Back to search

Principal AI Engineer

Bangalore Permanent View Job Description
This is a hands-on Principal AI Engineer role focused on leading applied AI research, model distillation, reinforcement learning, and inference optimisation for enterprise-grade AI agents. The position combines deep research ownership with production delivery, influencing both technical strategy and customer outcomes.
  • Lead AI research with direct enterprise impact
  • Shape next-gen agentic AI and model efficiency

About Our Client

The Client is an AI-native enterprise technology company focused on domain-specialised AI agents and agentic AI platforms for large organisations. With operations spanning enterprise AI transformation, proprietary small language models, and secure AI deployments, The Client has built a strong position in enterprise AI and is backed by leading global investors and strategic technology ecosystem partnerships.

Job Description

  • Own the applied research roadmap for specialised AI models.
  • Lead knowledge distillation and model compression initiatives.
  • Design RLHF, RLAIF, DPO, and advanced preference-optimisation systems.
  • Drive improvements in inference cost, latency, and throughput.
  • Translate research concepts into production-ready AI solutions.
  • Establish technical standards for applied machine learning.
  • Mentor senior engineers and influence hiring decisions.
  • Represent The Client through publications, conferences, and research collaborations.

The Successful Applicant

We're looking for someone who has:

  • PhD required in Machine Learning, AI, NLP, RL, or related fields.
  • 8+ years of combined PhD and industry experience, or 5+ years post-PhD.
  • Strong publication record or recognised open-source contributions.
  • Proven experience deploying large-scale production ML systems.
  • Deep expertise in PyTorch, Python, LLMs, model distillation, and optimisation.
  • Hands-on experience with RLHF, PPO, DPO, RLAIF, or related approaches.
  • Excellent technical communication, research judgement, and leadership skills.

What's on Offer

  • One of the most senior individual contributor AI roles in the organisation.
  • Opportunity to influence AI research strategy and platform direction.
  • Work on cutting-edge agentic AI, model compression, and inference economics.
  • High visibility with leadership and industry research communities.
  • Direct ownership of AI innovations that impact enterprise customers globally.



If this role fits your experience, you can apply for the role.

Quote job ref
JN-102026-7133274

Job summary

Function
Analytics
Sub Sector
Machine Learning
What is your area of specialisation?
Technology & Telecoms
Location
Bangalore
Job Type
Permanent
Job Reference
JN-102026-7133274

Diversity & Inclusion at Michael Page

We don't just accept difference - we celebrate it. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply for this role and are committed to building inclusive, diverse workplaces where everyone can thrive. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.