Junior AI/ML Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is a pioneering international organization established to support the development of market economies and promote private and entrepreneurial initiatives in countries across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Founded in 1991, the EBRD has grown to employ thousands of professionals and operates in over 30 countries. The organization is committed to fostering sustainable development, inclusivity, and innovation in the regions it serves, making a significant impact on the lives of people and communities.

Job Overview:
As a Junior AI/ML Engineer at EBRD, you will be at the forefront of applied artificial intelligence, contributing to the development of innovative AI applications such as chatbots and retrieval-augmented generation systems. This role is designed for individuals eager to learn and grow within the AI field, providing hands-on experience in building AI solutions using Azure AI tools, Prompt Flow, and vector search technologies. You will work closely with experienced engineers, gaining exposure to various aspects of AI development, including data preparation, model testing, and deployment pipelines. The position emphasizes collaboration within agile teams, allowing you to sharpen your skills across the AI stack while contributing to real-world AI solutions. Your responsibilities will include writing clean and testable Python code, supporting AI/ML delivery pipelines, and adhering to responsible AI practices. This role serves as an excellent launchpad for those looking to advance their careers in scalable, secure, and ethical AI development.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Junior AI/ML Engineer will assist in the development of AI/ML applications, focusing on tasks such as application design, data preparation, and model testing. Key responsibilities include:

• Assisting in building 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 model validation and tuning to ensure 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.
• Assisting with the deployment of training and inference pipelines in shared development environments.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates should hold a degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline. A foundational understanding of machine learning concepts, model lifecycle, and data processing principles is essential. Additionally, candidates should demonstrate problem-solving skills, analytical thinking, and the ability to follow guidance in technical challenges. Familiarity with Agile methodologies and collaborative development practices is required, along with basic knowledge of version control systems like Git. Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, are necessary for documenting work clearly. Candidates should also exhibit curiosity and a proactive attitude towards learning in a hands-on engineering environment.

Educational Background:
A degree in a relevant field such as Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or Mathematics is required for this position. This educational background provides the necessary foundation for understanding complex AI/ML concepts and practices, which are critical for success in this role.

Experience:
The position requires at least 2 years of experience working with Python, demonstrating a foundational understanding of machine learning concepts and software development principles. Candidates should have hands-on experience or academic exposure to Python for data science or AI/ML development, as well as familiarity with model development workflows, including training and evaluation.

Languages:
Proficiency in English is mandatory, as effective communication is crucial in this role. Additional languages may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position with a fixed-term contract lasting 3 years. The role is based in Sofia, Bulgaria, and offers a hybrid workplace model that emphasizes flexibility and connectedness. The EBRD values diversity and encourages applications from all qualified candidates, ensuring an inclusive environment. The organization also prioritizes employee wellbeing and offers a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits.