Principal, AI/ML Engineer

Job Posting Organization:
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is a pioneering international financial institution established in 199

• The EBRD's mission is to foster the transition to open market-oriented economies and promote private and entrepreneurial initiative in countries from Central Europe to Central Asia and the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean. The organization operates in over 30 countries and employs thousands of professionals dedicated to supporting economic development and investment in the regions it serves. The EBRD is committed to sustainability, inclusiveness, and innovation, ensuring that its operations contribute positively to the economies and communities it engages with.

Job Overview:
The Principal, AI/ML Engineer plays a crucial role in leading the design, delivery, and continuous improvement of AI and ML solutions within the EBRD. This position requires a blend of strong technical leadership and a focus on delivering scalable and reliable solutions that align with the Bank's broader AI strategy and long-term objectives. The Principal will work closely with various squads, ensuring that engineering activities are aligned with the strategic vision set by the AI Capability Lead. The role involves shaping technical approaches for AI/ML systems, contributing to the development of reference architectures, and ensuring that best practices in observability and incident management are adopted. The Principal will also mentor engineers, engage with senior stakeholders, and maintain an understanding of commodity AI solutions while ensuring security" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">security and governance guardrails are applied.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Principal, AI/ML Engineer is responsible for leading the definition and execution of AI/ML engineering direction across multiple squads. Key responsibilities include shaping technical approaches for AI/ML systems, conducting technical discovery activities, supporting design reviews, guiding squads in best practices, and engaging with stakeholders. The role also involves leading the design and delivery of AI/ML solutions, overseeing the end-to-end AI/ML lifecycle, promoting modern AI techniques, and ensuring quality assurance through appropriate testing and validation approaches. Additionally, the Principal will implement MLOps practices, oversee production AI systems, contribute to the evolution of AI/ML architecture, and ensure ethical AI principles are embedded in solution design.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must hold a degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or a related technical field, or possess equivalent industry experience with a strong focus on AI and ML systems. Significant hands-on experience in developing and delivering production-grade AI/ML solutions within cloud environments, particularly Azure, is essential. Proven ability to design, implement, and support resilient AI/ML solutions in production environments is required. Candidates should demonstrate strong practical experience with Azure-based AI services, modern machine learning approaches, and MLOps practices. Proficiency in Python and common machine learning frameworks is also necessary, along with experience in designing APIs and building microservices.

Educational Background:
A degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or a related technical field is required. Equivalent industry experience may also be considered. The educational background should emphasize a strong focus on AI and ML systems, ensuring candidates have the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for the role.

Experience:
Candidates should have significant hands-on experience in developing and delivering production-grade AI/ML solutions, particularly within cloud environments such as Azure. Experience in designing, implementing, and supporting resilient AI/ML solutions in production settings is crucial. Familiarity with cloud platforms like Azure and AWS, as well as experience in supporting and maintaining cloud-based infrastructure, is highly desirable.

Languages:
Fluency in spoken and written English is mandatory, as the role requires effective communication across diverse and multicultural teams. The ability to tailor messages to both technical and non-technical stakeholders is essential. Additional language skills may be beneficial but are not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
This position is a full-time role with a fixed-term contract lasting three years. The EBRD promotes a hybrid and flexible working environment, encouraging collaboration at least three days a week in person. The organization values diversity and inclusiveness, ensuring equal opportunities for all qualified candidates regardless of their background. The EBRD also prioritizes employee wellbeing and offers a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits.