Senior Machine Learning Engineer Jobs in South Africa

A Senior Machine Learning Engineer is needed in Sandton to design, build, deploy and support enterprise-scale Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI solutions, through Datonomy Solutions (Cape Town). The contract, senior-level role is strongly focused on taking AI and ML solutions from prototype through deployment, scaling, monitoring and production support.

About the company and the work

Datonomy Solutions is an end-to-end provider of Enterprise Information Management Services, Enterprise Software Solutions and custom-developed specialised systems. The successful candidate will work extensively across Databricks, Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), Kubernetes, Docker, MLflow and MLOps environments, partnering closely with Data Scientists, Cloud Engineers, Platform Teams, Security Teams and business stakeholders.

Role details

• Design, build, deploy and support production-grade Machine Learning and AI solutions.
• Productionise Machine Learning models and Data Science pipelines using Databricks.
• Develop and deploy Generative AI applications, AI agents and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) solutions.
• Build reusable Machine Learning pipelines and frameworks using MLOps principles.
• Implement CI/CD, automated testing, model monitoring, governance and deployment automation.
• Deploy and optimise open-source Machine Learning and Large Language Models within Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS).
• Develop and support REST APIs and microservices that expose AI and Machine Learning capabilities to enterprise applications.
• Build scalable containerised solutions using Docker and Kubernetes.
• Implement and maintain Databricks Workflows, MLflow, Model Serving and Mosaic AI solutions.
• Monitor models for performance degradation, model drift, reliability and operational health.
• Troubleshoot production issues across models, ML pipelines, APIs, GenAI applications and supporting systems.
• Optimise AI and ML platforms for performance, scalability, reliability and cost efficiency.
• Collaborate with Data Scientists to convert models and prototypes into business-ready production solutions.
• Partner with Cloud, Infrastructure, Security and Platform Engineering teams to ensure solutions comply with enterprise standards.
• Contribute to reusable engineering frameworks, standards and best practices across the AI and Machine Learning team.
• Mentor junior engineers and support knowledge sharing within the engineering team.

The advert lists this as a Contract, Senior position in Sandton. The salary is R100,000 – R130,000 per month. The job reference is 872, posted on 26 October 2026, with an expiry of 10 days from posting as shown on CareerJunction.

Requirements

The core technical requirements listed include strong hands-on experience in Python, SQL, Databricks, Databricks Workflows, MLflow, Databricks Model Serving, Mosaic AI, Microsoft Azure, Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), Kubernetes, Docker, REST API development, microservices, CI/CD, MLOps, Machine Learning, Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), AI Agents, Spark and distributed computing, cloud-native AI/ML platforms, monitoring and observability, and infrastructure automation.

Required experience includes building, deploying and supporting Machine Learning solutions in production environments; MLOps, DevOps and software engineering practices within AI/ML environments; Python with SQL and API development; Databricks, MLflow and Model Serving; Kubernetes, Docker and containerised application deployment; deploying Machine Learning and/or Generative AI workloads onto AKS; CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure automation and production monitoring; Spark or other distributed and large-scale data processing technologies; practical understanding of LLMs, RAG architectures, Generative AI and AI agents; taking AI or Machine Learning use cases from development through to production deployment and support; working collaboratively with Data Scientists and engineering teams; strong troubleshooting skills across applications, APIs, ML pipelines and cloud platforms; and the ability to translate technical solutions into measurable business outcomes.

A relevant tertiary qualification is listed in Computer Science, Engineering, Econometrics, Mathematical Statistics, Actuarial Science, or a related discipline. A Master’s or Doctorate would be advantageous. Preferred certifications include Microsoft Azure certifications such as AZ-104, AZ-305 or AI-102; Databricks Data Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer or Generative AI Engineer; Kubernetes certifications such as CKA or CKAD; DevOps, MLOps or Platform Engineering certifications; AWS or Google Cloud certifications; and recognised Machine Learning, AI or Data Science certifications.

Where to find and apply safely

Apply through the original CareerJunction advert linked from this page. Use the Apply button, which points to the original listing, and follow the instructions there. Do not pay anyone for this job, and do not share passwords or banking details with anyone claiming to offer the role. If a message asks for a fee, treat it as a warning sign and check the original advert again.

Practical tips

• Highlight production ML and GenAI work, especially Databricks, MLflow, AKS, Kubernetes and Docker.
• Give examples of taking models from prototype to production, including monitoring, drift and troubleshooting.
• Show MLOps, CI/CD and API work, and any relevant Azure, Databricks or Kubernetes certification.
• Describe measurable business outcomes from AI or ML solutions you have delivered.

How the process works

After you apply through the original advert, the recruiter or employer reviews applications against the stated requirements. Shortlisted candidates are usually contacted for further discussion or assessment, while other applicants may not hear back. Keep a copy of your application and note the job reference 872 when you follow up.

Important information

Confirm salary and contract details directly from the original advert or the recruiter before accepting an offer. This post is a summary for job seekers; the original CareerJunction advert is the authoritative source for the role, requirements and closing details.

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