Lead AI Engineer - Autonomous Systems

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Highly competitive salary and bonuses

Comprehensive remote work setup

Generous annual leave and flexible hrs

Continuous learning opportunities

Groundbreaking projects with societal影

Career progression through reviews

Annual performance reviews

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead AI Engineer for autonomous systems. This fully remote role lets you lead architecture, perception, planning and control with a global team.

You will guide AI research and production deployments, mentor engineers, and collaborate with hardware, software and product teams to deliver safe, scalable solutions.

The ideal candidate holds a Master's or PhD and 5+ years in AI for autonomous systems, with strong C++, Python and ML framework experience.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Robotics, AI, or related field.
• 5+ years of AI solutions for autonomous systems experience.
• Proficiency with C++, Python, and AI frameworks like TensorFlow/PyTorch.
• Experience with simulation environments and data pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead architecture and development of AI for autonomous systems (perception, sensor fusion, path planning, control).
• Design, implement and test ML models for real-time decision-making and adaptive behavior.
• Oversee end-to-end AI lifecycle from prototyping to deployment and validation.
• Mentor and manage a team of AI engineers and researchers.
• Collaborate with hardware, software and product teams for integrated AI components.
• Define technical roadmaps and strategy for autonomous system development.
• Ensure robustness, safety and reliability of AI-driven solutions.
• Perform performance analysis, identify bottlenecks, optimize models for efficiency.
• Stay at the forefront of AI, robotics, and autonomous systems research.

Skills

Leadership

Remote collaboration

Analytical thinking

Strong communication

Education

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

Tools

C++

Python

TensorFlow

PyTorch

ROS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking leader in artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, is looking for a highly experienced Lead AI Engineer specializing in Autonomous Systems. This is a fully remote position, allowing you to contribute from anywhere while being an integral part of our innovative team. You will spearhead the design, development, and deployment of advanced AI solutions for autonomous vehicles, robotics, and intelligent automation. This role is crucial for driving our research and product development forward, tackling complex challenges in perception, decision-making, and control. We are committed to fostering a remote-first culture, providing the necessary tools and support for seamless collaboration and productivity. If you are passionate about shaping the future of autonomous technology and thrive in a challenging, results-oriented environment, this is the opportunity for you. Your expertise will be pivotal in creating intelligent systems that operate safely and efficiently in diverse environments. This role demands a blend of deep technical knowledge, strategic thinking, and leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the architecture and development of AI algorithms for autonomous systems, including perception, sensor fusion, path planning, and control.
• Design, implement, and test machine learning models for real-time decision-making and adaptive behaviors.
• Oversee the end-to-end AI development lifecycle, from prototyping and simulation to deployment and validation.
• Manage and mentor a team of talented AI engineers and researchers, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence.
• Collaborate closely with hardware engineers, software developers, and product teams to ensure seamless integration of AI components.
• Define technical roadmaps and strategy for autonomous system development.
• Ensure the robustness, safety, and reliability of AI-driven autonomous solutions.
• Conduct performance analysis, identify bottlenecks, and optimize AI models for efficiency and scalability.
• Stay at the cutting edge of research in AI, robotics, and autonomous systems.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Robotics, Artificial Intelligence, or a closely related field.
• Extensive experience (5+ years) in developing AI solutions for autonomous systems (e.g., self-driving cars, drones, robotics).
• Deep understanding of relevant AI/ML techniques such as deep learning, reinforcement learning, probabilistic robotics, and computer vision.
• Proficiency in C++, Python, and relevant AI/ML frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, ROS).
• Experience with simulation environments and data pipelines for autonomous systems.
• Proven ability to lead technical teams and manage complex projects.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and debugging skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, essential for a remote team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fully remote setting .

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive remote work infrastructure support.
• Generous annual leave and flexible working hours.
• Continuous learning opportunities, including access to online courses and virtual conferences.
• Opportunity to work on groundbreaking projects with a significant societal impact.
• Direct contribution to shaping the future of autonomous technology.
• Annual performance reviews with clear career progression paths.