Software Engineer – AI ML Engineering (Python, DataBricks, Azure)

Role Overview NielsenIQ (NIQ) is seeking a talented Software Engineer to become a valued member of its AI ML Engineering team based in Chennai. This is a full-time, permanent opportunity to work at the heart of the company's Retail Measurement System (RMS) — a cutting-edge analytics platform that tracks product sales and market performance across diverse retail channels. The role involves building intelligent frontend applications that interact with ML models, integrating inference pipelines, and strengthening NIQ's MLOps lifecycle. If you are passionate about data engineering, cloud technologies, and building scalable systems that generate real-world business insights, this position offers an exciting and collaborative environment to grow. Key Responsibilities Engineers in this role will design, build, and maintain production-grade, scalable software solutions using Python for core data engineering tasks alongside ETL frameworks and backend technologies including Java and Spring Boot. You will work on frontend applications using Angular to enable seamless interaction with machine learning models. Collaborating with globally distributed, cross-functional teams, you will translate complex business requirements into well-architected technical solutions. Performance optimisation of applications — covering speed, usability, and system responsiveness — will be a key focus. You will participate actively in code reviews, write comprehensive unit tests, and uphold engineering best practices and coding standards across the team. Identifying, troubleshooting, and resolving software defects and production incidents efficiently will also be part of your remit, along with contributing to architecture decisions and maintaining thorough technical documentation. Required Qualifications Candidates must hold a minimum Bachelor's degree (B.E. or B.Tech) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or a closely related discipline. Three to five years of hands-on software engineering experience is required, with strong proficiency in Python as the primary programming language. Experience working with AML pipelines and DataBricks ELT workflows is essential. Solid command of SQL across databases such as MySQL, Oracle, and PostgreSQL — including complex query writing, performance tuning, and ETL architecture optimisation — is expected. Familiarity with RESTful APIs and microservices architecture, as well as containerisation tools like Docker and a foundational understanding of Kubernetes, is necessary. Exposure to the Azure cloud platform for application deployment and data management is required. Working knowledge of ETL tools and big data technologies such as Apache Spark, Hadoop, Hive, and HBase will be considered important. Experience with version control using GitHub and CI/CD workflows including automated testing is expected. The ability to work effectively within an Agile or Scrum environment and contribute to a globally distributed team is essential. Excellent written and spoken English communication skills are required to interface across technical and non-technical stakeholders. Why Join Us NIQ is the world's foremost consumer intelligence company, operating across more than 100 markets and covering over 90% of the global population. Following its 2023 combination with GfK, NIQ offers an unrivalled breadth of retail and consumer insight delivered through advanced analytics platforms. Joining this team means working on uniquely impactful data problems alongside a diverse, innovative group of professionals. NIQ fosters a flexible, startup-spirited culture within an enterprise setting, encouraging ownership, intellectual curiosity, and continuous professional development. The organisation is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in all hiring and workplace practices.

3 to 5 years of software engineering experience with strong Python programming skills Hands-on experience with AML pipelines and DataBricks ELT workflows Proficiency in SQL (MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL) including complex query writing and performance tuning Experience with ETL architecture design, reverse engineering, and workflow optimisation Experience building and consuming RESTful APIs and working within microservices architectures Practical experience with Docker and foundational knowledge of Kubernetes for scalable deployments Familiarity with Microsoft Azure for cloud-based application deployment and data management Knowledge of big data and ETL tools including Apache Spark, Hadoop, Hive, and HBase Working experience with Java and Angular (considered a strong advantage) Hands-on use of GitHub for version control and CI/CD pipeline automation including test workflows Demonstrated ability to work in an enterprise Agile or Scrum environment Strong problem-solving skills with attention to detail and a results-driven mindset Excellent English communication skills for cross-functional and global team collaboration Ability to work effectively with distributed teams across multiple geographies Minimum B.E. or B.Tech degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, or related field

Flexible and hybrid working environment Peer-to-peer recognition programmes Wellness plans designed for employees and their families Financial wellness and future planning tools Volunteer time off Access to LinkedIn Learning for continuous upskilling Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Career development and growth opportunities within a global organisation