Principal Machine Learning Engineer - NLP

Our client, a trailblazer in AI & Emerging Technologies, is actively seeking a highly accomplished Principal Machine Learning Engineer specializing in Natural Language Processing (NLP) to join their esteemed team in Durban
. This senior position is designed for an individual who is passionate about leveraging AI to solve intricate language-related problems. You will play a crucial role in architecting, developing, and deploying sophisticated NLP models that power innovative applications. This role demands a deep understanding of NLP techniques, strong coding abilities, and a proven history of delivering impactful solutions. You will work alongside a team of brilliant minds in our Durban office, contributing to projects that redefine industry standards.

This is a fantastic opportunity to lead significant initiatives and influence the strategic direction of AI development.

• Design, develop, and implement state-of-the-art NLP models for tasks such as text classification, sentiment analysis, named entity recognition, machine translation, and question answering.
• Lead the end-to-end machine learning lifecycle, including data collection, feature engineering, model training, evaluation, and deployment.
• Architect scalable and robust machine learning systems for NLP applications.
• Collaborate with data scientists, software engineers, and product managers to define project scope and deliver effective solutions.
• Mentor and guide junior machine learning engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence and continuous learning.
• Stay current with the latest research and advancements in NLP and deep learning, identifying opportunities for innovation.
• Contribute to the strategic planning and roadmap for NLP initiatives within the company.
• Optimize model performance and resource utilization for production systems.

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Linguistics, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field with a focus on NLP.
• 10+ years of professional experience in machine learning, with a significant focus on NLP.
• Expertise in NLP techniques, including transformers, LSTMs, word embeddings, and language modeling.
• Proficiency in Python and deep learning frameworks like PyTorch, Tensor Flow, or Keras.
• Experience with NLP libraries such as NLTK, spaCy, or Hugging Face Transformers.
• Strong understanding of software development best practices, including version control (Git) and testing.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills.
• Proven ability to lead complex technical projects and mentor team members.

• Exceptional salary package and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous professional development budget for conferences, workshops, and certifications.
• Company-sponsored retirement plan.
• Collaborative and intellectually stimulating work environment in Durban
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• Opportunity to shape the future of NLP technologies.
• Paid time off and company holidays.