Lead AI Research Engineer - Machine Learning

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Stock options

Remote work

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead AI Research Engineer to drive research initiatives and mentor a global team of researchers and engineers in a fully remote environment. You will design and implement novel AI algorithms, collaborate with product teams, and steer the technical roadmap for AI initiatives.

The role requires a PhD or Master’s in CS/AI, 10+ years in AI/ML research with leadership, and strong Python experience with TF/PyTorch.

Qualifications

• PhD or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related quantitative field.
• 10+ years of AI/ML research and development with leadership experience.
• Expertise in deep learning frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch) and ML libraries.

Responsibilities

• Lead research and development efforts in advanced AI/ML domains.
• Design, implement, and optimize novel AI algorithms and models for various applications.
• Mentor a geographically dispersed team of AI researchers and engineers.
• Collaborate with product teams to integrate AI solutions into platforms.
• Stay at the forefront of AI research by engaging with the research community.

Skills

Deep learning

Machine Learning

Leadership

Python

Communication

Education

PhD in CS/AI

Master's in CS/AI

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Cloud platforms (AWS/Azure/GCP)

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a global leader in AI and machine learning innovation, is seeking an exceptional Lead AI Research Engineer to join their fully remote team. This is a unique opportunity to drive the development of next-generation AI technologies from the comfort of your home office, contributing to groundbreaking projects that will shape the future. The successful candidate will lead research initiatives, design and implement novel algorithms, and mentor a team of talented engineers and scientists worldwide. We are looking for a visionary individual with a deep understanding of machine learning, deep learning, and artificial intelligence, coupled with a proven ability to translate complex research into practical, scalable solutions. You will be instrumental in pushing the boundaries of what's possible in AI, working on challenging problems with significant societal impact. This role is designed for individuals who thrive in a remote-first environment and are passionate about creating intelligent systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead research and development efforts in advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning domains.
• Design, implement, and optimize novel AI algorithms and models for various applications.
• Collaborate closely with product teams to integrate cutting-edge AI solutions into our client's platforms.
• Mentor and guide a geographically dispersed team of AI researchers and engineers.
• Stay at the forefront of AI research by tracking academic literature, attending conferences, and engaging with the research community.
• Author research papers, patents, and technical documentation.
• Define and drive the technical roadmap for AI initiatives within the organization.
• Contribute to the development of best practices for AI development and deployment in a remote setting.

Requirements

• Ph.D. or Master's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related quantitative field.
• 10+ years of experience in AI/ML research and development, with a significant portion in a leadership capacity.
• Demonstrated expertise in deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) and machine learning libraries.
• Strong programming skills in Python and experience with high-performance computing environments.
• Proven ability to lead complex research projects from conception to deployment.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, essential for a remote-first team.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) for ML workloads.
• A portfolio of published research or contributions to open-source AI projects.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in a fully remote capacity.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive compensation package, including a top-tier salary, stock options, and comprehensive remote work benefits. We provide generous allowances for home office setup and professional development, including access to online courses and virtual conferences. Employees benefit from flexible working hours and a truly global team environment. This fully remote role offers unparalleled autonomy and the opportunity to work on the most exciting AI challenges in the industry, making a tangible impact on the world from anywhere. Join us and help define the future of artificial intelligence.