Machine Learning & AI Developer (iOCO0112)

Ioco; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Job summary

iOCO is seeking a highly skilled ML & AI Developer to join our Data & AI team in Johannesburg. The role focuses on designing, developing, deploying, and maintaining production-grade ML/AI solutions that deliver measurable business value.

You will build scalable AI pipelines, implement MLOps, and collaborate with stakeholders across the business to translate requirements into production-ready solutions using Azure AI and related data platforms.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in ML/AI engineering or data science roles.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy end-to-end ML solutions.
• Build and maintain scalable batch and real-time AI/ML pipelines.
• Develop, train, evaluate, and optimize ML models.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to translate requirements into production-ready AI solutions.
• Implement and manage MLOps including model deployment, monitoring, testing, and retraining.
• Build and maintain CI/CD pipelines for ML workflows.
• Develop and optimize large-scale data processing with Python, SQL, Spark, PySpark.
• Deploy and manage ML solutions using Azure AI and data platforms.
• Monitor model performance, drift, and reliability for business value.
• Contribute to AI governance, security, and best practices.
• Research and evaluate emerging AI technologies and innovations.

Skills

Python

SQL

Spark/PySpark

MLOps

Azure ML

CI/CD

Docker

Kubernetes

LLMs

RAG

Vector databases

Azure Databricks

Education

Degree in CS/DS/Engineering

Tools

MLflow

Kubeflow

Docker

Kubernetes

Azure Machine Learning

Azure Databricks

Azure Data Factory

Job description

We are seeking a highly skilled ML & AI Developer to join our growing Data & AI team. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, developing, deploying, and maintaining machine learning and AI solutions that deliver measurable business value. This role requires a strong engineering mindset, hands-on experience with machine learning production environments, and the ability to work independently with stakeholders across the business.

The ideal candidate will have experience building scalable AI and machine learning solutions, implementing MLOps best practices, and working with modern cloud-based data and AI platforms.

What you’ll do:

• Design, develop, and deploy end-to-end machine learning solutions into production environments.
• Build and maintain scalable batch and real-time AI/ML pipelines.
• Develop, train, evaluate, and optimize machine learning models to solve business challenges.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders, data engineers, data scientists, and technology teams to translate requirements into production-ready AI solutions.
• Implement and manage MLOps practices including model deployment, monitoring, versioning, testing, and retraining.
• Build and maintain CI/CD pipelines for machine learning workflows.
• Develop and optimize large-scale data processing pipelines using Python, SQL, Spark, and PySpark.
• Deploy and manage machine learning solutions using Azure AI and data platform technologies.
• Monitor model performance, drift, and reliability to ensure ongoing business value and operational stability.
• Contribute to AI governance, security, and best practices across the organization.
• Research and evaluate emerging AI technologies and recommend innovative solutions.

Your Expertise:

• 5+ years of experience in Machine Learning Engineering, AI Engineering, Data Science, or a related field.
• Proven experience delivering end-to-end machine learning solutions in production environments.
• Experience designing, deploying, and supporting scalable AI and machine learning applications.
• Experience working with large datasets and distributed data processing frameworks.
• Experience with Generative AI solutions.
• Exposure to Large Language Models (LLMs).
• Experience with Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) architectures.
• Experience with vector databases and semantic search solutions.
• Experience integrating AI services into enterprise applications.
• Azure AI and Machine Learning certifications.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Relevant Azure, Machine Learning, AI, or Databricks certifications would be advantageous.

Technical Skills

• Strong proficiency in Python.
• Strong SQL skills.
• Hands-on experience with Spark and/or PySpark.
• Experience implementing MLOps practices and frameworks.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines for machine learning solutions.
• Experience with MLflow, Kubeflow, or similar MLOps platforms.
• Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes.
• Strong experience with the Azure AI and Data ecosystem, including:
  • Azure Machine Learning
  • Azure Databricks
  • Azure Data Factory
• Experience building both batch and real-time inference solutions.
• Understanding of model monitoring, model governance, and operationalization of machine learning solutions.

Personal Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to operate independently and take ownership of solutions.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work across multidisciplinary teams.
• Continuous learning mindset and passion for emerging AI technologies.

Other information applicable to the opportunity:

• Contract position
• Location: Johannesburg

Why work for us?

Want to work for an organization that solves complex real-world problems with innovative software solutions? At iOCO, we believe anything is possible with modern technology, software, and development expertise. We are continuously pushing the boundaries of innovative solutions across multiple industries using an array of technologies.?

You will be part of a consultancy, working with some of the most knowledgeable minds in the industry on interesting solutions across different business domains.?

Our culture of continuous learning will ensure that you will have all the opportunities, tools, and support to hone and grow your craft.?

By joining IOCO you will have an open invitation to developer inspiring forums. A place where you will be able to connect and learn from and with your peers by sharing ideas, experiences, practices, and solutions.?