Principal Machine Learning Engineer - Computer Vision

Placements24; Pretoria; On-site; ZAR 1,800,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement planning

Conference access

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Principal Machine Learning Engineer specializing in Computer Vision to lead the design and deployment of advanced CV systems in Centurion, Gauteng. You will tackle challenging problems from object detection to scene understanding and mentor a growing team of engineers in a fast-paced, innovative environment.

The ideal candidate holds a Master's or PhD in a related field, with 10+ years in ML and 5+ in CV, and is fluent in Python with frameworks such as TensorFlow or

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field with ML/CV specialization.
• 10+ years of professional ML engineering experience, with at least 5 years in computer vision.
• Deep understanding of CV algorithms and techniques.
• Proficiency in Python and DL frameworks (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras).
• Experience with ML Ops tools (Docker, Kubernetes, MLflow).
• Strong software engineering skills and leadership capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end CV model development including data collection, preprocessing, training, and deployment.
• Architect robust, scalable ML pipelines for CV applications.
• Research and apply state-of-the-art CV architectures (CNNs, Transformers, Generative Models).
• Optimize models for performance across various hardware platforms.
• Collaborate with product managers and software engineers to define requirements and deliver solutions.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote technical excellence.

Skills

Python

Deep learning

Leadership

Problem solving

Education

Master's degree

PhD

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Keras

Docker

Kubernetes

MLflow

Git

C++

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a pioneering force in AI research and development, is looking for a Principal Machine Learning Engineer specializing in Computer Vision to join their esteemed team in Centurion, Gauteng. This senior position is critical for leading the design and implementation of advanced computer vision systems that power next-generation applications. You will tackle challenging problems, from object detection and image segmentation to complex scene understanding, utilizing state-of-the-art deep learning techniques. This is an opportunity to shape technological advancements and mentor a talented group of engineers in a fast‑paced, innovative environment. Your expertise will be key in driving impactful projects within the vibrant tech ecosystem of Centurion.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end development of machine learning models for computer vision tasks, including data collection, preprocessing, model training, and deployment.
• Architect robust and scalable ML pipelines for computer vision applications.
• Research and apply state-of-the-art deep learning architectures and algorithms (e.g., CNNs, Transformers for Vision, Generative Models).
• Optimize ML models for performance, accuracy, and efficiency across various hardware platforms.
• Collaborate closely with product managers, software engineers, and other stakeholders to define project requirements and deliver cutting‑edge solutions.
• Mentor and guide junior machine learning engineers, fostering technical excellence within the team.
• Stay current with the latest advancements in computer vision and machine learning research.
• Contribute to the company's intellectual property through innovation and potential publications.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or a related field with a specialization in Machine Learning or Computer Vision.
• 10+ years of professional experience in machine learning engineering, with at least 5 years focused on computer vision.
• Deep understanding of fundamental computer vision algorithms and techniques.
• Proven expertise in developing and deploying deep learning models for tasks such as image classification, object detection, segmentation, and tracking.
• Proficiency in Python and deep learning frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Keras.
• Experience with ML Ops practices and tools (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes, MLflow).
• Strong software engineering skills, including experience with C++ and version control systems (Git).
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and a track record of delivering complex projects.
• Strong communication and leadership skills, with the ability to articulate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences.

Benefits

• Our client offers an attractive salary package commensurate with experience, along with comprehensive health insurance, retirement planning, and performance-based incentives. Employees enjoy ample opportunities for professional growth, including access to training, conferences, and challenging projects. The work environment in Centurion is dynamic and collaborative, promoting innovation and work‑life balance. Join a team that is pushing the boundaries of computer vision technology and making a real‑world impact.