Senior Machine Learning Engineer

Jobgether; Remote; ZAR 2 726 000 - 3 209 000; Full time

Job summary

A bustling tech company is seeking a Senior Machine Learning Engineer in South Africa to lead the development of a large-scale recommendation engine. This remote role emphasizes autonomy and collaboration, focusing on the design and optimization of machine learning systems that enhance user experiences. Candidates should have over 5 years of engineering experience with a strong emphasis on machine learning and data systems, including the ability to work independently in a dynamic environment. Competitive salary and extensive benefits offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary: $170,000 - $200,000

Equity compensation opportunities

35 days of PTO annually

Comprehensive medical coverage

Learning & development stipend

Fully paid company retreats

Qualifications

• 5+ years of software engineering experience, with at least 2+ years focused on machine learning.
• Experience building or scaling large-scale consumer-facing feeds or ranking systems.
• Ability to work autonomously in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, and iterate on large-scale ML systems for discovery.
• Optimize recommendation algorithms for user experience.
• Conduct experiments and analyze data to enhance models.

Skills

Machine learning and data science

Backend and data engineering

Analytical and problem-solving skills

Excellent communication in English

Job description

This position is posted by Jobgether on behalf of a partner company. We are currently looking for a Senior Machine Learning Engineer, Discover in South Africa.

This role focuses on building a large-scale recommendation engine for a discovery marketplace that connects millions of users to creators, communities, and products that help them achieve personal and professional growth. You will design, implement, and optimize machine learning systems, from embeddings and ranking models to experimentation frameworks, to enhance the user experience. Working closely with leadership, you will influence product direction while maintaining high standards for performance, scalability, and quality. The position offers a fully remote, collaborative, and fast-paced environment, emphasizing autonomy, creativity, and impact. Your work will directly affect the discovery and engagement of millions of users, shaping how people explore, learn, and grow through the platform.

Accountabilities:

• Design, implement, and iterate on large-scale ML systems powering the discovery feed and recommendation engine.
• Optimize recommendation algorithms to improve relevance, performance, and scalability of user experiences.
• Partner with leadership to align technical solutions with product vision and user growth goals.
• Conduct experiments, analyze data, and use insights to enhance ranking models and embeddings.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure smooth integration of ML systems into production.
• Maintain high standards of code quality, system performance, and documentation.
• Explore and evaluate emerging technologies and ML approaches to continuously improve discovery capabilities.

Requirements:

• 5+ years of software engineering experience, with at least 2+ years focused on machine learning, data, or recommendation systems.
• Experience building or scaling large-scale consumer-facing feeds or ranking systems.
• Strong backend and data engineering skills, including system design and productionizing ML models.
• Deep understanding of recommendation dynamics, consumer app behavior, and product/market fit.
• Ability to work autonomously in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and navigate ambiguity.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and experimentation skills.
• Excellent communication skills in English (CEFR Level C2 / ILR Level 5).
• Passion for building technology that positively impacts millions of users.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary: $170,000 - $200,000 USD per year, with annual review and potential increases.
• Equity compensation opportunities and performance-based bonuses.
• Fully remote work with autonomy and trust to manage outcomes.
• 35 days of PTO annually, plus paid sabbatical after 5 years.
• Comprehensive medical coverage or reimbursement options for you and your family.
• Parental leave for new parents or expanding families.
• Home office stipend for remote work setup.
• Learning & development stipend to enhance professional skills.
• Twice-yearly fully paid company retreats in exceptional locations around the world.

Why Apply Through Jobgether?

We use an AI-powered matching process to ensure your application is reviewed quickly, objectively, and fairly against the role's core requirements. Our system identifies the top-fitting candidates, and this shortlist is then shared directly with the hiring company. The final decision and next steps (interviews, assessments) are managed by their internal team.

We appreciate your interest and wish you the best!

#LI-CL1

Data Privacy Notice: By submitting your application, you acknowledge that Jobgether will process your personal data to evaluate your candidacy and share relevant information with the hiring employer. This processing is based on legitimate interest and pre-contractual measures under applicable data protection laws (including GDPR). You may exercise your rights (access, rectification, erasure, objection) at any time.