Lead Data & AI Engineer

Talexus; South Africa; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in Johannesburg is seeking a Lead Data & AI Engineer to drive and inspire their data and AI team. You will innovate scalable data solutions, lead generative AI strategies, and deliver impactful insights through visualizations. The ideal candidate has a STEM degree and expertise in Python, SQL, and various AI frameworks, along with strong leadership and communication skills. This role offers a hybrid working environment.

Qualifications

• Proven expertise in building and scaling data architectures and pipelines.
• Hands-on experience with modern AI/ML frameworks.
• Strong command of MySQL database management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the vision, execution, and improvement of the data and AI team.
• Create robust, scalable data pipelines from diverse sources.
• Shape the company's roadmap for generative AI tools.

Skills

Python

SQL

Cloud platforms (AWS)

Data architecture

Airflow

PowerBI

MySQL

Leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Education

STEM degree (BSc, BEng, or higher)

Job description

As the Lead Data & AI Engineer, you'll wear many hats, all of them impactful :

• Lead and Inspire : You'll drive the vision, execution, and continuous improvement of our data and AI team. Get ready to mentor a high-performing squad, instilling best practices and innovative thinking, and ensuring projects align perfectly with business strategy to deliver outcomes that truly matter.
• Engineer & Innovate : You'll be the mastermind behind robust, scalable data pipelines, integrating diverse data sources with finesse. You'll champion best-in-class data governance, quality, and architecture standards, partnering with product and engineering to create data-driven solutions for real-world challenges.
• Drive Generative AI Strategy : This is where the magic happens! You'll shape the company's roadmap for generative AI, building and prototyping cutting-edge AI tools that support both our clients and internal teams. Plus, you'll be a passionate advocate for ethical, impactful AI across the organization.
• Communicate with Impact : Your insights will speak volumes! You'll deliver them through interactive dashboards and automated reports, presenting strategic data narratives to executives and stakeholders. And because knowledge is power, you'll foster data literacy company-wide through engaging training and knowledge sharing.

What We're Looking For in You

You're more than just a talented engineer; you're a leader, a mentor, and a visionary. Heres what youll bring to the table :

• A STEM degree (BSc, BEng, or higher) your foundational knowledge is key.
• Hands-on expertise in Python, SQL, and modern AI / ML frameworks .
• Strong command of cloud platforms (AWS) you know your way around the cloud.
• Proven expertise in building and scaling data architectures and pipelines using Airflow .
• Proficiency in PowerBI for creating and managing stunning data visualizations and dashboards.
• Solid understanding and experience with MySQL database management and querying.
• Leadership skills that inspire collaboration, innovation, and ownership.
• A natural mentor and team builder you love helping others grow.
• A clear, confident communicator who can connect with execs and engineers alike.
• Highly organized but adaptable you thrive in a fast-moving, purpose-driven environment.

Location : Johannesburg, Hybrid

Apply now for this exciting opportunity!