AI Principal Engineer

MCO (MyComplianceOffice); Wes-Kaap; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading compliance technology firm is seeking an accomplished AI Principal Engineer to lead the design and development of advanced AI and machine learning solutions. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in building LLM applications and will collaborate with cross-functional teams while fostering responsible AI practices. This is a full-time, mid-senior level position located in South Africa, Wes-Kaap offering competitive compensation.

Qualifications

• 10–15 years of experience developing enterprise-scale systems.
• Proven experience developing and delivering LLM applications.
• Demonstrable experience working with responsible AI frameworks.
• Advanced proficiency in Python with a track record of writing clean, maintainable code.
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities and strong capacity to deliver results.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain LLM-based application components.
• Optimise AI and machine learning models for performance and reliability.
• Build and maintain data pipelines to support AI/ML workflows.
• Set the technical direction for AI engineering.
• Lead and mentor AI engineering teams, fostering innovation.

Skills

AI and machine learning solutions

Python programming

Large Language Model (LLM) applications

Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)

cloud-based MLOps practices

database technologies

problem-solving

communication and collaboration

mentoring

Git

Job description

Join to apply for the AI Principal Engineer role at MCO (MyComplianceOffice)

We are seeking an accomplished AI Principal Engineer to lead the design, development, and optimisation of advanced AI and machine learning solutions. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in building and deploying Large Language Model (LLM) applications at scale, with deep expertise in Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), vector search, embeddings, and cloud-based MLOps practices.

This role requires a strategic thinker who can set technical direction, drive innovation, and ensure alignment with organisational goals. You will collaborate with cross‑functional teams, mentor engineers, and champion responsible, ethical AI practices across the organisation.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and maintain LLM‑based application components across multiple projects, with a strong emphasis on Python programming
• Optimise AI and machine learning models for performance, cost, and reliability at scale
• Build and maintain data pipelines and backend interfaces to support AI/ML workflows, leveraging tools such as Python and Snowflake where appropriate
• Set the technical direction for AI engineering, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and technology roadmaps
• Lead and mentor AI engineering teams, fostering a culture of innovation, technical excellence, and knowledge sharing
• Collaborate with product managers, compliance teams, and business stakeholders to define and deliver impactful AI solutions
• Champion responsible AI practices, ensuring solutions are ethical, explainable, and compliant with regulatory and organisational standards
• Evaluate emerging AI technologies and frameworks, recommending adoption where they add value
• Troubleshoot, debug, and upgrade AI/ML systems to ensure high performance and responsiveness
• Participate in code reviews to uphold high‑quality coding standards and promote knowledge sharing within the team

Experiences and Skills

• 10–15 years of experience developing enterprise‑scale systems
• Proven experience developing and delivering LLM applications
• Demonstratable experience working with responsible AI frameworks
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and deploying RAG solutions, vector search, and embedding techniques
• Advanced proficiency in Python, with a track record of writing clean, maintainable, and efficient code
• Solid understanding of database technologies, including both relational (RDBMS) and non‑relational systems, with experience in data migration and optimisation
• Proficient in using modern code versioning tools such as Git
• Exceptional problem‑solving abilities and a strong capacity to deliver results in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience working closely with developers, product owners, and product managers
• Experience mentoring team members and contributing to the development of best practices within AI engineering teams

About MCO (MyComplianceOffice)

MCO is a global leader dedicated to empowering Financial Services firms to manage compliance programmes with ease and efficiency. Our mission is to foster a fair, transparent, and trusted financial environment worldwide by helping organisations meet their regulatory obligations to society.

At the heart of MCO’s offering is our unique, unified platform, which seamlessly integrates compliance monitoring and data into a single, comprehensive view. This holistic approach enables firms to maintain compliance across all internal systems, structures, and processes—ensuring peace of mind in an ever‑evolving regulatory landscape.

Headquartered in Dublin, MCO has an international footprint, with offices in London, Singapore, Hyderabad, New York, Chicago, Fort Worth, Switzerland, South Africa, Slovenia, and the UAE. Since our founding in 2008, we have evolved from a specialist provider of “best of breed” employee compliance solutions to a pioneer in integrated compliance technology.

In recent years, MCO has rapidly expanded its product suite by tripling investment in internal development and acquiring four innovative companies: Pythagoras, Fairwords, Schwab Compliance Technologies and Governor Software. These strategic moves have strengthened our capabilities in regulatory governance, third‑party management, and communications compliance.

Today, our team of over 400 professionals supports more than 1.5 million users in 128 countries. Our diverse customer base includes small businesses, large enterprises, four of the world’s top ten asset managers, twenty of the top seventy‑five global banks, and three of the top five investment banks for global M&A transactions.

Driven by ambition and innovation, MCO is excited to lead the industry forward with our comprehensive suite of integrated compliance solutions—helping clients scale new heights with confidence.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

Information Technology, Engineering, and Other

Industries: Software Development

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