Principal Data Scientist

About Position:
We are seeking an accomplished Principal Data Scientist to define and drive the organization's AI vision, strategy, and execution roadmap. This leadership role will spearhead enterprise-scale AI initiatives across Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), Agentic AI Systems, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and advanced Machine Learning platforms.
Role: Principal Data Scientist
Location: Pune
Experience: 15-20 years
Job Type: Full Time Employment
What You'll Do:
Define and execute the organization's enterprise AI strategy and multi-year AI transformation roadmap.
Identify high-impact opportunities across Generative AI, Foundation Models, Agentic AI Systems, Multimodal AI, and Machine Learning initiatives.
Lead research-to-production AI programs and ensure successful deployment of AI solutions at enterprise scale.
Build, mentor, and lead high-performing Data Science, AI Engineering, and Machine Learning teams.
Establish technical standards, architectural guidelines, and best practices across AI and Data Science initiatives.
Drive innovation across LLM fine-tuning, model optimization, RAG architectures, AI agents, and autonomous workflows.
Define AI platform architecture covering MLOps, LLMOps, Feature Stores, Model Registries, Monitoring, and Observability frameworks.
Partner with business leaders, product teams, engineering organizations, security teams, and executive stakeholders to align AI investments with business objectives.
Establish enterprise AI governance frameworks covering responsible AI, model risk management, compliance, privacy, and security requirements.
Lead experimentation frameworks, model evaluation benchmarks, and performance measurement programs.
Oversee large-scale AI model training, fine-tuning, deployment, monitoring, and continuous optimization.
Drive cost optimization, scalability, latency improvements, and operational excellence across AI platforms.
Represent the organization in client engagements, executive forums, industry conferences, and strategic technology discussions.
Contribute to thought leadership initiatives through publications, intellectual property development, innovation programs, and industry collaborations.
Expertise You'll Bring:
15-20 years of experience in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Advanced Analytics.
Extensive experience leading enterprise-scale AI and Data Science organizations.
Deep expertise in Generative AI, Foundation Models, Large Language Models (LLMs), and Multimodal AI systems.
Strong hands-on experience with LLM fine-tuning approaches including Supervised Fine-Tuning (SFT), Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF), and Reinforcement Learning from AI Feedback (RLAIF).
Expertise designing and implementing Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) architectures and intelligent AI agent frameworks.
Strong understanding of Agentic AI Systems, Multi-Agent Architectures, Autonomous Workflows, and Reinforcement Learning concepts.
Proven experience developing and operating enterprise MLOps and LLMOps platforms.
Experience scaling AI model training and inference workloads while optimizing performance, cost, and reliability.
Strong understanding of AI governance, Responsible AI, Model Monitoring, Explainability, and Risk Management.
Expertise in machine learning lifecycle management, experimentation frameworks, model evaluation, and production monitoring.
Knowledge of vector databases, knowledge graphs, semantic search, and enterprise AI ecosystems.
Strong background in cloud-based AI platforms and distributed computing environments.
Experience driving AI programs across multiple business domains and executive-level stakeholders.
Proven track record of delivering measurable business outcomes through AI innovation.
Strong leadership, mentoring, organizational development, and stakeholder management capabilities.
Exceptional communication skills with the ability to explain complex AI concepts to both technical and executive audiences.
Benefits:
Competitive salary and benefits package
Culture focused on talent development with quarterly growth opportunities and company-sponsored higher education and certifications
Opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies
Employee engagement initiatives such as project parties, flexible work hours, and Long Service awards
Annual health check-ups
Insurance coverage: group term life, personal accident, and Mediclaim hospitalization for self, spouse, two children, and parents
Values-Driven, People-Centric & Inclusive Work Environment:
Persistent is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We invite applications from all qualified individuals, including those with disabilities, and regardless of gender or gender preference. We welcome diverse candidates from all backgrounds.
We support hybrid work and flexible hours to fit diverse lifestyles.
Our office is accessibility-friendly, with ergonomic setups and assistive technologies to support employees with physical disabilities.
If you are a person with disabilities and have specific requirements, please inform us during the application process or at any time during your employment
Let's unleash your full potential at Persistent - persistent.com/careers
"Persistent is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any kind."

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