Senior Software Engineering Lead (AI/ML)

Placements24; Polokwane; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Job summary

Placements24 in Polokwane, Limpopo, is seeking a Senior Software Engineering Lead with AI/ML excellence to steer a high-impact technology team. You will architect scalable AI systems, guide product roadmaps, and mentor engineers across ML model development and deployment.

The role demands a PhD/Masters, 8+ years in software engineering, with 5+ in AI/ML leadership, strong Python/Java/C++ skills, and hands-on experience with TensorFlow, PyTorch, and cloud platforms.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in CS/AI/ML or related quantitative field.
• 8+ years in software engineering with 5+ years in AI/ML development and leadership.
• Strong programming in Python, Java or C++, and hands-on ML framework experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of software engineers in AI/ML model development and deployment.
• Architect scalable AI/ML solutions with emphasis on performance and reliability.
• Drive end-to-end lifecycle from ideation to production deployment.
• Collaborate with product managers and data scientists to define roadmaps.
• Implement best practices in MLOps, data governance, and software engineering.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Mentoring

Problem-solving

Education

Master's degree or PhD in CS/AI/ML

Tools

Python

Java

C++

TensorFlow

PyTorch

scikit-learn

Spark

Hadoop

AWS

Azure

GCP

MLOps

Job description

About the Role

Our client is seeking a highly accomplished Senior Software Engineering Lead with expertise in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML) to drive innovation within their technology division in Polokwane, Limpopo . This leadership role demands a visionary individual capable of guiding a team of talented engineers in the design, development, and deployment of sophisticated AI/ML solutions. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of machine learning algorithms, data science principles, and software development best practices. You will be responsible for architecting scalable AI systems, mentoring junior engineers, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver impactful products. This is a critical position for someone passionate about leveraging cutting-edge AI technologies to solve complex business problems and create intelligent applications. We are looking for a technical leader who can inspire, innovate, and execute, setting the technical direction for our AI initiatives. Your work will directly influence the future of our technological capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and mentor a team of software engineers in the design, development, and deployment of AI/ML models and applications. Architect scalable and robust AI/ML solutions, ensuring high performance and reliability. Drive the end-to-end lifecycle of AI/ML projects, from ideation and data collection to model training, evaluation, and production deployment. Collaborate with product managers, data scientists, and other stakeholders to define project requirements and technical roadmaps. Implement best practices in software engineering, MLOps, and data governance. Conduct code reviews, provide technical guidance, and foster a culture of technical excellence within the team. Stay abreast of the latest advancements in AI/ML research and industry trends. Identify opportunities for leveraging AI/ML to solve business challenges and enhance product offerings. Ensure the security, privacy, and ethical considerations of AI systems are addressed. Contribute to strategic planning and technical decision-making for the AI/ML roadmap.

Requirements

A Master's degree or PhD in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related quantitative field. A minimum of 8 years of experience in software engineering, with at least 5 years focused on AI/ML development and a proven track record of leading technical teams. Strong proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Java, or C++. Extensive experience with machine learning frameworks and libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn). Deep understanding of various ML algorithms, statistical modeling, and data mining techniques. Experience with cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP) and MLOps practices. Excellent architectural design and problem-solving skills. Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities. Proven ability to manage complex projects and deliver results in a fast-paced environment. Experience with big data technologies (e.g., Spark, Hadoop) is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly competitive salary and an excellent benefits package, reflecting the seniority and critical nature of this role. You will have the opportunity to work on challenging and innovative AI/ML projects at the forefront of technology in Polokwane . This position offers significant career advancement opportunities, exposure to cutting-edge technologies, and the chance to lead impactful initiatives.