AI Engineer (Technology/Mining)

Black Pen Recruitment; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 800 000 - 1 200 000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company is seeking an experienced AI Engineer to develop and deploy AI models to enhance mining operations in South Africa. This full-time role involves working on large language models, vector search, and intelligent automation solutions. The ideal candidate should have experience with LLMs, AWS deployment, and strong problem-solving abilities. This position offers a hybrid work arrangement, requiring presence in the Lonehill office in Sandton for collaboration with the development team.

Qualifications

• Strong experience with LLMs and NLP, particularly with GPT-4 and OpenAI API.
• Proficiency with vector databases and experience in chatbot development.
• Strong computer vision skills for facial recognition and image analysis.

Responsibilities

• Implement and fine-tune LLMs for AI-driven automation.
• Develop RAG pipelines for AI-powered knowledge retrieval.
• Build AI-powered chatbots for customer service automation.

Skills

Experience with LLMs and NLP including GPT-4

Proficiency with vector databases like Pinecone

Hands-on experience with chatbot development

Strong computer vision skills using OpenCV

Experience with AI API development

Knowledge of AWS cloud deployment

Proficiency with Docker

Strong problem-solving skills

Excellent communication skills

Ability to work independently

Tools

OpenCV

TensorFlow

FastAPI

Flask

Job description

About the job AI Engineer (Technology/Mining)

Our client is a growing technology company that revolutionises mining logistics across South Africa. Their platform connects mines and hauliers, automating vehicle tracking, order management and weighbridge operations using NFC technology and IoT devices integrated with AWS Cloud.

Role Overview

Our client is seeking an AI Engineer to develop and deploy AI-powered models, chatbot interactions and intelligent automation solutions that transform mining operations across South Africa. You'll focus on large language models (LLMs), vector search, AI-driven verification and scalable AI deployment to improve security, process automation and decision-making in real-world industrial environments.

Their core values include Focus on the Mission, Respect, Excellence, Integrity and working as One Team.

JobType: Permanent, Full-time
Workplace: Hybrid / Remote

Requirements

• Strong experience with LLMs and NLP including GPT-4, OpenAI API, and fine-tuning transformer models
• Proficiency with vector databases such as Pinecone and PostgreSQL pgvector
• Experience with Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) for AI-powered knowledge retrieval and document search
• Hands-on experience with chatbot development including AI-powered integrations for WhatsApp, web and API-based automation
• Strong computer vision skills using OpenCV, PyTorch, TensorFlow for facial recognition and image analysis
• Experience with AI API development and deploying AI services using FastAPI, Flask or GraphQL
• Knowledge of cloud and edge AI deployment on AWS and on-premise devices
• Proficiency with Docker for packaging and deploying AI models in scalable environments
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to build innovative AI solutions for real-world applications
• Excellent communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
• Ability to work independently and take ownership of AI challenges in industrial environments

Preferred Skills

• Experience with AI workflow automation tools such as n8n, LangChain, AutoGen
• Knowledge of AI task automation including WhatsApp AI agents and business process automation
• Experience with business process AI integration for form processing and decision-making automation
• Familiarity with AI workflow deployment and task orchestration pipelines
• Experience with AWS IoT Greengrass for deploying AI models at edge locations with intermittent connectivity
• Experience in the mining or industrial sector
• Familiarity with Agile development methodologies

Challenges and Opportunities

• Technical Variety: Work across diverse AI technologies including LLMs, computer vision, and edge computing, providing exposure to cutting-edge AI applications
• Real-World Impact: Build AI solutions that directly affect mining operations, with immediate visibility of how your AI models perform in industrial environments
• Growth Environment: Join a rapidly expanding company entering new markets (Namibia and Botswana), with opportunities to shape AI development practices
• Complex Problem Solving: Navigate multi-site environments where AI must operate with intermittent connectivity and integrate with existing hardware systems
• Innovation Leadership: Opportunity to grow into a Lead AI Engineer role as AI adoption expands across mining operations

Cultural Fit

The ideal candidate will

• Be passionate about AI development and continuously self-learn through tutorials, courses and personal projects outside of work hours
• Take initiative in problem-solving, building innovative AI solutions for complex industrial challenges
• Embrace collaboration and knowledge sharing, contributing to our client’s collective technical growth
• Stay updated on AI trends, LLM advancements and automation best practices
• Be willing to share in team responsibilities, including occasional after-hours support when needed
• Adapt positively to changing priorities and evolving project requirements
• View AI development as more than just a day job, continuously evolving your skills and expertise

Work Arrangement

This is a full-time, on-site position based in our client’s Lonehill, Sandton office. Core hours of 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM apply for all team members. The role requires being physically present for close collaboration with their development team and integration with hardware systems to deliver mission-critical AI solutions for the mining industry.

Responsibilities

• Implement and fine-tune LLMs (GPT, Claude, Llama, OpenAI API) for AI-driven automation and workflow optimisation
• Develop Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) pipelines for AI-powered knowledge retrieval and document search
• Build AI-powered chatbots for WhatsApp, web and customer service automation integrated with mining operations
• Develop vector databases (Pinecone, PostgreSQL pgvector) for structured AI-powered search and decision making
• Implement image and text similarity search for AI-driven identity verification and security automation
• Deploy AI models as scalable APIs using FastAPI or Flask for integration with existing mining systems
• Develop AI-driven identity verification solutions using facial recognition (OpenCV, PyTorch, TensorFlow)
• Design AI-powered computer vision models for automated image analysis and driver authentication
• Optimise AI models for cloud-based and edge computing environments with intermittent connectivity
• Use Docker to package and deploy AI models efficiently across remote mining locations
• Collaborate with the development team to integrate AI solutions into React apps, Node.js services and database systems.
• Investment in learning opportunities for developers committed to continuous improvement
• Exposure to cutting-edge AI technology and diverse technical challenges
• Opportunity to shape AI development practices in a rapidly growing company
• Real-world impact with immediate visibility of your contributions
• Direct access to cutting-edge AI infrastructure and opportunity to grow into leadership roles