Get up to $1,000 off* your first hire - Use code FIRSTHIRE at payment
*First-time clients only. 10% fee waived on first project ($500-$10,000 spend). Discount applies to Twine Vault payments only.

Hire expert AI engineers in Johannesburg, ZA

Post a job for free and connect with diverse AI engineers
1
Post your project for free
2
Hire top quality AI engineers
3
Join over 5,000 companies using us
Hire a AI engineer
Trusted by 5000+ companies of all sizes
Netflix logo
Experian logo
Avast logo

Loading name

Loading location
Loading roles
Loading bio

Loading name

Loading location
Loading roles
Loading bio
Woman holding a megaphone

Loading name

Loading location
Loading roles
Loading bio
We have over 14,500 AI engineers who've worked in many different industries and cover various styles and skillsets.
Start your search

Trusted by companies around the world

"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Klyde delivered outstanding visual designs for our Ayala projects. Her work was consistently creative, polished, and aligned perfectly with our brand standards. She communicated clearly, met every deadline, and was very professional throughout the process. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a reliable and..."
Read more
Alcedric @ Cediesigner Services
Feb 1, 2026
"Great editing work. The pacing was clean, the cuts were smooth, and the final video felt professional and engaging. Communication was clear, and the delivery was on time. Highly recommend working with him."
Parwez @ Moon Real
Feb 1, 2026
"Cauê dos Santos Silva was great to work with. They really listened to my needs and all work was delivered on time."
Love @ Love Goods
Jan 31, 2026
"I had a good time working with this company."
Levon @ RuninCode LLC
Jan 31, 2026
"We have been using Tom for all our creative designs for 6 months now and couldn’t be happier. His creative flair when applied to our briefs hits the mark consistently. All work is completed in a timely manner and I would happily recommend Tom to anybody looking for somebody with creativity, passion and professionalism."
Dom @ Buxton Brewery
Jan 31, 2026
"Working with Bolanle was an excellent experience from start to finish. She handled our Website and Marketing Automation Setup with a high level of professionalism, attention to detail, and strategic thinking. The website was not only visually appealing but also optimized for performance and conversions, and the..."
Read more
James @ ScaleUp Systems
Jan 31, 2026
"Working with Twine enabled us to scale projects quicker than before and the Twine Business makes it so easy to manage and pay contractors over the world."
-Josh Bolland
CEO, J B Cole
"I found an amazing designer and she's fast. I now send her my ideas and she transforms them into great design. The collaboration is fast, professional and easy. It feels like she is already part of our team."
Headshot of Achim Kohli
-Achim Kohli
CEO, Legal-i
5 star reviews

Clients Rate Twine AI Engineers

5

/ 5.0

on average across

163
163

reviews as of February 5, 2026

Twine
Animators Freelance Services
Hire the best animators freelancers with Twine.
Trustpilot logo
5 star rating
108 reviews

How we work

1

Post your project for free

This only takes 3-5 minutes and choose how you want your experts to contact you.
2

Matched to expert talent

Within days, we'll introduce you to the right expert for your project. Average time to match is under 24 hours.
3

Hire securely and fast

You can choose Twine to manage your payments securely or use your own payment system for free.
Post your project

Why businesses
rely on Twine's
freelancer network

Free to post a job

Post a project or job with no upfront cost. Twine's success based pricing is cheaper than any recruiter.

Global reach

We have a global community of over 400,000+ freelancers from 190+ countries.

Speed

Receive pitches as soon as your job is approved by our internal team.

Secure payments

Make payment to hire a freelancer, release funds only once the project is delivered.

Hire freelance experts

Our freelancer experts have skills in thousands of different software tools and hardware.
Post a project
Apple
Blender Icon
Cinema 4D logo
Webflow
Apple
Blender Icon
Cinema 4D logo
Webflow
AWS
Procreate Icon
React
AWS
Procreate Icon
React
Shopify
PHP
Adobe
VSCode
Shopify
PHP
Adobe
VSCode

OTHER CREATIVES IN YOUR AREA

We've got more than AI engineers in Johannesburg, South Africa
or widen your search to AI engineers in South Africa

Choose Your City

See which of Twine's top rated Animators are near you
Or widen your search to global AI engineers

From the blog

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an AI Engineer do?

An AI Engineer develops systems and algorithms that enable machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence. Their responsibilities include creating machine learning models, designing AI applications, and optimizing algorithms for improved performance. AI Engineers also analyze complex data sets to derive insights and help organizations make data-driven decisions. They work across various industries, implementing solutions for automation, predictive analytics, natural language processing, and more. By leveraging programming languages and frameworks, they ensure that AI systems function effectively and efficiently.

