Applied Scientist / AI Research Engineer

Zinkworks; Athlone; On-site; EUR 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Zinkworks is building a small product discovery team in Ireland to develop AI-driven capabilities for next-generation telecom networks. We seek a senior applied scientist to lead ML method design, choosing models and implementing prototypes with strong engineering practices.

You will work hands-on on real data, frame problems with domain experts, and help productionize prototypes while challenging modelling choices with evidence.

Qualifications

• Deep ML modelling across multiple techniques, not just API usage.
• Experience turning ill-defined problems into validated models.
• Strong software engineering practice for prototyping and production readiness.

Responsibilities

• Own method and model selection for the team's hardest ML problems, with reasoning and evidence.
• Turn ambiguous, real-world problems into sound ML approaches and prototype tests.
• Validate and challenge modelling decisions across the team to maintain high standards.
• Adapt state-of-the-art techniques to real-world, messy data.
• Collaborate with domain experts and engineering to productionize prototypes.

Skills

Graph learning

Spatio-temporal modelling

Reinforcement learning

Causal inference

Python programming

Prototyping in cloud

Education

PhD in ML

Tools

Vertex AI

Python

Cloud ML platforms

Job description

About Zinkworks Zinkworks partners with leading Telecommunications and Financial Services organizations to modernize legacy systems, migrate mission-critical platforms to the cloud, and engineer AI-driven automation. From OSS transformation to rApp development and network intelligence, our teams simplify complexity and turn it into competitive advantage. Based in Ireland and operating across the EU, UK, and US, Zinkworks combines deep domain expertise with delivery excellence to help clients modernize faster and operate smarter.

About Zinkworks Zinkworks partners with leading Telecommunications and Financial Services organizations to modernize legacy systems, migrate mission-critical platforms to the cloud, and engineer AI-driven automation. From OSS transformation to rApp development and network intelligence, our teams simplify complexity and turn it into competitive advantage. Based in Ireland and operating across the EU, UK, and US, Zinkworks combines deep domain expertise with delivery excellence to help clients modernize faster and operate smarter.

The Role

Zinkworks is building a small product discovery team developing AI and machine learning capabilities for next-generation telecom networks, taking new product ideas from concept through to working prototypes. We are looking for a senior applied scientist to lead the design of the machine learning methods behind these products. Working on complex problems in network data, you will determine the most appropriate modelling approaches, weigh the trade-offs, and build and validate the prototypes that prove them out. It is a hands-on role that combines research judgement with strong engineering practice, suited to someone equally comfortable selecting a method and implementing it.

What You\'ll Do

• Own method and model selection for the team's hardest ML problems, and defend the trade-offs with reasoning and evidence.
• Turn ambiguous, real-world problems into sound ML approaches, and build the prototypes that test them.
• Validate and challenge modelling decisions across the team; keep the bar high so \"it should work\" is always backed by evidence.
• Adapt state-of-the-art techniques from the literature to the realities of messy operational data.
• Work closely with domain experts to frame problems correctly, and with engineering colleagues to make prototypes production-ready.

What You Bring

• Genuine depth in ML modelling: you can design, train, and critically evaluate models, not just call an API. Strong across several of: graph learning, spatio-temporal / time-series modelling, reinforcement learning, and causal inference.
• A track record of taking a novel or ill-defined problem all the way to a working, validated model.
• Strong Python and hands-on engineering; comfortable prototyping on cloud ML platforms (ideally GCP / Vertex AI).
• The ability to justify method choices to technical and non-technical people, and to change your mind when the evidence says so.
• Comfort in a fast-moving discovery environment with minimal support scaffolding, seeing problems through from question to working solution.

Nice to Have

• Telecoms, network-operations, or other complex real-time systems exposure.
• Experience applying ML to large-scale operational or sensor/time-series data.
• PhD or equivalent research depth in ML, paired with a record of shipping rather than pure academia.
• Familiarity with LLM/agentic patterns as one tool among many, not the whole toolbox.
• Publications or open-source work that demonstrate applied rigour.

Inclusion & Diversity at Zinkworks

At Zinkworks, we are deeply committed to fostering a culture of diversity, inclusion, and belonging. We believe that our strength lies in the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of our team members. By embracing an inclusive environment, we empower innovation and collaboration across all levels of our organisation. Based in Ireland, we are proud to support and engage with our local communities through meaningful initiatives that promote equity and opportunity. Our commitment extends beyond the workplace, as we actively contribute to creating a more inclusive and connected society for all.

Zinkworks is a trusted partner to Telecoms and Financial Services organizations around the world. We help modernize legacy systems, move mission-critical systems into the cloud, and exploit the power of AI-driven automation. Our people thrive in technically complex environments where our commitment to quality and our expertise in software innovation and cutting-edge technologies helps our clients prepare for the future, accelerate growth and improve operational efficiency. We build long-lasting relationships with our customers to accompany them through their innovation journey.