Materials Scientist - Ai Trainer

Afterquery Experts; Auckland; On-site; NZD 150,000 - 210,000; Full time

Job summary

Afterquery Experts is seeking a Senior AI Engineer to design, develop and maintain AI-powered software systems. You will lead ML model development, computer-vision implementations, and scalable AI pipelines across edge and cloud platforms.

The role requires strong Python expertise, hands-on experience with PyTorch/TensorFlow, and a track record of architecting complex AI systems. NZ residency or valid work visa is required, with 30–40 hours/week and rostered Monday–Friday.

Qualifications

• Requires at least a Bachelor’s degree or higher in CS/Software Eng or related field, or 5+ years of relevant AI/ML experience.
• Advanced proficiency in Python and major ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow).
• Experience designing scalable AI architectures, APIs and edge-cloud integration.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, training, evaluation and optimisation of advanced AI/models for business applications.
• Develop computer-vision solutions: object detection, tracking, classification, recognition, segmentation and intelligent monitoring.
• Research and implement deep-learning architectures to improve accuracy and performance.
• Establish data prep, annotation, model validation and benchmarking methodologies.
• Design scalable AI system architectures integrating vision, sensors, edge devices and cloud infrastructure.
• Advance real-time and near-real-time AI inference pipelines; select frameworks and deployment tech.
• Develop reliable integration between AI models, cameras, IoT devices and distributed systems.
• Ensure performance, scalability, maintainability and security across AI solutions.

Skills

Python

PyTorch

TensorFlow

AI architecture

Leadership

Communication

Security

Edge computing

Cloud integration

API development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in CS/Software Engineering

5+ years AI engineering/Computer Vision

Job description

Senior AI Engineer

We are a company that aims to connect real-world observations, enterprise knowledge, AI agents, and business workflows to help organizations observe, understand, execute, and continuously improve operations.

We are currently seeking an accomplished Senior AI Engineer who is responsible for designing, developing, implementing and maintaining advanced AI-powered software applications and systems for the Employer's products and commercial projects. The role involves software engineering, AI system architecture, machine learning, computer vision, data processing, and the integration of cloud-based and edge computing technologies.

Hours of work: Minimum 30 hours per week, Maximum 40 hours per week, shifted by roster from Monday to Friday

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

Requirements

• You must be well educated with at least a Bachelor's degree or higher qualification in computer science, software engineering or other related fields
• Or have at least five years of relevant working experience in AI engineering, machine learning, computer vision or advanced software development.
• Advanced proficiency in Python and widely used AI and machine-learning frameworks, including PyTorch, TensorFlow and related development tools.
• Demonstrated ability to design and implement complex AI architectures, software systems, APIs and scalable inference pipelines.
• Practical experience integrating AI technologies with cameras, sensors, IoT devices, edge computing platforms and cloud infrastructure.
• Ability to independently lead technically complex development activities and solve challenging engineering problems.
• Strong analytical, communication, documentation and cross-functional collaboration skills.
• Commitment to information security, confidentiality, intellectual property protection and responsible AI development.

Duties and Responsibilities

Advanced AI and Machine Learning Development

• Lead the design, development, training, evaluation and optimisation of advanced AI and machine-learning models for business and industry applications.
• Develop sophisticated computer-vision solutions involving object detection, multi-object tracking, classification, recognition, segmentation, behavioural analysis and intelligent monitoring.
• Research and implement advanced deep-learning architectures and algorithms to improve model accuracy, efficiency, reliability and performance.
• Establish data preparation, annotation, model validation and benchmarking methodologies.
• Identify technical limitations and develop innovative solutions to complex AI challenges.

AI System Architecture and Integration

• Design and develop scalable AI system architectures integrating computer vision, sensors, edge devices, cloud infrastructure, APIs and enterprise software platforms.
• Lead the development and optimisation of real-time and near-real-time AI inference pipelines.
• Evaluate and select appropriate AI frameworks, computing infrastructure, hardware platforms and deployment technologies.
• Develop reliable integration methods between AI models, cameras, IoT devices and distributed software systems.
• Ensure AI solutions meet operational requirements for performance, scalability, maintainability and reliability.

Advanced Software Engineering

• Design, develop and maintain complex software applications, APIs, backend services, AI processing pipelines and supporting development tools.
• Establish and promote software engineering standards covering system architecture, code quality, version control, automated testing, logging and deployment.
• Review technical designs and source code to maintain software quality, security and performance.
• Diagnose and resolve complex software, algorithmic, infrastructure and integration issues.
• Optimise system performance, resource utilisation and operational efficiency across edge and cloud environments.

Research, Innovation and Prototyping

• Lead technical research and development activities involving emerging AI technologies, machine-learning methods and intelligent automation systems.
• Design and implement experimental AI prototypes, proof-of-concept systems and technical validation projects.
• Develop research methodologies, establish technical hypotheses, conduct experiments and evaluate results against defined performance objectives.
• Identify opportunities for technological innovation and contribute to the development of proprietary AI technologies and intellectual property.
• Prepare technical research reports, experimental records, performance evaluations and supporting documentation for R&D programmes and grant-related activities.

Technical Leadership and Project Delivery

• Provide technical guidance, mentoring and support to AI engineers, software developers and other technical team members.
• Contribute to technical project planning, architecture decisions, development priorities and implementation strategies.
• Coordinate technical development activities to achieve agreed project milestones, quality standards and delivery objectives.
• Identify technical risks, propose mitigation strategies and recommend appropriate engineering solutions.
• Collaborate with management, researchers, suppliers and commercial partners to translate business requirements into practical technical solutions.

Data Management, Security and Intellectual Property

• Establish appropriate technical practices for secure data processing, dataset management, model storage and access control.
• Ensure AI systems and software development activities comply with the Employer's confidentiality, information security and data protection requirements.
• Protect proprietary algorithms, source code, research findings, technical designs and other intellectual property.
• Identify and address material security, privacy, data-quality and system integrity risks.

Deployment, Optimisation and Technical Support

• Lead the deployment, testing, monitoring and performance optimisation of AI systems in development, pilot and commercial environments.
• Develop strategies for reliable AI operation across cloud infrastructure,