Software Engineer (AI Accelerator Program)
Shape the Future of AI & Data with Us
At Datatonic, we are Google Cloud's premier partner in AI, driving transformation for world-class businesses. We push the boundaries of technology with expertise in machine learning, data engineering, and analytics on the Google Cloud Platform (GCP).
Are you a Senior Data Engineer or Full-Stack Developer ready to pivot into AI? We are launching the 2026 MLE Accelerator Program—a high-impact initiative designed to bridge the gap between strong engineering fundamentals and specialised Machine Learning Engineering. We are looking for 12 key hires to join our Zagreb team, where you will undergo an intensive, 12-week cross-training journey led by our top technical leads.
The MLE Accelerator Journey (12-Week Intensive Program)
Over three months, you will transition from a Senior Engineer to a Production-Ready Machine Learning Engineer through a blend of on-site instructor-led sessions in Zagreb and self-paced, hands-on labs.
Month 1: Google Cloud Upskilling
The first month is dedicated to mastering the cloud foundations required for modern AI development.
GenAI Infrastructure: Focus on the core Google Cloud services used for building and hosting Generative AI applications, such as Vertex AI services and using Cloud Run for hosting scalable applications.
Data Storage & Retrieval: Introduction into vector databases and high-performance storage solutions available on Google Cloud, and how they can be used for retrieval-augmented generation.
Cloud Architecture: Begin preparing for the Professional Cloud Architect (PCA) certification, ensuring a world-class understanding of cloud design.
Hands-on Labs: Rapid, bite-sized learning on GCP core infrastructure.
Month 2: GenAI Specialization
We pivot away from traditional machine learning to focus on the most in-demand skills in the current market: Agentic workflows and Large Language Models (LLMs).
Intro to Gemini Enterprise: Master Gemini Enterprise to build and surface intelligent agents for enterprise use cases.
Building AI Agents: Leverage the Gemini API and agentic frameworks such as Google’s Agent Development Kit in order to build agentic applications
Agentic Architectures: Learn to design and implement agentic solutions which leverage knowledge bases (through RAG/grounding) and tools securely and effectively in a non-deterministic workflow.
Capstone Kick-off: Start working in pairs on your final project, simulating a real-world client engagement from discovery to proposal.
Month 3: Delivery & Production Readiness
The final month bridges the gap between technical skill and ‘The Datatonic Way’ of consulting and delivery.
Pre-sales Readiness: Develop pre-sales and client-facing skills to help customers translate business problems into technical AI solutions.
Skill Validation: Complete a series of Google Skills Badges to provide empirical evidence of your GenAI and Cloud expertise.
Production Standards: Implement evaluation frameworks to test AI agents for safety, accuracy, and enterprise-grade reliability.
Final Assessment: Present your completed Capstone Project to the Datatonic leadership team.
What You'll Do
Once you've graduated from the Accelerator, you will:
Architect ML Solutions: Design and implement sophisticated ML architectures on Google Cloud.
Engineer for Production: Build and deploy production-grade software for AI-driven solutions, ensuring high standards of code quality.
Automate Workflows: Implement AIOps best practices, including logging, monitoring and alerting, and automated testing.
Consult & Collaborate: Work closely with clients to translate business requirements into impactful and scalable solutions.
What You’ll Bring
We are targeting Mid-to-Senior level professionals who already possess a world-class engineering foundation.
Strong Engineering Background: You are currently a Senior Data Engineer (expert in software engineering, backend development) or a Senior Full-Stack/Web Developer (proficient in backend/frontend architectures and databases).
ML Foundations: You already have a solid grasp of basic Machine Learning concepts.
Consultative Mindset: You enjoy client-facing roles and have proven experience communicating technical topics to diverse audiences.
Curiosity: A strong desire to shift your career focus entirely toward the ML/AI stack on GCP.
Nice to have: Basic DevOps experience (IaC and workflow automation) are a plus but not essential.
Why Datatonic?
Join a team of AI enthusiasts where innovation is embedded in everything we do. In our Zagreb hub, you’ll enjoy:
Learning & Growth: Access to the MLE Accelerator Program, generous conference budgets, and continuous learning platforms (Coursera, LinkedIn Learning).
Flexibility: A hybrid working model (2-3 days in the office) to balance focus and collaboration.
Wellbeing: Supplementary health insurance and 50% covered MultiSport membership.
Holiday: 25+ days of vacation to keep you refreshed.
Impact: The chance to work on cutting-edge GenAI and ML projects for market-leading global brands.
