Lead AI Engineer

Placements24; Centurion; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Health and wellness benefits

Career development & training

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead AI Engineer to guide a team in Centurion, Gauteng, delivering advanced AI solutions. You will steer strategy, architecture, and production deployment, collaborating across product, data science, and software engineering.

The ideal candidate combines strong AI/ML expertise with leadership and communication skills, enabling delivery of impactful projects in a dynamic technology hub.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science, AI, ML, or related field.
• 5+ years in AI/ML engineering with leadership experience.
• Proven track record leading technical teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of AI engineers to deliver innovative AI solutions.
• Design, develop, and deploy AI/ML models and systems.
• Oversee end-to-end lifecycle from concept to production.
• Collaborate with product, data science, and software engineering teams.
• Define best practices for AI development and testing.
• Architect scalable AI infrastructure using cloud and big data tech.
• Identify opportunities to apply AI to business problems.
• Stay updated with AI research and trends.
• Present strategies and updates to senior management.
• Contribute to recruitment and onboarding of AI talent.

Skills

Leadership

Python

TensorFlow

PyTorch

NLP

Computer Vision

Cloud Platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP)

Big Data (Spark/Hadoop)

Software Development

Communication

Education

Master's degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science, AI, ML, or related field

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Spark

Hadoop

AWS/Azure/GCP

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking an experienced and dynamic Lead AI Engineer to spearhead their artificial intelligence initiatives in Centurion, Gauteng . This leadership role is crucial for guiding the development and deployment of cutting-edge AI solutions that will drive business growth and innovation. You will be responsible for overseeing a team of talented AI engineers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture. The ideal candidate will possess a strong technical background in AI/ML, combined with proven leadership capabilities. This position requires a strategic thinker who can translate complex business challenges into actionable AI strategies. Working within our advanced technology hub in Centurion, Gauteng , you will have access to state-of-the-art resources and the opportunity to work on transformative projects. We are looking for an individual who is passionate about AI, adept at managing technical teams, and committed to delivering impactful solutions. Your leadership will be instrumental in setting the technical direction and ensuring the successful execution of our AI roadmap.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of AI engineers, fostering a culture of innovation and technical excellence.
• Design, develop, and deploy advanced AI and machine learning models and systems.
• Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of AI projects, from conceptualization to production deployment.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including product management, data science, and software engineering.
• Define and enforce best practices for AI development, coding standards, and testing methodologies.
• Architect scalable and robust AI infrastructure, leveraging cloud platforms and big data technologies.
• Identify opportunities to apply AI to solve business problems and improve operational efficiency.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in AI research and technology trends.
• Conduct code reviews, provide technical guidance, and ensure the quality of AI solutions.
• Present technical strategies and project updates to senior management and stakeholders.
• Contribute to the recruitment and onboarding of new AI engineering talent.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science, AI, Machine Learning, or a related field.
• 5+ years of experience in AI/ML engineering roles, with at least 2 years in a leadership or senior capacity.
• Proven experience in leading and managing technical teams.
• Expertise in programming languages such as Python and proficiency with ML libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Strong understanding of deep learning, NLP, computer vision, and other AI domains.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and their AI/ML services.
• Proficiency in big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and distributed systems.
• Excellent understanding of software development principles and agile methodologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills for effective team collaboration in Centurion, Gauteng .
• Ability to mentor and develop junior engineers.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, retirement plans, and performance-based bonuses.
• Employees benefit from opportunities for professional development, including training, certifications, and conference attendance.
• We provide a modern and collaborative work environment located in Centurion, Gauteng , equipped with cutting-edge technology.
• We are committed to fostering employee growth and offer clear career progression paths.
• This role is office-based, ensuring close collaboration and team synergy within our Centurion, Gauteng facility.
• Join our client and make a significant impact in the rapidly evolving field of AI.