Principal AI Technology & Innovation Specialist

NTT; Johannesburg; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Job summary

A global technology services firm seeks a Principal AI Technology & Innovation Specialist in Johannesburg. This role involves driving AI innovation, evaluating emerging technologies, and collaborating with product teams. Candidates should have a strong background in AI, excellent communication skills, and extensive experience in enterprise environments. The position is hybrid, offering a chance to make a significant impact in AI solutions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or a related field.
• Extensive experience in leading enterprise AI initiatives.
• Familiarity with EU AI Act and compliance measures.

Responsibilities

• Lead evaluation of emerging AI technologies and platforms.
• Design development of AI capabilities and innovation pilots.
• Define architectural blueprints for integrating AI into IT systems.
• Drive initiatives for AI prototyping and proof-of-concepts.

Skills

Deep knowledge of AI paradigms

Strong understanding of AI model risks

Excellent stakeholder management skills

Ability to translate business needs

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, AI, or related field

Advanced degrees (MSc/PhD) in AI/ML fields

Certifications in AI platforms (e.g., AWS, Google Cloud)

Tools

Machine learning frameworks

AI model lifecycle management tools

Job description

Make an impact with NTT DATA
Join a company that is pushing the boundaries of what is possible. We are renowned for our technical excellence and leading innovations, and for making a difference to our clients and society. Our workplace embraces diversity and inclusion – it’s a place where you can grow, belong and thrive.

Your day at NTT DATA

The Principal AI Technology & Innovation Specialist is a highly skilled subject matter expert with deep expertise in emerging AI technologies, advanced analytics, and AI system architecture. This role is accountable for the strategic assessment, experimentation, and enablement of cutting-edge AI solutions within the organization, driving innovation and ensuring AI readiness across internal platforms and client-facing services.

The primary objective of this role is to stay at the forefront of AI innovation by evaluating, piloting, and recommending next-generation AI technologies and vendor capabilities. The specialist serves as a strategic advisor and hands-on innovator, influencing architecture, engineering, and product teams to integrate AI capabilities in scalable and responsible ways. This includes defining technical blueprints, building AI proof-of-concepts, and supporting adoption through alignment with IT and enterprise architecture.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the evaluation and strategic assessment of emerging AI technologies, platforms, and vendor solutions, advising on technical and ethical feasibility.

• Design and guide the development of AI capabilities and innovation pilots, translating business goals into AI-enabled solutions.

• Define architectural blueprints for integrating AI technologies into IT systems and product platforms, ensuring security, scalability, and alignment with enterprise standards.

• Develop frameworks for responsible AI adoption including model evaluation, explainability, privacy, compliance (e.g., EU AI Act), and ethical use.

• Partner with product and platform teams to align AI innovations with enterprise technology strategy and business outcomes.

• Drive initiatives for AI prototyping, proof-of-concepts (PoCs), and production readiness assessments.

• Monitor vendor roadmaps and contribute to the strategy for selecting and onboarding external AI capabilities.

• Act as a center of excellence for AI within the IT organization, driving awareness, knowledge sharing, and standardization.

• Collaborate with enterprise architects and platform leads to integrate AI tools into data infrastructure, software architecture, and cloud environments.

• Perform technical due diligence on third-party AI services and models, ensuring fit-for-purpose and cost-effective solutions.

• Continuously improve internal innovation processes and methodologies to increase the speed and quality of AI-driven transformation.

Knowledge and Attributes

• Deep knowledge of modern AI paradigms including generative AI (e.g., LLMs), machine learning infrastructure, AI model lifecycle, and MLOps.

• Strong understanding of AI model risks and evaluation techniques, with experience applying responsible AI principles in enterprise environments.

• Excellent ability to assess multi-vendor and open-source AI offerings for enterprise adoption.

• Advanced knowledge of reference AI architectures, integration models, and cloud-based AI toolchains.

• Ability to translate business needs into technical AI strategies, architectures, and implementation roadmaps.

• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills across technical, executive, and vendor audiences.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to rapidly assess the value and risks of new AI technologies and innovation trends.

Academic Qualifications and Certifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or a related field.

• Advanced degrees (MSc/PhD) in AI/ML fields preferred.

• TOGAF, COBIT, or related enterprise architecture certifications are beneficial.

• Certifications in machine learning or cloud-based AI platforms (e.g., AWS Certified Machine Learning Specialty, Google Cloud AI Engineer) are advantageous.

Required Experience

• Extensive experience in leading enterprise AI innovation and architecture initiatives.

• Proven track record of evaluating, piloting, and operationalizing AI solutions in enterprise environments.

• Experience working across multiple industries and large-scale IT organizations.

• Hands-on experience in AI/ML development, integration, and lifecycle management.

• Familiarity with regulations governing AI use, such as the EU AI Act, and experience in operationalizing compliance measures.

Workplace type:

Hybrid Working

About NTT DATA
NTT DATA is a $30+ billion trusted global innovator of business and technology services. We serve 75% of the Fortune Global 100 and are committed to helping clients innovate, optimize and transform for long-term success. We invest over $3.6 billion each year in R&D to help organizations and society move confidently and sustainably into the digital future. As a Global Top Employer, we have diverse experts in more than 50 countries and a robust partner ecosystem of established and start-up companies. Our services include business and technology consulting, data and artificial intelligence, industry solutions, as well as the development, implementation and management of applications, infrastructure, and connectivity. We are also one of the leading providers of digital and AI infrastructure in the world. NTT DATA is part of NTT Group and headquartered in Tokyo.

Equal Opportunity Employer
NTT DATA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer with a global culture that embraces diversity. We are committed to providing an environment free of unfair discrimination and harassment. We do not discriminate based on age, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, disability, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected category. Join our growing global team and accelerate your career with us. Apply today.

Third parties fraudulently posing as NTT DATA recruiters

NTT DATA recruiters will never ask job seekers or candidates for payment or banking information during the recruitment process, for any reason. Please remain vigilant of third parties who may attempt to impersonate NTT DATA recruiters—whether in writing or by phone—in order to deceptively obtain personal data or money from you. All email communications from an NTT DATA recruiter will come from an @nttdata.com email address. If you suspect any fraudulent activity, please contact us .