Lead AI Engineer - Natural Language Processing

About the Role Our client, a rapidly growing technology firm, is seeking a highly experienced Lead AI Engineer specializing in Natural Language Processing (NLP) to spearhead their NLP initiatives. This demanding role is based at our state-of-the-art facility in Kisumu, Kenya . You will lead a team of talented engineers and researchers in designing, developing, and deploying advanced NLP models and applications. This position requires a blend of strong technical expertise, leadership capabilities, and a passion for innovation in AI. The successful candidate will be instrumental in shaping the company's NLP strategy and driving the creation of intelligent language-based solutions that solve real-world problems. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a significant impact in a key area of artificial intelligence. Key Responsibilities Lead the design, development, and implementation of NLP models and algorithms, including sentiment analysis, topic modeling, machine translation, and chatbots. Oversee the entire NLP project lifecycle, from data collection and preprocessing to model deployment and monitoring. Manage and mentor a team of NLP engineers and data scientists, fostering a collaborative and high-performance culture. Architect scalable and robust NLP systems that can handle large volumes of text data. Collaborate closely with product managers and other stakeholders to define NLP project requirements and deliverables. Evaluate and select appropriate NLP tools, libraries, and technologies for project needs. Stay current with the latest research and advancements in NLP and machine learning. Ensure the quality, performance, and ethical considerations of deployed NLP solutions. Contribute to the strategic vision for NLP within the organization. Requirements Master's degree or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Computational Linguistics, Artificial Intelligence, or a related quantitative field. Extensive experience in developing and deploying NLP models using frameworks like TensorFlow, PyTorch, or spaCy. Proven experience leading technical teams and managing complex AI projects. Deep understanding of NLP techniques such as recurrent neural networks (RNNs), transformers, and attention mechanisms. Proficiency in Python and relevant NLP libraries (e.g., NLTK, Gensim, Hugging Face). Strong experience with data preprocessing, feature engineering, and model evaluation for text data. Excellent problem-solving, analytical, and communication skills. Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, collaborative environment in Kisumu . Experience with cloud platforms and MLOps practices is highly desirable. Benefits Highly competitive salary and performance-based bonuses. Comprehensive medical and dental coverage. Generous annual leave and public holidays. Opportunities for continuous learning and professional growth, including conference attendance. A dynamic and innovative work environment at our Kisumu office. Access to cutting-edge AI research and development resources. Engage in challenging projects that push the boundaries of NLP technology. Be a key player in shaping the future of language-based AI.