Lead AI Research Engineer - Machine Learning Applications

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,600,000 - 2,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical, dental and vision insurance

Retirement fund contribution

Professional development opportunities

Generous leave policy

Job summary

Placements24 in Cape Town is seeking a Lead AI Research Engineer to drive innovation across NLP, CV, and predictive analytics. You will lead a team of researchers and engineers, shaping ML strategy from research to production, with a strong focus on scalable architectures and ethical AI.

The role combines hands-on development with strategic planning, requiring a track record of publishing in top AI venues and a passion for transforming research into real-world product features.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Computer Science, AI or ML or related quantitative field.
• 7+ years in machine learning research and development with leadership experience.
• Deep learning frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch and Python proficiency.
• Strong knowledge of NLP, computer vision, reinforcement learning, and predictive analytics.
• Experience deploying ML models to production and managing lifecycle.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and big data technologies.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical mindset, and stakeholder management; publications desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced ML models and algorithms.
• Oversee the end-to-end ML lifecycle from data collection to deployment.
• Manage and mentor a team of AI/ML engineers and researchers.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify AI opportunities and data-driven solutions.
• Conduct rigorous research to advance AI techniques and product capabilities.
• Define ML system architecture ensuring scalability, reliability, and performance.
• Translate research findings into actionable product features and strategies.
• Stay current with AI advancements and champion MLOps and ethical AI practices.

Skills

Leadership

Python

TensorFlow

PyTorch

NLP

Computer Vision

Reinforcement Learning

Predictive Analytics

Cloud Platforms

Big Data

Publications

Communication

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in CS/AI/ML or related field

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering technology firm situated in the heart of Cape Town, Western Cape , is seeking a highly accomplished Lead AI Research Engineer to drive innovation in machine learning applications. This senior position requires a visionary leader with a proven track record in developing and deploying cutting-edge AI solutions. You will guide a team of talented engineers and researchers, tackling complex challenges in areas such as natural language processing, computer vision, and predictive modeling. The role involves both hands-on development and strategic planning, ensuring our AI initiatives align with business objectives and maintain a competitive edge. We are looking for a candidate who is passionate about leveraging artificial intelligence to solve real-world problems and has a deep understanding of the entire machine learning lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of advanced machine learning models and algorithms.
• Oversee the end-to-end ML lifecycle, from data collection and preprocessing to model training, evaluation, and deployment.
• Manage and mentor a team of AI/ML engineers and researchers, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous learning.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (product, engineering, data science) to identify opportunities for AI integration and develop data-driven solutions.
• Conduct rigorous research into new AI techniques and technologies to enhance product capabilities and operational efficiency.
• Define ML system architecture and ensure scalability, reliability, and performance.
• Translate complex research findings into actionable product features and business strategies.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in AI, machine learning, deep learning, and related fields.
• Champion best practices in MLOps, model versioning, and ethical AI development.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related quantitative field.
• Extensive experience (7+ years) in machine learning research and development, with a significant portion in a leadership or lead engineer role.
• Demonstrated expertise in deep learning frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch) and proficiency in programming languages such as Python.
• Strong understanding of various ML domains, including NLP, computer vision, reinforcement learning, and predictive analytics.
• Proven experience in deploying ML models into production environments and managing their lifecycle.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and big data technologies.
• Exceptional problem-solving abilities and a strong analytical mindset.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• A strong publication record in top-tier AI conferences and journals is highly desirable.

Benefits

• Our client offers a highly competitive salary package, commensurate with experience, alongside significant performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive benefits include premium medical, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• We provide a generous retirement fund contribution and support for professional development, including conference attendance and advanced training opportunities.
• Employees enjoy a generous leave policy and a supportive work environment designed to promote well-being and work-life balance.

The vibrant city of Cape Town, Western Cape , offers a dynamic lifestyle with stunning natural beauty and a thriving cultural scene.