Principal Engineer

Working at Critical is more than just a career choice, is more than a business: we're a community with a strong sense of purpose, values, and togetherness. Our engineering excellence ensures that we are a trusted partner to some of the world's leading companies in markets such as Finance, Aerospace, Railway, Medical Systems, Energy, Manufacturing, and many more.

We are always on the lookout for bright and ambitious individuals to join us.

We are currently seeking a dynamic Principal AI Engineer.

The ideal candidate will play a dual role in both technical leadership and client engagement in the AI field. You will lead the design, development, and deployment of advanced AI systems while also supporting the sales team in pre-sales activities. Your role will involve hands-on technical work, strategic leadership, and direct interaction with clients to understand their needs and propose tailored AI solutions.

In this role, you will be supported by a dedicated team based in Germany and Portugal, equipped to aid your success and bolster our rapid growth. At Critical we deliver software solutions and consulting in complex, business critical environments aimed at assisting our clients in achieving their business objectives through cutting-edge software solutions.

Are you the visionary Principal AI Engineer we are searching for?

What do we expect from you?

• Pre-Sales Support: Collaborate with the sales team to understand client requirements, support the preparation of proposals, and present AI solutions. Communicate technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders, ensuring a clear understanding of AI projects and their impact.
• Technical Leadership: Oversee the end-to-end lifecycle of AI projects, from conceptualization to production.
• Solution Design: Design and architect AI solutions that meet client needs and align with business goals.
• Client Engagement: Engage with clients to gather requirements, conduct demos, and provide technical expertise during the sales process.
• Responsible AI Governance: Ensure that all AI solutions comply with industry regulations, ethical standards, and company policies related to responsible AI development and deployment.
• AI Research & Innovation: Conduct cutting-edge research into emerging AI technologies and trends, evaluating their potential impact and integration into our AI solutions to provide a competitive edge.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with product management, engineering, data science, and other departments to deliver AI solutions that align with clients' objectives and business needs.
• External Relationships: Build and maintain partnerships with research organizations, academic institutions, and funding agencies to stay ahead of industry advancements and foster innovation opportunities.​

What makes you a good candidate for this role?

• Education: Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, AI, Machine Learning, or a related field.
• Experience: 8+ years of experience in software engineering, with at least 5 years in AI/ML and pre-sales roles.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and other AI frameworks. Strong understanding of machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing (NLP).
• Sales Acumen: Experience in pre-sales activities, including client presentations, proposal preparation, and requirement gathering.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Language Skills: Fluent in English.

What can you expect from us?

• A challenging environment where you can thrive, both personally and professionally
• A real possibility of impacting the lives of millions of people while working in the most critical industries
• The opportunity to make the difference while participating in social initiatives
• Work-life balance: flexible work policies designed to fit your life around your career at Critical
• Fringe Benefits and Wellbeing especially planned to support you and those who are important to you
• Modern and cozy offices that will make you feel just like home.

Critical Software is proud to be a Benefit Corporation. A Benefit Corporation differs from a standard corporation (C-Corporation): It is a for-profit business entity, legally defined in the US and other jurisdictions, whose legally defined goals include the positive impact on society, workers, the community and the environment, in addition to profit.

We are an equal opportunity workplace and committed to allow candidates with disabilities or neurodevelopmental conditions to prove their competencies to their full potential. We are willing to move the barriers that may prevent you from demonstrating that you are the right candidate for this role, so please let us know if you need some adjustment in your recruitment process.

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