Lead Machine Learning Engineer - Computer Vision

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Relocation assistance

Professional development stipend

Flexible working hours

Conference access

Job summary

Placements24 seeks a Lead Machine Learning Engineer (Computer Vision) for its Durban-based team. You will spearhead design, development, and deployment of advanced CV models powering next-generation applications and lead engineers in a high-performance environment.

The role demands a strong background in DL frameworks, CV algorithms, and cloud-based training/deployment, with a proven track record of delivering ML projects from concept to production.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field with focus on Computer Vision or ML.
• 6+ years hands-on ML experience with at least 3 years in computer vision.
• Proven experience leading ML engineering teams and managing projects.
• Deep understanding of DL frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras).
• Proficiency in Python, C++, and libraries (OpenCV, scikit-learn).
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS SageMaker, GCP AI Platform, Azure ML) for training and deployment.
• Strong image processing knowledge and CV algorithms.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and debugging skills.
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities.
• Experience with MLOps is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, implementation, and optimization of CV models (object detection, image segmentation, facial recognition).
• Mentor and manage a team of ML engineers, guiding technical growth.
• Oversee ML lifecycle from data collection to deployment and monitoring.
• Collaborate with product managers and software engineers to translate requirements.
• Research and implement state-of-the-art CV algorithms and techniques.
• Develop robust data pipelines for large-scale image/video datasets.
• Ensure scalability, reliability, and performance of deployed models.
• Contribute to IP and publish research findings when appropriate.
• Stay current with CV and DL advancements.
• Promote ML engineering best practices, code quality, and documentation.

Skills

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Keras

Python

C++

OpenCV

scikit-learn

AWS SageMaker

GCP AI Platform

Azure ML

MLOps

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in CS/EE or related

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in AI and Emerging Technologies, is seeking a highly skilled and motivated Lead Machine Learning Engineer specializing in Computer Vision to join their innovative team in Durban. This is a critical role where you will spearhead the design, development, and deployment of advanced computer vision models that power next-generation applications. You will lead a team of talented engineers, fostering a collaborative and high-performance environment. The ideal candidate has a deep passion for computer vision, a strong command of deep learning frameworks, and proven experience in bringing complex ML projects from concept to production. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, contributing to cutting-edge AI advancements within a company that values innovation and technical excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, implementation, and optimization of computer vision models (e.g., object detection, image segmentation, facial recognition).
• Manage and mentor a team of machine learning engineers, providing technical guidance and fostering professional growth.
• Oversee the entire ML lifecycle, including data collection and preprocessing, model training, evaluation, deployment, and monitoring.
• Collaborate closely with product managers and software engineers to translate business requirements into technical solutions.
• Research and implement state-of-the-art computer vision algorithms and techniques.
• Develop robust data pipelines and infrastructure for large-scale image and video datasets.
• Ensure the scalability, reliability, and performance of deployed ML models.
• Contribute to the company's intellectual property and publish research findings where appropriate.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in computer vision and deep learning research.
• Promote best practices in ML engineering, code quality, and documentation.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with a focus on Computer Vision or Machine Learning.
• Minimum of 6 years of hands-on experience in machine learning, with at least 3 years focused on computer vision applications.
• Proven experience in leading ML engineering teams and managing projects.
• Deep understanding of deep learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Keras.
• Proficiency in programming languages like Python, C++, and relevant libraries (OpenCV, scikit-learn).
• Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS SageMaker, GCP AI Platform, Azure ML) for model training and deployment.
• Strong grasp of image processing techniques and classical computer vision algorithms.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and debugging skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in a team environment.
• Experience with MLOps practices and tools is a strong plus.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package, including performance bonuses and comprehensive private healthcare coverage.
• Employees enjoy generous paid time off, opportunities for continuous learning through workshops and conferences, and access to advanced computing resources.
• The role includes relocation assistance if needed and a stipend for professional development.
• We provide a stimulating work environment with modern facilities in Durban and encourage a healthy work-life balance through flexible working hours and team-building activities.