MEST AI Startup Program – Technical Fellow In-Residence-Johannesburg

Meltwater; Johannesburg; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 800,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology incubator in Johannesburg seeks a Technical Fellow In-Residence to guide AI entrepreneurs through technical training, support, and mentorship. The role requires strong proficiency in Python and experience in AI product development, alongside excellent communication skills. This immersive position offers the chance to work closely with startups exploring innovative AI solutions and foster an engaging learning environment.

Qualifications

• 2 - 4+ years in software engineering and AI/ML product development.
• Experience in startup or fast-paced, project-based environments.
• Strong grasp of software engineering fundamentals.

Responsibilities

• Deliver interactive tutorials and workshops on AI/ML topics.
• Conduct code reviews and guide participants.
• Support entrepreneurs in overcoming technical challenges.

Skills

Advanced proficiency in Python

Git/GitHub

API development

LLMs

Prompt engineering

RAG pipelines

Embeddings

Vector databases

MLOps

CI/CD

Docker

Job description

Overview

Job title: MEST AI Startup Program – Technical Fellow In-Residence-Johannesburg

Job Location: Gauteng, Johannesburg Deadline: October 09, 2025

The MEST AI Startup Program is an up to 12-month immersive experience designed to equip Africa’s most promising AI entrepreneurs with the technical, business, and leadership skills needed to build and scale globally competitive AI startups. The seven-month startup program is a hands-on, activity-based experience where participants refine AI business ideas, develop and deploy an AI MVP, gain deep expertise in AI software development and business fundamentals, and engage with world-class AI practitioners from institutions like Google, Meta, and OpenAI. The five-month incubation program supports selected ventures to scale AI products, secure customers, and prepare for investment, culminating in deployable AI products, an established user base, and a roadmap for funding and growth.

Technical Fellow In-Residence Role Overview

The AI Technical Fellow In-Residence is the technical backbone of the MEST AI Startup Program each year. During this one-year contract, you will work directly with entrepreneurs-in-training (EITs) to ensure they can apply the technical concepts taught in the curriculum — from AI model development to deployment. This is a highly hands-on, highly interactive role that includes regular meetings with EITs, experts, partners, facilitators, and program staff to collaborate, troubleshoot, and accelerate learning. This role requires deep technical expertise, a passion for AI, and an excitement for learning alongside entrepreneurs. It is a doer role in a fast-paced, high-energy environment where you are ready to dig in.

Key Responsibilities

• Technical Training & Support – Deliver interactive tutorials and workshops on AI / ML, software engineering, and MLOps topics from the curriculum (e.g., Python, APIs, LLMs, RAG, LangChain, vector databases, multi-agent systems, Docker, CI / CD).
• Provide 1:1 and group technical coaching, ensuring entrepreneurs can implement concepts in their MVPs.
• Conduct code reviews and guide participants in adopting best practices.

• Curriculum Integration – Work with expert facilitators to align technical sessions with business and product milestones; adapt and create technical content based on evolving AI tools and participant needs.

• Problem-Solving & Mentorship – Support entrepreneurs in debugging and overcoming technical challenges; learn and experiment with new AI tools alongside participants, sharing insights rapidly; promote responsible AI use, including bias mitigation, privacy by design, and ethical considerations.

• Collaboration & Program Support – Partner with program staff to ensure participants have the technical resources they need; contribute to creating a dynamic, inclusive, and innovative learning environment; actively engage in scheduled check-ins, collaborative planning meetings, and review sessions with EITs and program stakeholders.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Technical Expertise – Advanced proficiency in Python, Git / GitHub, and API development.
• Hands-on experience with: LLMs, prompt engineering, and fine-tuning; RAG pipelines, embeddings, vector databases, LangChain; Multi-agent systems (e.g., CrewAI) and memory management; MLOps, CI / CD, Docker, cloud deployment, and API security; strong grasp of software engineering fundamentals: testing, EDA, model evaluation.

• Experience – 2 - 4+ years in software engineering and AI / ML product development; track record of taking AI products from concept to deployment; experience in startup or fast-paced, project-based environments.

• Soft Skills & Mindset – Excellent communicator and collaborator, with cross-cultural sensitivity; proactive problem solver with a hands-on “doer” mentality; adaptable, curious, and eager to learn alongside entrepreneurs; passionate about excellence, creativity, and innovation.

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