Applied AI Engineering · Computer Vision · ML Systems

Zahra Taheri, Ph.D.

Applied Machine Learning Engineer | Computer Vision | ML Systems | LLMs & RAG

Portrait of Zahra Taheri
Zahra Taheri · Applied AI Engineer

I turn complex, real-world problems into practical AI workflows—from problem formulation and model selection to implementation, validation, and product integration. Postdoctoral research in Machine Learning & AI and a Ph.D. in Mathematics strengthen my analytical thinking and help me develop evidence-based solutions when standard methods fall short.

Engineering ownershipSole AI engineer for a production-facing computer vision workflow at a Germany-based startup
Mathematical reasoningPostdoctoral training in ML & AI, backed by a Ph.D. in Mathematics
Knowledge sharingGraduate-level teaching and supervision and advising of multiple M.Sc. students in AI

How I work

Analytical thinking. Practical engineering. Research-driven problem solving.

I break down difficult problems, challenge assumptions, and design solutions that can be tested—not just described. I have built modular computer vision and RAG pipelines, evaluated trade-offs among accuracy, reliability, speed, and complexity, and collaborated with domain experts to make AI useful in real applications.

When a project needs an unfamiliar technique or a fresh perspective, I study relevant scientific literature, prototype alternatives, and use experimental evidence to guide decisions. Research is an engineering advantage, not my primary job title.

Read my approach →

Selected engineering & research work

From problem to implementation.

01 / Work
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Private · In progress

AI Systems Engineering — In Progress

Extending RAG into a modular AI application, with API development, containers, orchestration, agentic workflows, and engineering practices in the planned scope.

See planned scope →
Private repositoryCurrent projectPlanned capabilities ≠ delivered features

Beyond implementation

Independent ownership, critical thinking, and mentoring.

Graduate-level teaching in machine learning, graph neural networks, and optimization, alongside advising multiple M.Sc. students, has strengthened how I explain technical decisions, provide feedback, and support the development of less-experienced colleagues.

I bring self-directed learning, a strong sense of responsibility, and collaborative problem solving to challenging AI work.

Experience & education →

Let's build useful AI

Looking for an engineer who can reason, build, and improve?

Explore the evidence behind my work or get in touch about applied AI engineering opportunities.