Expert Associate Partner, AI Insights & Solutions (AIS) COE

Vector is Bain’s integrated digital and analytics capability, bringing together Enterprise Technology and AI, Insights & Solutions (AIS) to deliver cutting-edge innovation. AIS, formed through the merger of Bain's Advanced Analytics and Innovation & Design teams, is a diverse group of experts in analytics, engineering, product management, and design. Together, we create human-centric solutions that leverage the power of data and artificial intelligence to drive competitive advantage for our clients. 

As part of AIS, the India-based Center of Excellence (COE) specializes in delivering Generative AI (Gen AI) and advanced engineering solutions remotely. Located in Bengaluru, with some presence in New Delhi, the COE focuses on building reusable model assets and solution accelerators, offering high-impact AI/ML engineering capabilities globally. 

Our team operates within agile delivery pods, emphasizing the development of robust solutions with minimal direct client interaction. This approach allows us to focus on end-to-end ownership of epics, ensuring quality and scalability in every product we deliver. 

WHAT YOU’LL DO

We are seeking an experienced Technical Leader to build and guide the AIS COE team in Bengaluru. In this role, you will: 

• Build and Lead: 

• Establish and lead a team of over 40 engineers specializing in software engineering, data science, analytics, data scientists, machine learning engineers, and platform engineers.
• Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation within the team. 

• Deliver High-Impact Solutions: 

• Oversee the development of AI/ML solutions at all stages of the product lifecycle, from Proof of Concept (PoC) and Minimum Viable Product (MVP) to production-scale deployment. 
• Develop reusable accelerators and client-ready solutions in partnership with Bain’s Industry Practices. 

• Engage with Stakeholders: 

• Collaborate with Bain partners and clients to promote the COE’s capabilities, understand client needs, and tailor solutions accordingly. 
• Occasionally engage directly with clients to solve complex problems and provide strategic guidance. 

• Ensure Engineering Excellence: 

• Lead a multi-disciplinary engineering team, including AI/ML engineers, backend and frontend developers, data engineers, product managers, and infrastructure/QA experts. 
• Maintain high standards of engineering quality and leverage diverse technologies to meet client needs. 

• Operational Oversight: 

• Partner with the operations leader to manage COE operations and delivery schedules. 
• Ensure compliance with security, privacy, and deployment best practices. 

• Travel Requirement: Variable, based on project needs and training opportunities. 

SUCCESS FACTORS 

Proven experience in building and scaling engineering teams, particularly in the AI/ML and analytics domains. 

Strong leadership skills to inspire and guide a team toward delivering high-quality solutions under tight deadlines. 

Demonstrated ability to engage with clients, articulate technical solutions, and build trust in Bain’s capabilities. 

Commitment to mentoring and nurturing the next generation of engineering talent. 

Excellent collaboration skills, working effectively with global teams across diverse functions. 

ABOUT YOU

• Education: Advanced degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Applied Mathematics, or a related field. 
• Experience: 

• 12+ years of professional experience in software engineering, data science, analytics, or machine learning, including 5+ years leading cross-functional teams comprising software engineers, data scientists, machine learning engineers, and platform engineers.
• Prior experience setting up or managing an engineering hub is highly desirable. 

• Technical Skills: 

• Expertise in fundamental computer science principles, software design best practices and/or machine learning workflows.
• Familiarity of machine learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn) and deployment tools (e.g., MLflow, Kubeflow).
• Proficiency in Python and experience with additional server-side technologies (e.g., FastAPI, Flask, Node.js).
• Hands-on experience with either of the cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and their ML services (e.g., SageMaker, Azure ML).
• Familiarity with MLOps, CI/CD pipelines, and DevSecOps practices.
• Experience with infrastructure as code tools (e.g., Terraform, CloudFormation, Pulumi) to automate cloud solutions.
• Knowledge of containerization and orchestration technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes, particularly managed services like GKE, EKS, or AKS.
• Exposure to workflow orchestration frameworks (e.g., Airflow, Beam, Kubeflow Pipelines, or Metaflow).
• Understanding of data security and privacy regulations, as well as cloud authentication/authorization mechanisms (IAM).
• Experience implementing scalable, high-availability systems for data processing using ETL frameworks (e.g., Apache Spark, Hadoop, or Nifi).
• Knowledge of LLMs (Large Language Models), Prompt Engineering, and tools like LangChain is a plus.
• Experience in Big Data technologies (e.g., Hadoop, BigQuery, Snowflake, Redshift) is preferred.

• Other Skills: 

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex AI concepts for diverse audiences. 
• Excellent problem-solving skills, thriving in a fast-paced and ambiguous environment. 
• Familiarity with Agile development practices. 

• Domain Expertise: 

Solid understanding of cybersecurity, data privacy, and cloud-based authentication/authorization mechanisms. 

ABOUT US:

Bain & Company is a global consultancy that helps the world’s most ambitious change makers define the future.

Across 65 cities in 40 countries, we work alongside our clients as one team with a shared ambition to achieve extraordinary results, outperform the competition, and redefine industries. We complement our tailored, integrated expertise with a vibrant ecosystem of digital innovators to deliver better, faster, and more enduring outcomes. Our 10-year commitment to invest more than $1 billion in pro bono services brings our talent, expertise, and insight to organizations tackling today’s urgent challenges in education, racial equity, social justice, economic development, and the environment. We earned a platinum rating from EcoVadis, the leading platform for environmental, social, and ethical performance ratings for global supply chains, putting us in the top 1% of all companies. Since our founding in 1973, we have measured our success by the success of our clients, and we proudly maintain the highest level of client advocacy in the industry.