Lead Data Scientist & Machine Learning Engineer

Placements24; Benoni; Hybrid; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical aid

Provident fund

Performance bonuses

Learning opportunities

Conference attendance

Job summary

Placements24 partners with a rapidly expanding technology firm in Benoni to hire a Lead Data Scientist & Machine Learning Engineer. You will spearhead development and deployment of advanced ML models and data-driven solutions while guiding a team of data scientists and engineers.

The role focuses on shaping the company's data science strategy, driving AI initiatives, and translating analytical findings into business value across Gauteng.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in a quantitative field as listed.
• 7+ years in data science and ML with leadership exposure.
• Proven track record deploying ML models and data pipelines.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, development, and deployment of ML models.
• Mentor data scientists and ML engineers.
• Build scalable data pipelines for model training and deployment.
• Translate ML insights into business value for stakeholders.
• Stay current with AI research and industry best practices.

Skills

Leadership

Python

R

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Scikit-learn

Spark

Hadoop

AWS

Azure

GCP

MLOps

NLP

Deep learning

Communication

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, Data Science, Mathematics

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Scikit-learn

Spark

Hadoop

AWS

Azure

GCP

MLOps

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a rapidly expanding technology firm based in Benoni , is seeking an innovative and experienced Lead Data Scientist & Machine Learning Engineer . This leadership position requires a visionary individual to spearhead the development and deployment of advanced machine learning models and data-driven solutions. You will guide a team of data scientists and engineers, defining the company's data science strategy and driving key projects that leverage artificial intelligence and big data to enhance products and services. The ideal candidate will have a strong theoretical foundation in machine learning, exceptional practical implementation skills, and the ability to translate complex analytical findings into business value for the Gauteng region.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of machine learning models and algorithms for various business applications.
• Develop and maintain scalable data pipelines and infrastructure for model training and deployment.
• Mentor and guide a team of data scientists and ML engineers, fostering a collaborative and innovative environment.
• Identify new opportunities to apply data science and machine learning techniques to solve business problems and create competitive advantages.
• Collaborate with product managers, software engineers, and stakeholders to understand requirements and integrate ML solutions into products.
• Conduct exploratory data analysis, feature engineering, and model evaluation to ensure high performance and accuracy.
• Stay current with the latest research and advancements in AI, machine learning, and data science.
• Present complex findings and model performance metrics to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ensure the ethical and responsible development and deployment of AI systems.
• Contribute to the overall data strategy and technology roadmap of the company.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, Data Science, Mathematics, or a related quantitative field.
• Minimum of 7 years of hands‑on experience in data science and machine learning, with at least 2 years in a leadership role.
• Proven expertise in developing and deploying machine learning models (e.g., classification, regression, clustering, NLP, deep learning).
• Strong programming skills in Python or R, and proficiency with relevant ML libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn).
• Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) and cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Solid understanding of statistical modeling, experimental design, and data mining techniques.
• Excellent problem‑solving, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to articulate complex concepts clearly.
• Experience leading and mentoring technical teams.
• Familiarity with MLOps principles and practices is a significant advantage.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.

• medical aid
• provident fund
• performance-related bonuses

Opportunities for continuous learning, attending industry conferences, and pursuing advanced certifications are readily available. The role provides a stimulating and collaborative work environment with significant scope for innovation and career growth in the tech sector of Benoni .