Chief Machine Learning Engineer

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.

We are seeking a highly skilled and driven Chief Machine Learning Expert to design and deliver intelligent, distributed systems that power large-scale AI and large language model (LLM) capabilities. In this role, you will shape cutting-edge infrastructure, mentor world-class engineers, and bring bold ideas from concept to production—driving meaningful impact across SAP's global ecosystem.

Description

As a key member of our fast-moving team, you will have the unique opportunity to define and execute the vision for AI and LLM-based systems at scale. We are looking for someone with exceptional programming expertise, deep distributed systems knowledge, and the curiosity and grit to tackle complex, ambiguous challenges. You will work across a diverse technology stack, collaborate closely with engineers and product leaders, and help set the technical direction for AI initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

Architect, design, and implement production systems in Go, Java and Python

Demonstrated expertise in designing and scaling Generative AI platforms and applications, leveraging agentic frameworks and orchestration technologies such as LangGraph, MCP, or equivalent, to deliver enterprise-grade AI solutions.

Deep knowledge of transformer architectures and machine learning lifecycles, with proven experience leading large-scale batch inference pipelines on GPU clusters.

Extensive experience leveraging modern distributed technologies such as Kafka, PostgreSQL, SAP HANA, gRPC, AWS, Kubernetes, and Docker to build scalable, resilient, and high-performance AI and data platforms.

Mentor and guide engineers from junior to senior levels, fostering technical excellence

Partner with cross-functional teams to translate business goals into scalable, high-impact solutions

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, or related field, with strong programming expertise

10 years of software engineering experience, with a track record of delivering complex systems

Proven ability to work independently and lead initiatives from idea to deployment

Hands-on experience with AI / ML and / or LLM systems in a production environment

Expertise in distributed systems design and implementation

Familiarity with CI / CD pipelines and modern development practices

Strong English communication skills and ability to thrive in global, multicultural teams

Preferred Qualifications

Open-source contributions or significant personal technical projects

Experience integrating AI capabilities into large-scale enterprise products

Strong problem-solving skills and an iterative, results-oriented mindset

Why Join Us

Build cutting-edge AI and LLM systems used across SAP's global platforms

Work in a high-autonomy, trust-based environment without unnecessary bureaucracy

Collaborate with some of the best engineers in the industry in a fast-paced, impact-driven team

Take ownership of projects that directly influence SAP's AI strategy and product capabilities

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 (https : / / jobs.sap.com / content / Ethical_usage_of_AI_in_the_recruiting_process / ?locale=en_US).

Please note that any violation of these guidelines may result in disqualification from the hiring process.

Legal Notice

Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their age, race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, etc.), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status, or disability, in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local legal requirements.

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