Junior AI/ML Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is a pioneering international organization established to foster the transition towards open market-oriented economies and to promote private and entrepreneurial initiative in countries from Central Europe to Central Asia. Founded in 1991, the EBRD operates in over 30 countries, employing thousands of professionals dedicated to making a positive impact in the regions they serve. The EBRD's mission is to support the development of a sustainable and inclusive economy, focusing on projects that enhance the quality of life and promote economic growth. The organization values inclusiveness, innovation, trust, and responsibility, which are integral to its operations and culture.

Job Overview:
As a Junior AI/ML Engineer, you will be stepping into a dynamic role that focuses on the development of advanced AI applications, including chatbots and retrieval-augmented generation (RAG) systems. This position is designed for individuals who are eager to learn and grow in the field of artificial intelligence and machine learning. You will work closely with experienced engineers, contributing to various stages of AI solution development, from data preparation and model testing to the implementation of deployment pipelines. The role emphasizes collaboration within agile teams, allowing you to sharpen your skills across the AI stack while engaging in hands-on engineering tasks. You will be responsible for writing clean and testable Python code, exploring cloud-native AI development, and supporting AI/ML delivery pipelines, all while adhering to best practices in MLOps and responsible AI.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Junior AI/ML Engineer will have a diverse set of responsibilities, including but not limited to: assisting in the design and implementation of AI solutions using Azure AI Services and Prompt Flow; writing clean, testable code and participating in peer code reviews; supporting the setup of automated testing and observability within CI/CD pipelines; contributing to the validation and tuning of models to ensure optimal performance and data quality; participating in agile ceremonies and contributing to backlog grooming and estimation; supporting the delivery of AI features in coordination with MLOps and Product teams; promoting engineering best practices and responsible AI standards; conducting technical spikes for new initiatives under guidance; and assisting with the deployment of training and inference pipelines to shared development environments.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must hold a degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline. A minimum of 2 years of experience working with Python is required. Applicants should demonstrate a foundational understanding of machine learning concepts, model lifecycle, and data processing principles. A basic understanding of software development principles, including unit and integration testing, is essential. Candidates should possess strong problem-solving and analytical thinking skills, be able to follow guidance, and apply structured approaches to technical challenges. Familiarity with Agile methodologies and collaborative development practices is also necessary, along with a basic understanding of version control systems and collaborative tools such as Git and Jira. Effective written and verbal communication skills are crucial, as is a proactive and curious attitude towards learning in a hands-on engineering environment.

Educational Background:
The ideal candidate will have a degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or Mathematics. This educational background provides the necessary foundation for understanding complex technical concepts and engaging in the development of AI/ML applications. Candidates with additional certifications or coursework in machine learning, data science, or software engineering will be viewed favorably.

Experience:
The position requires at least 2 years of experience working with Python, particularly in the context of AI/ML development. Candidates should have hands-on experience or academic exposure to machine learning workflows, including model training, evaluation, and tuning. Familiarity with cloud platforms such as Azure ML and tools like Prompt Flow is advantageous. Experience in collaborative environments and Agile methodologies will also be beneficial.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as it is the primary language of communication within the organization. Knowledge of additional languages may be considered an asset, particularly if they are relevant to the regions in which the EBRD operates.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position with a contract length that extends until January 31, 202

• The role is based in Sofia, Bulgaria, and offers a hybrid working environment that emphasizes flexibility and collaboration. The EBRD is committed to diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their background. The organization offers a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits and prioritizes employee wellbeing.