Machine Learning & AI Developer (iOCO0112) at iOCO

Job Description

• We are seeking a highly skilled ML & AI Developer to join our growing Data & AI team. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing, developing, deploying, and maintaining machine learning and AI solutions that deliver measurable business value. This role requires a strong engineering mindset, hands-on experience with machine learning production environments, and the ability to work independently with stakeholders across the business.
• The ideal candidate will have experience building scalable AI and machine learning solutions, implementing MLOps best practices, and working with modern cloud-based data and AI platforms.

What you'll do:

• Design, develop, and deploy end-to-end machine learning solutions into production environments.
• Build and maintain scalable batch and real-time AI/ML pipelines.
• Develop, train, evaluate, and optimize machine learning models to solve business challenges.
• Collaborate with business stakeholders, data engineers, data scientists, and technology teams to translate requirements into production-ready AI solutions.
• Implement and manage MLOps practices including model deployment, monitoring, versioning, testing, and retraining.
• Build and maintain CI/CD pipelines for machine learning workflows.
• Develop and optimize large-scale data processing pipelines using Python, SQL, Spark, and PySpark.
• Deploy and manage machine learning solutions using Azure AI and data platform technologies.
• Monitor model performance, drift, and reliability to ensure ongoing business value and operational stability.
• Contribute to AI governance, security, and best practices across the organization.
• Research and evaluate emerging AI technologies and recommend innovative solutions.

Your Expertise:

• 5+ years of experience in Machine Learning Engineering, AI Engineering, Data Science, or a related field.
• Proven experience delivering end-to-end machine learning solutions in production environments.
• Experience designing, deploying, and supporting scalable AI and machine learning applications.
• Experience working with large datasets and distributed data processing frameworks.
• Experience with Generative AI solutions.
• Exposure to Large Language Models (LLMs).
• Experience with Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) architectures.
• Experience with vector databases and semantic search solutions.
• Experience integrating AI services into enterprise applications.
• Azure AI and Machine Learning certifications.

Qualifications:

• Degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Information Systems, or a related field.
• Relevant Azure, Machine Learning, AI, or Databricks certifications would be advantageous.

Technical Skills

• Strong proficiency in Python.
• Strong SQL skills.
• Hands-on experience with Spark and/or PySpark.
• Experience implementing MLOps practices and frameworks.
• Experience with CI/CD pipelines for machine learning solutions.
• Experience with MLflow, Kubeflow, or similar MLOps platforms.
• Experience with containerization technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes.
• Strong experience with the Azure AI and Data ecosystem, including:
• Azure Machine Learning
• Azure Databricks
• Azure Data Factory
• Experience building both batch and real-time inference solutions.
• Understanding of model monitoring, model governance, and operationalization of machine learning solutions.

Personal Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to operate independently and take ownership of solutions.
• Strong collaboration skills and ability to work across multidisciplinary teams.
• Continuous learning mindset and passion for emerging AI technologies.

Other information applicable to the opportunity:

• Contract position
• Location: Johannesburg