AI Principle Engineer

3 days ago


South Africa MyComplianceOffice Full time R1 200 000 - R2 400 000 per year


About the Role

We are seeking an accomplished AI Principal Engineer to lead the design, development, and optimisation of advanced AI and machine learning solutions. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in building and deploying Large Language Model (LLM) applications at scale, with deep expertise in Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), vector search, embeddings, and cloud-based MLOps practices.

This role requires a strategic thinker who can set technical direction, drive innovation, and ensure alignment with organisational goals. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams, mentor engineers, and champion responsible, ethical AI practices across the organisation.

ResponsibilitiesDesign, develop, and maintain LLM-based application components across multiple projects, with a strong emphasis on Python programming.Optimise AI and machine learning models for performance, cost, and reliability at scale.Build and maintain data pipelines and backend interfaces to support AI/ML workflows, leveraging tools such as Python and Snowflake where appropriate.Set the technical direction for AI engineering, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and technology roadmaps.Lead and mentor AI engineering teams, fostering a culture of innovation, technical excellence, and knowledge sharing.Collaborate with product managers, compliance teams, and business stakeholders to define and deliver impactful AI solutions.Champion responsible AI practices, ensuring solutions are ethical, explainable, and compliant with regulatory and organisational standards.Evaluate emerging AI technologies and frameworks, recommending adoption where they add value.Troubleshoot, debug, and upgrade AI/ML systems to ensure high performance and responsiveness.Participate in code reviews to uphold high-quality coding standards and promote knowledge sharing within the team.
Experiences and Skills10–15 years of experience developing enterprise-scale systemsProven experience developing and delivering LLM applicationsDemonstratable experience working with responsible AI frameworksDemonstrated expertise in designing and deploying RAG solutions, vector search, and embedding techniques.Advanced proficiency in Python, with a track record of writing clean, maintainable, and efficient code.Solid understanding of database technologies, including both relational (RDBMS) and non-relational systems, with experience in data migration and optimisation.Proficient in using modern code versioning tools such as Git.Exceptional problem-solving abilities and a strong capacity to deliver results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with experience working closely with developers, product owners, and product managers.Experience mentoring team members and contributing to the development of best practices within AI engineering teams.
About MCO (MyComplianceOffice)

MCO is a global leader dedicated to empowering Financial Services firms to manage compliance programs with ease and efficiency. Our mission is to foster a fair, transparent, and trusted financial environment worldwide by helping organizations meet their regulatory obligations to society.

At the heart of MCO's offering is our unique, unified platform, which seamlessly integrates compliance monitoring and data into a single, comprehensive view. This holistic approach enables firms to maintain compliance across all internal systems, structures, and processes—ensuring peace of mind in an ever-evolving regulatory landscape.

Headquartered in Dublin, MCO has an international footprint, with offices in London, Singapore, Hyderabad, New York, Chicago, Fort Worth, Switzerland, South Africa, Slovenia, and the UAE. Since our founding in 2008, we have evolved from a specialist provider of "best of breed" employee compliance solutions to a pioneer in integrated compliance technology.

In recent years, MCO has rapidly expanded its product suite by tripling investment in internal development and acquiring four innovative companies: Pythagoras, Fairwords, Schwab Compliance Technologies and Governor Software. These strategic moves have strengthened our capabilities in regulatory governance, third-party management, and communications compliance.

Today, our team of over 400 professionals supports more than 1.5 million users in 128 countries. Our diverse customer base includes small businesses, large enterprises, four of the world's top ten asset managers, twenty of the top seventy-five global banks, and three of the top five investment banks for global M&A transactions.

Driven by ambition and innovation, MCO is excited to lead the industry forward with our comprehensive suite of integrated compliance solutions—helping clients scale new heights with confidence.



