ML Engineer

Join Badger SA as an ML Engineer (Conversational AI and AI Agents)

Location: George, Western Cape (On-site)
Job Type: Permanent
Start Date: Negotiable

Role overview

Are you passionate about cutting-edge AI? Do you dream of building systems that think, learn, and engage like humans? Badger Holdings is on a bold digital transformation journey, and we’re looking for an exceptional ML Engineer to lead the charge in Conversational AI and AI-driven automation.

You’ll drive innovation in customer engagement and internal process automation, delivering intelligent, scalable, and ethically sound AI systems that unlock real organisational capacity.

Core purpose

Design, build, and continuously enhance conversational AI systems and automation agents that:

• Align with strategic business goals
• Improve customer and user experiences
• Streamline operations and workflows
• Deliver measurable efficiency and capacity gains

Key responsibilities

Conversational AI and automation development

• Design and maintain scalable chatbots and AI workflow agents
• Leverage NLP to drive natural, effective conversations
• Build and iterate on AI solutions that automate internal processes

Integration and operational efficiency

• Seamlessly connect AI tools with CRM platforms (e.g., HubSpot, Salesforce), messaging systems (e.g., WhatsApp via Infobip/Clickatell), and backend workflows
• Enable automation across self-service portals, Microsoft Copilot, and internal ops systems

Innovation and technical support

• Drive technical exploration of new AI applications
• Provide AI integration support to teams across the business
• Resolve system issues quickly and effectively

Collaboration and stakeholder engagement

• Work closely with business units to define AI requirements
• Translate technical insights for non-technical audiences
• Facilitate adoption through workshops and training

Governance and compliance

• Ensure AI solutions comply with POPIA, GDPR, and internal standards
• Conduct regular audits to maintain fairness, transparency, and performance

Training and documentation

• Produce clear technical and user-facing documentation
• Lead internal sessions to enhance AI literacy and adoption

Ideal candidate profile

Requirements

• Hands-on experience with production-level conversational AI and automation tools
• Expert in NLP, Python, and frameworks like GPT APIs, Rasa, Microsoft Bot Framework, Dialogflow
• Proven ability to integrate AI with messaging platforms, CRMs, and internal tools
• Experience deploying to cloud platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP)
• Familiar with APIs, MLOps, agile development, and backend integration

Personal traits

• Transparent, ethical, and collaborative
• Technically curious and solutions-oriented
• Resilient in fast-paced environments
• Strong communicator across technical and non-technical audiences
• Aligned with Badger’s mission of “providing soft landings through tech-enabled, customer-centric experiences.”

Core competencies

• Conversational AI and automation expertise: Deep knowledge of NLP and AI agent architecture
• Integration and automation mastery: Skilled in APIs, backend integration, and workflow tools
• Innovative thinking: Proven track record of building impactful AI solutions
• Stakeholder communication: Able to influence and educate across business functions
• Governance knowledge: Committed to ethical, compliant AI development

Ready to join an ambitious, innovation-led organisation? Submit you’re application today!

The position will be filled in line with the Badger culture, values and Employment Equity policy and plan. Preference will be given to members of designated groups that are under-represented.

Posted on 16 May 14:36, Closing date 14 Jun