At SAP, we keep it simple: you bring your best to us, and we'll bring out the best in you. We're builders touching over 20 industries and 80% of global commerce, and we need your unique talents to help shape what's next. The work is challenging – but it matters. You'll find a place where you can be yourself, prioritize your wellbeing, and truly belong. What's in it for you? Constant learning, skill growth, great benefits, and a team that wants you to grow and succeed.

What you'll build

As a Principal Forward Deployed Architect, you will provide technical leadership for SAP's most strategic AI engagements. You will define enterprise AI architectures, lead multidisciplinary delivery teams, and partner with executive stakeholders to shape AI transformation programs. This is a senior expert role for architects who combine deep technicalexpertisewith customer leadership and the ability toestablishreusable engineering patterns across multiple engagements.

• Own the end-to-end architecture for complex enterprise AI programs from discovery through production.
• Lead solution architecture spanning AI agents, RAG, Knowledge Graphs, MCP, multi-agent systems, enterprise integrations, and cloud-native platforms.
• Serve as the primary technical advisor for customer executives, enterprise architects, and program leadership.
• Architect scalable AI platforms using SAP AI Core, SAP BTP, Joule, Kubernetes,hyperscalers, and enterprise integration services.
• Define reference architectures, reusable frameworks, golden paths, engineering standards, and governance models.
• Lead technical discovery workshops, architecture reviews, and executive solution presentations.
• Guide engineering teams across multiple customer engagements while mentoring senior engineers and architects.
• Drive security, observability, performance, compliance, and operational excellence for enterprise AI solutions.
• Influence SAP product teams by providing architectural feedback from customer implementations.
• Identifyinnovation opportunities andestablishnew technical capabilities for the Forward Deployed Engineering organization.

What you bring

• Bachelor's orMaster's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Engineering, or related discipline.
• 10+ years of software engineering and enterprise architecture experience with significant customer-facing delivery.
• Expertisein Python and modern enterprise application architecture.
• Deep experience with LLMs, agentic AI, RAG,GraphRAG, Knowledge Graphs, vector databases, MCP, tool calling, evaluation frameworks, and AI observability.
• Extensive experience with SAP BTP, SAP AI Core, Joule, SAP integration technologies, and enterprise landscapes.
• Strong background in Kubernetes, Docker, CI/CD,DevSecOps, cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), and distributed systems.
• Proven ability to architect large-scale enterprise solutions integrating SAP and non-SAP systems.
• Experience leading cross-functional engineering teams and mentoring senior technical talent.
• Exceptional communication and executive stakeholder management skills.
• Strong strategic thinking with the ability to balance business outcomes, technical excellence, and delivery execution.

Nice to have

• Experience defining enterprise AI strategy or AI Centers of Excellence.
• Thought leadership through patents, publications, conference speaking, or open-source contributions.
• Experience building reusable platforms, accelerators, or enterprise engineering frameworks.
• Knowledge of regulated industries and enterprise governance models.

Where you belong

You will join SAP's senior Forward Deployed Engineering leadership community, partnering with customers across the Americas, Europe, and Asia to deliver mission-critical AI transformations. You will shape technical strategy, influence SAP's AI roadmap through customer insights, andestablishthe architectural standards that accelerate delivery across the organization.

Location: this is a hybrid position based from our New York City office located in the Hudson Yards.

Bring out your best

SAP innovations help more than four hundred thousand customers worldwide work together more efficiently and use business insight more effectively. Originally known for leadership in enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, SAP has evolved to become a market leader in end-to-end business application software and related services for database, analytics, intelligent technologies, and experience management. As a cloud company with two hundred million users and more than one hundred thousand employees worldwide, we are purpose-driven and future-focused, with a highly collaborative team ethic and commitment to personal development. Whether connecting global industries, people, or platforms, we help ensure every challenge gets the solution it deserves. At SAP, you can bring out your best.

We win with inclusion

SAP’s culture of inclusion, focus on health and well-being, and flexible working models help ensure that everyone – regardless of background – feels included and can run at their best. At SAP, we believe we are made stronger by the unique capabilities and qualities that each person brings to our company, and we invest in our employees to inspire confidence and help everyone realize their full potential. We ultimately believe in unleashing all talent and creating a better world.

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their age, race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, age, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, et al), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or disability.

Compensation Range Transparency

SAP believes the value of pay transparency contributes towards an honest and supportive culture and is a significant step towards demonstrating SAP’s commitment to pay equity. SAP provides the annualized compensation range inclusive of base salary and variable incentive target for the career level applicable to the posted role. The targeted annual combined range for this position is 198200-420000USD.The actual amount to be offered to the successful candidatewill be within that range, dependent upon the key aspects of each case which may include education, skills,experience, scope ofthe role, location, etc. as determinedthrough theselection process. Any SAP variable incentive includes a targeted dollar amount and any actual payout amount is dependent on company and personal performance. Please reference this link for a summary of SAP benefits and eligibility requirements: SAP North America Benefits.

AI Usage in the Recruitment Process

For information on the responsible use of AI in our recruitment process, please refer to our Guidelines for Ethical Usage of AI in the Recruiting Process. Please note that any violation of these guidelines may result in disqualification from the hiring process.