Senior AI Engineer

Make an impact with NTT DATA
Join a company that is pushing the boundaries of what is possible. We are renowned for our technical excellence and leading innovations, and for making a difference to our clients and society. Our workplace embraces diversity and inclusion – it’s a place where you can grow, belong and thrive.

NTT DATA is seeking an experienced Senior AI/Machine Learning Engineer with a strong Generative AI focus to join our AI practice in Johannesburg. This role will play a key part in designing, building, and deploying applied AI and GenAI solutions for enterprise clients across the Middle East & Africa region.

The successful candidate will work across the full AI solution lifecycle—from data exploration and model development to deploying production-ready GenAI and machine learning solutions. The role requires a hands-on engineer who is comfortable working with modern AI technologies, particularly large language models (LLMs), while collaborating closely with business, engineering, and client stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Generative AI & Machine Learning Development

• Design and develop Generative AI solutions, including LLM-based applications
• Implement techniques such as prompt engineering, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and fine-tuning
• Develop and evaluate machine learning models across supervised, unsupervised, and NLP use cases
• Optimise model performance, reliability, and cost efficiency for enterprise environments

Data & Engineering Collaboration

• Work with structured and unstructured data sources (databases, APIs, documents, transcripts, logs)
• Collaborate with data engineers to support data ingestion, preparation, and transformation pipelines
• Ensure AI solutions are scalable, maintainable, and aligned with software engineering best practices

Deployment & Production

• Package and deploy AI and GenAI solutions into production (APIs, services, batch workflows)
• Support cloud-based deployments, primarily on Microsoft Azure, including Azure OpenAI and Azure AI services
• Apply MLOps and LLMOps practices such as versioning, monitoring, evaluation, and continuous improvement

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Translate business problems into effective AI and GenAI use cases
• Contribute to proofs of concept (POCs), pilots, and enterprise-scale implementations
• Support solution architects and senior AI leaders in client engagements and technical delivery

Qualification Requirements

• Postgraduate level qualification (Honours or Masters) in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, Economics or a related field
• Alternatively, equivalent practical experience delivering AI or machine learning solutions in enterprise environments

Required Skills

Core Technical Skills

• Strong proficiency in Python for AI and machine learning development
• Solid understanding of machine learning fundamentals and evaluation techniques
• Hands-on experience with ML frameworks such as scikit-learn, PyTorch, or TensorFlow
• Experience working with Generative AI and LLMs in practical use cases
• Strong data handling skills, including SQL and data querying
• Experience deploying models or AI services into production environments
• Experience with vector databases and embeddings (e.g., for RAG architectures)

Cloud & Platforms

• Experience with cloud platforms (Azure preferred; AWS or GCP acceptable)
• Familiarity with Azure OpenAI, Azure AI services, or similar GenAI platforms
• Experience building or consuming REST APIs and using containerisation tools such as Docker
• Exposure to MLOps / LLMOps tools and practices (e.g., MLflow, monitoring, CI/CD)

Experience & Profile

• 5–10 years of experience in AI, machine learning, or applied data science roles
• Demonstrated experience delivering real-world AI or GenAI solutions beyond experimentation
• Comfortable working in a hybrid, client-facing consulting environment
• Strong communication skills and a pragmatic, delivery-oriented mindset

Workplace type:

About NTT DATA
NTT DATA is a $30+ billion business and technology services leader, serving 75% of the Fortune Global 100. We are committed to accelerating client success and positively impacting society through responsible innovation. We are one of the world’s leading AI and digital infrastructure providers, with unmatched capabilities in enterprise-scale AI, cloud, security, connectivity, data centers and application services.  Our consulting and industry solutions help organizations and society move confidently and sustainably into the digital future. As a Global Top Employer, we have experts in more than 50 countries. We also offer clients access to a robust ecosystem of innovation centers as well as established and start-up partners. NTT DATA is part of NTT Group, which invests over $3 billion each year in R&D.

Equal Opportunity Employer
NTT DATA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer with a global culture that embraces diversity. We are committed to providing an environment free of unfair discrimination and harassment. We do not discriminate based on age, race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, religion, nationality, disability, pregnancy, marital status, veteran status, or any other protected category. Join our growing global team and accelerate your career with us. Apply today.

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