AI Research Engineer - Johannesburg (Hybrid)

About the Role

OfferZen is seeking an AI Research Engineer to join their Johannesburg-based team. This is a fantastic opportunity for a skilled individual to contribute to cutting-edge artificial intelligence projects. You will be instrumental in developing and implementing advanced AI solutions that push the boundaries of what's possible. The role offers a hybrid working model, blending the benefits of in-office collaboration with the flexibility of remote work, situated in the vibrant tech hub of Johannesburg.

As an AI Research Engineer, your primary focus will be on driving innovation through the application of artificial intelligence. You will be involved in the entire lifecycle of AI development, from conceptualisation and research to implementation and deployment.

Key responsibilities will include:

• **Research and Development:** Staying abreast of the latest advancements in AI and machine learning, and exploring their applicability to current and future projects. This involves conducting literature reviews, experimenting with new algorithms, and evaluating their performance.
• **Model Implementation:** Designing, building, and training machine learning models. This will likely involve working with large datasets, selecting appropriate model architectures, and optimising them for performance and accuracy.
• **Software Engineering:** Developing robust and scalable software systems to support AI functionalities. This requires strong programming skills and an understanding of software development best practices.
• **Collaboration:** Working closely with other engineers, data scientists, and product managers to understand project requirements, brainstorm solutions, and integrate AI components into larger systems.
• **Problem Solving:** Identifying and resolving complex technical challenges related to AI development, data processing, and model deployment.
• **Documentation and Knowledge Sharing:** Maintaining clear and comprehensive documentation for AI models, code, and research findings, and actively participating in knowledge-sharing sessions within the team.

What They're Looking For

To excel in this role, you'll need a strong academic background and practical experience in the field of artificial intelligence and software engineering. A Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a closely related quantitative field is essential.

Candidates should possess:

• A minimum of 2 years of hands-on experience in software development, with a significant portion dedicated to AI or machine learning projects.
• Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in AI research, such as Python. Experience with other relevant languages like Java would be an advantage.
• A deep understanding of fundamental algorithms and data structures, which are critical for efficient AI model development.
• Familiarity with machine learning frameworks and libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, scikit-learn).
• Experience in data preprocessing, feature engineering, and model evaluation techniques.
• A proactive and curious mindset, with a passion for continuous learning and exploring new AI technologies.
• Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities, with the capacity to work effectively in a team environment.

This role is ideal for an individual eager to make a tangible impact in the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence within a supportive and innovative company.

In South Africa, AI Research Engineer roles are increasingly in demand across various sectors, including technology, finance, and telecommunications. Salaries can vary significantly based on experience and the complexity of the work, but typically range from R500,000 to R900,000 per annum for mid-level to senior positions. Common employers include established tech firms, innovative startups, and research institutions. The career path often involves progression to Senior AI Engineer, Lead Data Scientist, or even AI Architect roles, with opportunities to specialise in areas like natural language processing, computer vision, or reinforcement learning.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field.
• 2+ years of experience in software development.
• Proficiency in Java and Python.
• Strong understanding of algorithms and data structures.