Senior Machine Learning and Java Engineer

ABOUT US

At DataEQ, we turn unstructured customer and public feedback into powerful, actionable insights! By combining cutting-edge AI with our unique human data labelling platform, we help some of South Africa’s top companies—like major banks, retailers, and insurers improve customer experiences, manage risk, and streamline digital services. Our innovative solutions make a real difference in industries that matter.

When you join DataEQ, you become part of a dynamic and diverse team of over 50 talented professionals, including data enthusiasts, analysts, and problem-solvers. We believe in fostering a collaborative and supportive environment where creativity and fresh ideas are encouraged. With our clients ranging from leading banks to major retail brands, your work here will directly impact businesses and customers alike.

If you’re passionate about data, excited by the prospect of solving complex challenges, and eager to grow in a fun, fast-paced environment, DataEQ is the perfect place for you. Join us in shaping the future of customer insights while building meaningful relationships with both clients and colleagues!

ABOUT THE JOB

We are looking for a senior machine learning and java engineer to join our development team. You'll work on building and improving our AI systems that process and analyse real-time data streams from various sources including social media, traditional media, and customer feedback channels.

The role involves developing and maintaining machine learning models that work alongside our crowdsourcing platform to provide intelligent data analysis and insights to our clients. You'll be working with real-time data processing, building scalable ML solutions, and implementing efficient data storage and retrieval systems. These are mostly simple classification tasks.

Our tech stack includes:

• Java and Spring Boot for backend services (this is our main software stack, and you will be doing non-ML work)
• PostgreSQL for data storage
• Modern JavaScript frameworks (React, Vue.js)
• Python for some portions of our ML stack

WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR  

• Strong experience in machine learning and AI systems 
• Solid backend development experience with Java 
• Someone who can run tests and maintain code
• Experience with LLM prompting
• Experience delivering projects from idea to production
• A curious, always learning personality
• Strong communication skills and ability to work with cross-functional teams
• Problem-solving skills and proactive attitude
• Regarding AI and ML: we are looking for a domain expert but not a domain owner. Other members of our team will be working on ML and ML-adjacent projects, and you yourself will sometimes be working on non-ML projects. 

We have a culture that encourages curiosity, innovation and freedom, but calls for intellect, emotional intelligence, and performance.

This is an incredibly exciting time to be joining DataEQ as we build out our unique data capabilities in SA and abroad.

Those with unusual career paths or career changes are encouraged to apply — if you believe your skills can help us accelerate our global growth, we want to hear from you.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE WORKING WITH US

If you join our team, DataEQ will support you at work and at play. We have a dynamic and inclusive company culture and we hire people who put their smarts and hearts into everything they do. We are a fully remote company where you will have the flexibility to manage your own time because we focus on outcomes over inputs. Whilst our team is located around the world, the bulk of our team is based in Johannesburg and Cape Town, South Africa. Should you be located in one of these cities and you enjoy interpersonal connection, we do offer various opportunities to interact in-person.

Our Jozi and Cape Town colleagues can enjoy our “Together Tuesdays” where we get together in a coworking space to enjoy the social engagement a few of us need. We also have monthly drinks to encourage less task-oriented discussions and more connection.

In addition to our flexible and remote working culture which we LOVE, we have many more reasons why you should join our team:

• A collaborative and nurturing company environment
• Generous annual leave
• Regular company status meetings to ensure everyone is aligned and working towards the same purpose
• Long-term service compensation after 5 years and 10 years
• Fully remote work environment with access to co-working space
• A birthday lie-in
• A solid work from home setup, which includes a contribution towards your WIFI expenses
• Compulsory Pension Fund and Group Life
• Optional Medical Aid 
• Personal development budget
• Regular team socials

NOTE TO APPLICANTS

We appreciate every application we receive and try to give each due consideration. We do receive many though, so please be patient in hearing back from us, and consider that your application has been unsuccessful should you not hear back from us within 14 days of applying.  To help us respond faster, please read the requirements carefully and ensure your application contains the details we need.  Incomplete applications won't be considered. 

Notice about the use of your Personal Information:

Please be advised that as part of our recruitment processes:

You acknowledge that collection of Personal Information is both necessary and requisite as a legal obligation that falls within the scope of execution of the legal functions and obligations of DataEQ in relation to assessing you and other applicants for the job position.

You unconditionally and irrevocably consent and authorize DataEQ to undertake the collection, processing, and further processing of your Personal Information by DataEQ, for the purposes of DataEQ’s general recruitment processes, for assessing your possible engagement with DataEQ.

Without derogating from the generality of the aforestated, you consent to DataEQ collecting and processing of Personal Information pursuant to the internet, and email policies in place, insofar as your Personal Information is contained, in relevant electronic communications.

You agree to absolve DataEQ from any liability in terms of the Protection of Personal Information Act (POPI), for failing to obtain your consent or to notify you of the reason for the processing of any of your Personal Information.  You agree to the disclosure of your Personal Information by DataEQ to any third party, where DataEQ has a legal or contractual duty to disclose such Personal Information. You further agree to the disclosure of your Personal Information for any reason enabling DataEQ to carry out or to comply with any business or legal obligation DataEQ may have or to pursue a legitimate interest of DataEQ, in order for DataEQ to assess you for the job position for which you are applying.

You consent and authorize DataEQ to transfer your Personal Information outside the Republic of South Africa for any legitimate business purpose of DataEQ within the international community and its donors or members. DataEQ undertakes not to transfer or disclose your Personal Information unless it is required for its legitimate business requirements and shall comply strictly with legislative stipulations in this regard.