ML Engineer - Cape Town (Hybrid)

At OfferZen, we are seeking an experienced Machine Learning Engineer to join our dynamic team based in the heart of Cape Town. This hybrid role offers a fantastic opportunity to contribute to innovative projects that are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the tech landscape. If you're passionate about leveraging cutting-edge machine learning techniques to solve complex problems and have a solid background in software development, this could be the perfect next step in your career.

About the Role

This position is ideal for a self-motivated and skilled ML Engineer looking to make a significant impact. You will be instrumental in driving the development and deployment of new machine learning models and features. The role involves working at the forefront of technological advancement, collaborating with a talented group of professionals who are dedicated to innovation and excellence. Your contributions will directly shape the future of our products and services.

As an ML Engineer, you'll be tasked with taking concepts from ideation through to production-ready solutions. This includes designing robust machine learning pipelines, selecting appropriate algorithms, and ensuring the effective performance and scalability of the systems you build. You will also play a key role in fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement within the team by sharing your expertise and insights.

Your day-to-day responsibilities will be varied and engaging, requiring a blend of technical prowess and collaborative spirit. Key aspects of the role include:

• **Designing and Implementing ML Solutions:** Taking the lead in architecting and building new machine learning features and models from the ground up. This involves understanding business requirements and translating them into technical specifications.
• **Cross-functional Collaboration:** Working closely with product managers, data scientists, and other engineers to define project scope, prioritize tasks, and ensure alignment with overall business objectives.
• **Code Quality and Review:** Participating in code reviews, providing constructive feedback to peers, and ensuring that all code adheres to high standards of quality, efficiency, and maintainability.
• **Performance and Scalability:** Focusing on the optimisation of machine learning models and infrastructure to guarantee scalability and robust performance under various loads.
• **Mentorship:** Guiding and supporting junior members of the engineering team, sharing knowledge, and fostering their professional growth.

What They're Looking For

We are seeking an individual with a strong academic foundation and substantial practical experience. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or a closely related field, coupled with a minimum of three years of dedicated experience in software development with a focus on machine learning.

Essential technical proficiencies include:

• **Programming Expertise:** A deep understanding and practical experience with core programming languages such as Python, Java, and JavaScript.
• **Cloud Services:** Hands-on experience with major cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS) or Microsoft Azure, including deploying and managing ML workloads.
• **Machine Learning Fundamentals:** A solid grasp of machine learning algorithms, statistical modelling, and data processing techniques.
• **Problem-Solving Acumen:** Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail and a methodical approach to debugging and optimisation.

A successful candidate will not only possess the requisite technical skills but also demonstrate strong communication abilities and a proactive attitude towards tackling challenges. Experience with MLOps practices and tools would be a significant advantage.

Machine Learning Engineer roles in South Africa, particularly in hubs like Cape Town, can vary significantly in remuneration depending on experience and the specific industry. However, for someone with the skills and experience described, you might expect a competitive salary typically ranging from R50,000 to R80,000 or more per month, though this is a general indication. Common employers include tech startups, established software companies, financial institutions, and e-commerce businesses that are increasingly leveraging AI and ML. The career trajectory for an ML Engineer often involves progressing to Senior ML Engineer, Lead ML Engineer, or even venturing into AI research or management roles.

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or related field.
• 3+ years of experience in software development.
• Proficient in Java, JavaScript, and Python.
• Experience with cloud services (AWS, Azure).
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.