Job Description

Position: AI/ML Engineer
Listing Reference: woolw_001257
Location: Cape Town, South Africa
Contract Type: Permanent
Industry: FMCG, Retail, Wholesale, and Supply Chain
Application Deadline: 3 July 2025
Remuneration: Market Related

We’re hiring an experienced AI/ML Engineer to help deploy and manage machine learning models in real-world production environments. You’ll work closely with Data Scientists, Engineers, and business teams to ensure AI/ML models are scalable, reliable, and deliver measurable business value.

This role focuses on MLOps, automation, and system optimisation, ensuring machine learning workflows run smoothly across the business.

The Role

As an AI/ML Engineer, you will:

Model Deployment & Integration

• Deploy and manage machine learning models built by the Data Science team

• Integrate AI/ML models into production systems and enterprise applications

• Use AWS services like SageMaker, Lambda, Glue, S3, RDS for deployment

MLOps & Automation

• Build CI/CD pipelines for ML models

• Set up automated monitoring for model performance and drift detection

• Implement model versioning, automated retraining, and rollback strategies

Performance Optimisation

• Improve performance and scalability of ML pipelines

• Optimize inference workflows for cost and speed

• Monitor production models to ensure reliability and accuracy

Collaboration & Support

• Work with data engineers to align data pipelines with ML needs

• Partner with business teams to ensure model outcomes align with strategic goals

• Provide ongoing technical support for live models

Compliance & Governance

• Ensure AI/ML systems follow best practices in data privacy, security, and compliance

• Maintain strong documentation and version control

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field

• 4–5 years of experience operationalising AI/ML models in production

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Python and ML libraries (TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit-learn)

• Hands-on experience with:

  • AWS SageMaker, Lambda, Glue, S3, IAM, RDS

  • Containerization tools like Docker and orchestration with Kubernetes

  • CI/CD tools, version control (Git), and automated testing

• Knowledge of data engineering tools like Apache Spark and SQL

• Experience with both structured and unstructured data

• Understanding of cloud security, governance, and ML system compliance

Key Attributes

• Analytical mindset – strong problem-solving and optimisation skills

• Collaborative communicator – works well with technical and non-technical stakeholders

• Continuous learner – stays current with MLOps, automation tools, and AI advancements

• Innovative thinker – seeks new ways to improve AI model deployment and automation

• Adaptable – thrives in dynamic environments with multiple AI/ML projects

• Strong work ethic and alignment with company values

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a growing AI/ML team in one of South Africa’s top retailers

• Work with advanced AWS cloud technologies and cutting-edge machine learning systems

• Drive business impact through production-grade AI deployments

• Enjoy a collaborative, fast-paced, and innovation-driven culture