How to Hire an AI Engineer in Johannesburg, South Africa?

To hire an AI Engineer in Johannesburg, start by defining your project requirements clearly. Consider the specific skills you need, such as machine learning, data analysis, or natural language processing. Post your job on talent marketplaces like Twine, where you can reach a diverse pool of professionals. Review portfolios, evaluate past work, and check client reviews to gauge the expertise of potential candidates. Conduct interviews to assess their technical skills and cultural fit with your team. Finally, ensure that you communicate your expectations clearly to align with the engineer's capabilities.

How much does it cost to hire an AI Engineer in Johannesburg, South Africa?

The cost to hire an AI Engineer in Johannesburg varies by experience level:

  • Beginner: R300 - R500 per hour
  • Junior: R500 - R800 per hour
  • Mid-level (industry average): R800 - R1,200 per hour
  • Senior: R1,200 - R1,800 per hour
  • Expert: R1,800 - R2,500+ per hour

These rates can fluctuate based on project complexity and the engineer's expertise.

What qualities set exceptional AI Engineers apart from the rest?

Exceptional AI Engineers possess a unique combination of technical and soft skills. They have strong programming abilities in languages like Python and R, along with expertise in machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow and PyTorch. Additionally, they demonstrate problem-solving skills, creativity, and a keen analytical mindset. Effective communication is vital, allowing them to explain complex concepts to non-technical stakeholders. A passion for continuous learning helps them stay updated with the latest advancements in AI technology, making them valuable assets to any team.

How do you recognize the perfect AI Engineer in Johannesburg, South Africa for your needs?

To recognize the perfect AI Engineer, assess their technical skills through practical tests or coding challenges. Evaluate their portfolio for relevant projects that align with your needs. Look for engineers who exhibit a deep understanding of AI concepts, data handling, and algorithm optimization. Communication skills are crucial; ensure they can articulate their ideas clearly. Furthermore, consider their problem-solving approach and creativity in applying AI to real-world challenges. Engaging in thorough interviews can help identify candidates who are not only technically proficient but also a good fit for your company culture.

What are the key questions to ask in an AI Engineer interview?

During an AI Engineer interview, consider asking the following key questions:

  • Can you explain your experience with machine learning algorithms?
  • What frameworks and tools do you prefer for AI development?
  • How do you approach data preprocessing and cleaning?
  • Can you describe a challenging AI project you worked on? What was your role?
  • How do you stay updated with the latest AI trends and technologies?

These questions help assess their technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and commitment to continuous learning.

What’s the difference between hiring a freelance AI Engineer and working with an agency in Johannesburg, South Africa?

The primary difference between hiring a freelance AI Engineer and working with an agency lies in flexibility and resources. Freelancers offer personalized attention and can often adapt quickly to project changes. They typically have lower overhead costs, making them more budget-friendly for smaller projects. In contrast, agencies provide a team of specialists, ensuring a broader range of skills and support. Agencies may also have more established processes for project management and quality assurance. Your choice depends on your project's complexity, budget, and desired level of involvement.

What should be in an AI Engineer project brief/job description?

An effective project brief for an AI Engineer should include the following elements:

  • Project overview: A concise description of the project goals and objectives.
  • Specific skills required: Highlight necessary technical skills such as programming languages and frameworks.
  • Project timeline: Define key milestones and deadlines.
  • Budget range: Provide an estimated budget for the project.
  • Expected deliverables: Outline what you expect from the AI Engineer at the end of the project.
  • Company background: Share information about your organization and team culture.

This information helps attract suitable candidates and ensures alignment with your project needs.

How do I hire an AI Engineer in Johannesburg, South Africa on Twine?

Hiring on Twine is simple.

  1. Post a job with your project details, timeline, and budget.
  2. Browse portfolios of vetted AI Engineers and invite those who match your needs.
  3. Receive proposals and compare experience, pricing, and reviews.
  4. Communicate expectations, set milestones, and finalize the hire.
  5. Securely pay through Twine, ensuring protection for both parties. Twine connects you with top freelance AI Engineers, making it easy to find the perfect creative professional for your project.

Hire expert AI engineers with Twine

Get Started
A freelancer profile picture
A freelancer profile picture
A freelancer profile picture
A freelancer profile picture
A freelancer profile picture
A freelancer profile picture
A freelancer profile picture
A freelancer profile picture
A freelancer profile picture
A freelancer profile picture