Senior Data Scientist / Forward Deployed AI Engineer — Abu Dhabi, On-site

About the roleThis is a full-time, on-site position in Abu Dhabi, UAE.We are looking for a senior, hands-on engineer who combines a strong Data Science background with production-level Python engineering skills. This is a hybrid role structured in two phases:Initially, through December 2026, you will work as a Senior Data Scientist on predictive modeling and optimization initiatives.From early 2027, you will transition into a Forward Deployed AI Engineer role, building and operating production-grade agentic AI solutions.This position is best suited to someone who can develop robust statistical and machine-learning models while also writing, deploying, and maintaining production Python services. It is not a purely analytical, research, or advisory role.Initial phase: Data Science and optimizationYou will:Translate operational challenges into prediction, forecasting, detection, segmentation, and optimization problems.Develop models using methods such as gradient boosting, clustering, time-series analysis, anomaly detection, and mathematical or heuristic optimization.Work with real-world structured data using Python, SQL, Pandas, or Polars.Explore data quality, missing values, outliers, leakage, bias, and operational constraints.Design credible baselines, validation strategies, back-testing approaches, and performance metrics.Package models for production use through APIs and containerized services.Implement model monitoring, versioning, retraining, and continuous improvement workflows.Explain model behavior, assumptions, limitations, and trade-offs to technical and operational stakeholders.Transition to Forward Deployed AI EngineeringFollowing the initial Data Science phase, you will:Work directly with stakeholders to understand business challenges and translate them into technical requirements.Design and build production-grade agentic AI applications using Python.Develop AI agents involving multi-step workflows, tool orchestration, structured outputs, exception handling, and human-in-the-loop processes.Implement production RAG pipelines, retrieval optimization, source traceability, and evaluation workflows.Integrate AI solutions with enterprise systems through APIs, MCP, webhooks, messaging, and event-driven components.Own delivery from discovery and technical design through development, deployment, monitoring, troubleshooting, and continuous improvement.Take responsibility for solution quality, reliability, performance, security, latency, and cost.Required skills and experience5+ years of relevant Data Science, machine-learning, AI, or software-engineering experience.Strong hands-on, production-level Python skills.Experience delivering Data Science or ML solutions beyond the proof-of-concept stage.Strong theoretical and practical understanding of fundamental Data Science and ML methods.Practical experience with predictive modeling, clustering, time-series analysis, detection, forecasting, or optimization.Strong SQL and experience with Python data-processing libraries such as Pandas or Polars.Experience designing validation, back-testing, experimentation, and model-performance measurement approaches.Experience deploying models or Python services using APIs, containers, and public-cloud environments.Practical knowledge of MLOps, monitoring, versioning, retraining, CI/CD, logging, and production troubleshooting.Hands-on experience with LLM applications, RAG, AI agents, or agentic workflow development.Ability to work independently across development, integration, deployment, and production support.Fluent English and strong stakeholder communication skills.Readiness to work full-time on-site in Abu Dhabi.Technical environmentPython, SQL, Pandas or PolarsGradient boosting, clustering, time series, prediction, detection, forecasting, and optimizationLLMs, RAG, AI agents, MCP, and agent orchestrationREST APIs, webhooks, messaging, and enterprise integrationsDocker, cloud services, CI/CD, monitoring, and MLOpsData visualization, analytical reporting, and model evaluationWill be a plusExperience in aviation, transportation, logistics, operational planning, routing, or resource optimization.Practical experience with reinforcement learning.Experience developing enterprise AI agents and multi-agent workflows.Experience with Voice AI, workflow automation, or CRM integrations.Proficiency in an additional programming language such as TypeScript, Java, or C#.Work model and relocationThe role is full-time and on-site in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Planned support includes a UAE employment visa, employee medical insurance, the initial flight to the UAE, a return flight at the end of the assignment, apartment-search assistance, and local arrival support, subject to the final written offer.Employees receive 30 days of paid annual leave per year, which may be taken in parts. Following the three-month probation period, employees are entitled to up to 90 days of sick leave per year: 15 days at full pay, 30 days at half pay, and 45 days unpaid. Sick leave requires an official medical certificate.