Associate Lead - AI/ML Engineer (Python, AI/ML)

About the Role

We are seeking an Associate Lead specialized in AI/ML engineering with strong expertise in Python to join our dynamic team in Pune. This role focuses on creating and refining advanced enterprise-level search, recommendation, and personalization technologies that drive impactful user experiences.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and fine-tune large-scale enterprise solutions focused on search, ranking, personalization, and recommendations.
• Engineer algorithms for indexing, improving query relevance, semantic search, and effective retrieval processes.
• Engage in handling and advancing systems related to taxonomy, ontology, metadata management, embeddings, and knowledge retrieval.
• Deliver robust production-ready machine learning models using Python, SQL, and modern ML/DL frameworks.
• Create and improve NLP pipelines, large language models (LLMs), retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), vector search technology, and document understanding components.
• Analyze user interaction patterns and system feedback to proactively enhance search functionalities and outcomes.
• Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including Product, Engineering, Design, and Business stakeholders, to align technology solutions with company goals.
• Support the development of proof-of-concept projects while adhering to best practices involving version control (Git), continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD), testing procedures, and monitoring standards.

Candidate Requirements

• Minimum 1 year of professional experience in roles related to Data Science, Machine Learning, Applied AI, NLP, Deep Learning, or Generative AI.
• Proficient in Python programming, SQL querying, data analysis, feature engineering, and deploying ML applications into production environments.
• Experience with libraries and frameworks such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, Keras, and Scikit-learn.
• Practical knowledge in NLP techniques, embeddings, semantic search, recommendation systems, and document comprehension.
• Familiarity with large language models including GPT, Llama, Mistral, Claude, Gemini, or Phi.
• Hands-on experience with RAG methodologies, vector search technologies, data chunking, indexing, and knowledge retrieval processes.
• Competence working with Git source control, CI/CD pipelines, and managing machine learning systems in production.
• Understanding and experience with machine learning operations (MLOps) tools such as MLflow, Kubeflow, Airflow, Prefect, and feature store management.
• Knowledge of vector databases and distributed or real-time ML frameworks such as Spark or PySpark.
• Cloud technology experience using Docker, Kubernetes, and major cloud services including Azure, AWS, or GCP for AI deployment.
• Previous background in Fintech, Banking, Lending, Fraud/Risk Analytics, AI-driven startups, or product/SaaS companies is highly valued.
• Education qualification: BTech or MTech degree from premier Indian institutions such as IITs, NITs, or BITS.
• Age limit: under 28 years old.

Compensation and Benefits

Annual compensation ranges between ₹1,900,000 to ₹3,100,000 composed of 75% fixed pay and 25% variable component.

Work schedule consists of a 5-day workweek.

About the Employer

TalentXO is an innovative recruitment technology startup combining a network of 200+ growing talent partners with high-level domain expertise and an intelligent platform designed to address complex hiring challenges. Since 2016, TalentXO has supported top corporations across sectors including Bajaj Finserv, Razorpay, Myntra, Directi, Byju's App, InMobi, Deloitte, Wipro, Nykaa, Pharmeasy, Delhivery, Meesho, among others. The company fosters a culture of continuous innovation driven by dedicated and talented individuals.