About ZDF Sparks
ZDF Sparks, founded in 2024, is a team of data experts dedicated to developing AI solutions and algorithms for the media industry. We focus on consulting, designing, and implementing AI services, particularly in algorithms, machine learning, and data platforms for planning, communication, distribution, and personalization of data and audiovisual content. We are the ideal place for curious, ambitious, and collaborative AI trendsetters excited about tackling new and evolving challenges. We thrive in a fast-paced, cross-functional, and diverse team environment where everyone feels comfortable and can reach their full potential.
Your Role
As a Senior AI Engineer (m/f/d) at ZDF Sparks, you will not just deliver solutions, but set the standard:
Lead & Grow
- Lead AI idea generation, product design, and requirement definitions for complex media industry challenges.
- Actively grow the next generation of engineers, supporting career paths from junior to senior level while role-modeling a positive, agency-style engineering culture.
Own it End-to-End
- Design scientifically state-of-the-art AI products, evaluating success, ROI, and risks before project kickoff.
- Architect solutions with a strong understanding of varying levels of technical sovereignty, including diverse cloud environments.
Build & Modernize
- Design, review, implement, and modernize data systems and algorithms, from data analytics to advanced AI/ML solutions.
- Customize and fine-tune AI models (e.g., text and image generation) for diverse real-world applications across text, image, audio, and video.
Make AI Explainable
- Open-source algorithms and translate complex AI logic into understandable terms for larger audiences and non-technical stakeholders.
Stay Ahead
- Maintain an inherent passion for following the latest developments in generative AI, computer vision, and recommender systems, bringing that curiosity to all your work.
Bridge Builder
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including non-technical media experts, to integrate AI solutions into real business processes.
Communicate with Impact
- Break down complex technical solutions, making them accessible and actionable for non-technical media professionals.
Your Profile
We are looking for a Senior Engineer (m/f/d) with a builder mindset and a passion for people as much as for technology:
- 5 years of experience in Python-based software and ML engineering, including data processing, model development, and production-grade application design.
- Deep expertise in modern ML/DL frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, HuggingFace) and classical ML tooling (scikit-learn), with a strong foundation in feature engineering, model evaluation, and performance optimization.
- Proven experience architecting and deploying LLM-powered applications, including RAG pipelines, agentic workflows, and conversational AI systems using frameworks such as LangChain or comparable tooling.
- Solid cloud engineering skills (AWS, GCP, or Azure), including containerization, CI/CD pipelines, and infrastructure for scalable AI services.
- Track record of designing and delivering end-to-end AI solutions, from prototyping and API development through to production deployment and monitoring.
- Thrives in a fast-paced consultancy setting, comfortable balancing client-facing advisory work with hands-on technical delivery in a rapidly evolving AI landscape. This includes the ability to identify opportunities, shape AI solution proposals, and contribute to business development efforts.
- Experience leading, mentoring, and growing engineers: defining technical direction, conducting code reviews, and fostering a culture of excellence.
- Self-directed and solutions-oriented: identify key challenges and independently explore paths forward without waiting for structured tasks.
- Excellent communication skills in English and German.
Our Commitment To You
ZDF Sparks is a workplace for curious, ambitious, and collaborative AI trendsetters excited about working on new and continuously changing customer challenges. We proudly embrace diversity and enjoy working in fast-paced, cross-functional, and multicultural teams. Our hybrid work model is designed to support personal flexibility and creativity, enabling a healthy work-life balance. We offer flexible working hours and a hybrid setup to accommodate any personal circumstances.
Our centrally located Berlin top-floor office features modern spaces with ergonomic workstations grouped to facilitate personal exchange and knowledge sharing, as well as closed rooms for larger meetings and quiet work.
We network with our ZDF office partners and visitors over lunches, talks, and afterwork get-together events and engage in fun team activities during regular company events.
To support your professional growth, we offer opportunities for further education through (external) regular workshops, hackathons, and networking events. Additionally, we provide a professional development budget (per employee) for conferences, certifications, or external courses.
You will have 30 days of vacation to recharge (plus off on Christmas Eve and New Years eve). We also fully cover the Deutschland-Jobticket to support your commute.
Our Values
At ZDF Sparks, our values are the cornerstone of everything we do:
- Transparent: We believe in clear, open communication within our team and with our clients. Your insights and knowledge will be valued and shared to drive collective success.
- Fun: We believe work should be enjoyable and fulfilling. At ZDF Sparks, we maintain a light-hearted atmosphere with humor and a relaxed communication style among colleagues, fostering a positive environment where everyone feels comfortable and motivated to contribute their best, ensuring our collaborative efforts are both productive and enjoyable.
- Diverse: Our strength lies in our diverse team. Different perspectives and backgrounds drive our creativity and innovation, ensuring our AI solutions are comprehensive and inclusive. By integrating different points of view, our collaborative team develops AI that reflects various experiences and meets the diverse needs of our clients.
- Innovative: We live and breathe innovation, continuously learning and pushing boundaries to deliver cutting-edge AI solutions.
Any Questions?
Your contact person is: Nilofer Qayumi (People Partner & Senior Technical Recruiter). For questions about the job advertisement and application process, please contact career@zdf-sparks.com.
We look forward to getting to know you!
- At ZDF Sparks, diversity drives our innovation and strengthens our team. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where every individual feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, or any other legally protected status.
Job Details
- Location: Berlin (hybrid setup)
- Employment Type: Full-time (40h)
- Contract: Initially limited to 2 years with the option of extension
- Start Date: As soon as possible
