Lead AI Engineer

About

Our client is at the forefront of innovation and is seeking a highly skilled and visionary Lead AI Engineer to join our cutting‑edge research and development team in Akure, Ondo, NG. This critical role involves spearheading the design, development, and implementation of advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning solutions that will shape the future of our products and services. The Lead AI Engineer will be responsible for architecting robust AI systems, leading a team of talented engineers, and driving technical strategy in areas such as natural language processing, computer vision, predictive analytics, and reinforcement learning. You will collaborate closely with product managers, data scientists, and software engineers to translate complex business problems into scalable AI‑driven solutions. The ideal candidate will possess a deep theoretical understanding of AI/ML algorithms, a strong practical background in building and deploying production‑ready models, and a proven ability to mentor and guide junior team members. Responsibilities include selecting appropriate AI/ML frameworks and tools, designing efficient data pipelines, and ensuring the performance, scalability, and ethical deployment of AI models. This hybrid role requires a balance of on‑site collaboration for strategic discussions and team building, with remote flexibility for deep technical work and development. We are looking for an innovative thinker with a passion for pushing the boundaries of AI and a track record of delivering impactful AI‑powered products or features. Your expertise in MLOps and model deployment will be highly valued.

Location

Akure, Ondo, NG (Hybrid work environment)

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of advanced AI and Machine Learning models.
• Architect and build scalable AI systems and data pipelines.
• Mentor and guide a team of AI/ML engineers and data scientists.
• Define the technical roadmap and strategy for AI initiatives.
• Collaborate with cross‑functional teams to identify and solve complex business problems using AI.
• Select appropriate AI/ML algorithms, tools, and frameworks.
• Ensure the performance, scalability, and ethical considerations of AI solutions.
• Conduct research on emerging AI technologies and techniques.
• Oversee the implementation of MLOps practices for efficient model lifecycle management.
• Communicate complex technical concepts to both technical and non‑technical stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related quantitative field.
• Extensive experience in developing and deploying AI/ML models in production environments.
• Proven leadership experience managing AI/ML engineering teams.
• Deep understanding of various AI/ML algorithms (e.g., deep learning, NLP, computer vision, reinforcement learning).
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, and ML libraries (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch, Scikit‑learn).
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP) and MLOps tools.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities.
• Experience with big data technologies is a plus.
• Ability to thrive in a hybrid work environment.