  • South Africa Pavago Full time R500 000 - R1 200 000 per year

    Job Title: Full-Stack AI EngineerPosition Type: Full-Time, RemoteWorking Hours: U.S. client business hours (with flexibility for model deployments, experimentation cycles, and sprint schedules)About the Role:Our client is seeking a Full-Stack AI Engineer to design, build, and deploy AI-powered applications. This role requires bridging software engineering...


  • George, South Africa Pure Placements (PTY) LTD Full time

    Role: AI/ML EngineerLocation: Remote (Western Cape, South Africa - preferably in the Garden Route)Salary: Negotiable, based on experience Are you a passionate AI Engineer who thrives on building robust, scalable machine learning solutions from the ground up? Do you want to be at the forefront of enabling businesses to harness the power of AI? We’re looking...

  • AI Engineer

    3 days ago


    Cape Town or Johannesburg, South Africa (Remote) Elixirr Digital Full time R1 200 000 - R2 400 000 per year

    Are you passionate about leveraging AI to transform global industries? Do you have a proven track record of working with LLMs and building agentic solutions?Join Elixirr Digital as an AI Engineer, where you will drive innovation and help shape the future of intelligent systems for clients across industries like banking, insurance, healthcare,...

  • AI Engineer

    1 day ago


    Cape Town or Johannesburg, South Africa (Hybrid) Elixirr Digital Full time R120 000 - R250 000 per year

    Are you passionate about leveraging AI to transform global industries? Do you have a proven track record of working with LLMs and building agentic solutions?Join Elixirr Digital as an AI Engineer, where you will drive innovation and help shape the future of intelligent systems for clients across industries like banking, insurance, healthcare,...


  • South Africa Somewhere Full time US$80 000 - US$120 000 per year

    Front-End AI Software DeveloperLocation: South AfricaSalary Range: USDRole Description:The Front-End AI Software Developer is responsible for building intuitive, responsive, and high-performance user interfaces that integrate seamlessly with AI-powered backends and APIs. This role bridges the gap between AI functionality and user experience, ensuring that...


  • South Africa Somewhere Full time R80 000 - R120 000 per year

    AI Graphic DesignerLocation: South AfricaSalary Range: USDRole Description:The AI Graphic Designer is responsible for creating high-quality visual assets using a combination of traditional design tools and AI-powered platforms. This role blends creative design skills with the technical know-how to generate, edit, and refine graphics using tools like Adobe...

  • Lead AI Engineer

    3 days ago


    Cape Town or Johannesburg, South Africa (Remote) Elixirr Digital Full time R1 200 000 - R2 400 000 per year

    Are you passionate about leveraging AI to transform global industries? Do you have a proven track record of working with LLMs and building agentic solutions?Join Elixirr Digital as a Lead AI Engineer, where you will drive innovation and help shape the future of intelligent systems for clients across industries like banking, insurance, healthcare,...

  • AI Specialists

    1 day ago


    Sandton, South Africa Boardroom Appointments Full time R100 000 - R300 000 per year

    AI and Machine Learning Development:Design, develop, and deploy AI/ML models and algorithms to solve complex business problems.Conduct exploratory data analysis to identify trends, patterns, and insights relevant to decision-making.Develop predictive and prescriptive models to support strategic planning and operational improvements.Apply decision science...


  • South Africa Activate Talent Full time R120 000 - R240 000 per year

    Role: AI-Powered Product Development & Creative Operations CoordinatorLocation: 100% RemoteSchedule: Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm PSTAbout the clientA vibrant lifestyle brand known for its bold, nostalgic aesthetic and playful character-led designs. The company offers a wide array of accessories, tech gear, beauty items, and collaborative product lines...

  • AI Architect

    7 days ago


    Cape Town, South Africa iOCO Pty Ltd Full time

    At iOCO, we are passionate about enabling digital transformation through intelligent technology solutions. We’re seeking a Mid-Level AI Architect / Product Manager to play a key role in developing, managing, and optimizing AI-driven products and solutions. You will collaborate across teams to deliver impactful, scalable AI initiatives that align with...