Looking for a job

sam obila

@samobila

Machine Learning Engineer at Zerobionic Africa building speech pipelines for assistive robots deployed in 78 schools across Kenya.

Kenya

Message

At Zerobionic Africa, I work on machine-learning capabilities for robotic platforms, including speech-to-text and text-to-speech pipelines for accessible interaction. I integrate inference into physical systems and take part in school demonstrations with Deaf learners; the platform is deployed in 78 schools across Kenya.

As an independent AI/ML Engineer, I develop applied AI systems, including RAG and vector-search knowledge systems and autonomous workflows. I also co-authored research on alternative credit infrastructure for informal economies and volunteer in STEM learning and technology communities in Kenya.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Machine Learning Engineer

Current

Zerobionic Africa

Jun 2026 - Present (4 months)

Spearheading development of machine-learning capabilities for robotic platforms, including speech intelligence and real-time human-robot interaction. Building and optimizing speech-to-text and text-to-speech pipelines, integrating ML inference into physical systems, and contributing to assistive robotics for inclusive STEM education.

Machine Learning Speech Recognition Speech Synthesis Human Robot Interaction Model Integration MLOps Python TypeScript fastAPI Docker cloud deployment

Current

Accessibility & STEM Outreach

Current

Zerobionic Africa

Jan 2026 - Present (9 months)

Participating in outreach to schools serving Deaf learners, demonstrating assistive robotics and engaging students around how AI and robotics can support access to STEM learning. Using feedback and observations from learners and educators to better understand the practical realities of inclusive technology deployment.

Accessibility STEM Education Robotics AI Outreach

Current

Independent AI/ML Engineer

Current

Freelance / Independent

Jan 2024 - Present (2 years 9 months)

Designing and building applied AI systems for product and engineering use cases, from problem framing to model integration and deployable software. Developed retrieval and knowledge systems using RAG and vector search, and built autonomous and agentic systems with emphasis on reliable orchestration and production usability.

Python TypeScript RAG Vector Search Agentic Systems AI Observability Security Analysis Cloud Services API Integration

Current

STEM Tutor & Youth Mentor

Current

Bunifu Youths Kenya

Tutoring and mentoring young learners in practical technology skills, supporting hands-on learning in coding, robotics, AI, and problem-solving. Helping learners move from consuming technology to building with it by guiding projects and explaining technical concepts in accessible language.

Coding Robotics AI Problem Solving Mentorship

Current

Community & Event Volunteer

Current

GDG Nairobi

Volunteering with Nairobi's developer community, supporting community learning and technology events that connect developers, students, and emerging builders. Contributing to an ecosystem centered on accessible technical learning through workshops, hackathons, and developer events.

Community Engagement Event Support AI Cloud Computing Web Technologies

Research Contributor / Co-author

S Labs

Jan 2026 - Dec 2026 (11 months)

Co-authored a 29-page research review examining alternative credit infrastructure for informal economies in Kenya, Uganda, and Ghana, with attention to privacy, regulation, and responsible financial AI.

Research Machine Learning Financial AI Privacy Régulation

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Multimedia University of Kenya

Bachelor of Science, Mathematics & Computer Science

Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science with a foundation in algorithms, linear algebra, probability and statistics, distributed systems, and computational problem-solving.