Freelance Databricks AI / Machine Learning Engineer (Azure, LLMs, MLOps) – 60% Remote 40% in Vienna

Databricks AI / Machine Learning Engineer (Azure, LLMs, MLOps) – Freelance

Vienna, Austria | Hybrid (60% Remote)

Contract Type: Freelance / Contractor (Full-time)

Start Date: March / April 2026

Duration: 36 months (extension possible up to 5 years)

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Databricks AI / Machine Learning Engineer to support a long-term enterprise Data & AI programme based in Vienna, Austria. You will be responsible for the design, development, deployment, and operation of scalable Machine Learning and Large Language Model (LLM) solutions on Azure Databricks, covering the full lifecycle from data engineering and feature engineering through to MLOps, CI/CD, deployment, and monitoring.

This is a senior-level freelance role with a strong focus on Big Data Engineering, ML/LLM workloads, and integration within the Microsoft Azure ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and prototype machine learning and AI solutions using Python on Azure Databricks
• Build and operate big data pipelines using Apache Spark, Delta Lake, and Databricks SQL
• Perform feature engineering, model training, versioning, and deployment using Databricks MLflow
• Develop and operate ML and LLM workloads, including governance with Unity Catalog
• Build and maintain MLOps and CI/CD pipelines for automated training, testing, deployment, and monitoring
• Integrate ML solutions into the Microsoft Azure ecosystem, including API design, Azure Functions, and Logic Apps
• Monitor model performance, data drift, and bias, and manage lifecycle maintenance
• Optimise performance, scalability, and cloud costs
• Ensure security, stability, and production readiness of deployed solutions

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven experience as a Databricks Engineer, Machine Learning Engineer, or AI Engineer
• Strong Python skills for data analysis and ML development
• Hands-on experience with:
• Azure Databricks
• Apache Spark
• Delta Lake
• Databricks SQL
• Experience with ML frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and scikit-learn
• Strong experience with Databricks MLflow
• Solid background in MLOps and CI/CD pipelines
• Experience deploying ML and LLM solutions in production
• Experience with model and data monitoring (performance, drift, bias)
• Ability to work as a freelancer with a secure, independent development environment

Nice to Have

• Experience with agent-based systems, multi-agent architectures, or agentic workflows
• Knowledge of Data Governance and AI Governance
• End-to-end delivery experience of Databricks projects
• Industry experience in the energy sector
• Strong communication skills with technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Structured, analytical working style and strong quality mindset

Why Apply?

• Long-term freelance engagement (3–5 years)
• Hybrid working model with high remote flexibility
• Enterprise-scale AI and LLM use cases
• Modern Azure Databricks and Big Data technology stack
• Stable programme with high business impact