Project Lead (AI Text-to-SQL & Semantic Layer)

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end delivery of an internal conversational AI interface that converts natural language into SQL queries.
• Drive evaluation and implementation of semantic model generation approaches (vendor and in-house).
• Architect and operationalize a secure query stack hosted inside the company VPC and integrate LLMs with data warehouses and APIs.
• Design, refine, and implement a semantic layer to support accurate text-to-SQL translation and BI metadata alignment.
• Integrate the solution across existing BI platforms (MicroStrategy, Power BI, Tableau) without requiring tool migration.
• Assess vendor and tooling options (Azure-native tools, Microsoft Fabric, MicroStrategy AI features, startups) and mitigate vendor lock-in.
• Lead a focused 5–7 person team, collaborating with data, BI, and AI engineering teams and domain SMEs in Finance and Retail.
• Provide clear, actionable updates to senior leadership and drive rapid, pragmatic decision-making under compressed timelines.

Requirements

• 7–12+ years experience in data or ML engineering
• Hands-on Text-to-SQL experience
• Conversational AI / LLM expertise
• Semantic modeling / MDM knowledge
• Strong SQL skills
• BI platforms (Power BI, Tableau, MicroStrategy)
• Cloud integration experience (enterprise VPCs)
• Team leadership experience
• Stakeholder communication skills
• Delivery under tight timelines

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with Microsoft Azure and Azure OpenAI
• Familiarity with Microsoft Fabric, dbt, or semantic modeling tools
• Prior work on internal copilots or enterprise LLM applications
• Experience with metadata automation platforms

Benefits

• Competitive salary and performance bonuses
• Comprehensive health / medical insurance
• Annual ticket (flights)
• Paid / annual leave
• Visa support
• Professional development and certification support
• Flexible working arrangements and career advancement opportunities

About the Company

DeepLight AI is a specialist AI and data consultancy delivering intelligent enterprise systems across industries with particular depth in financial services and banking. The team blends data science, ML, workflow automation, and systems integration expertise to deliver practical, production-ready AI solutions. This role is a 6-month fixed-term contract initially, based in the UAE with hybrid working, and offers the chance to lead a high-impact delivery of a conversational text-to-SQL and semantic layer solution for enterprise analytics.