Tuğcan ÖZER • Head of AI

Professional Summary

Results-oriented Head of AI with 14+ years of experience engineering high-performance, fault-tolerant systems. Specializing in bridging the gap between enterprise environments (Mercedes-Benz, Siemens) and applied Machine Learning. Proven track record of architecting complete end-to-end ecosystems—from cross-platform mobile apps (Flutter) and web frontends to resource-constrained, cost-effective ML pipelines (semantic search, RAG, recommendation engines). A T-shaped leader focused on operationalizing AI to drive business ROI, strict data governance, and high-availability MLOps.

Skills & Expertise

AI & Data: LLM Routing, RAG, Semantic Search, SFT, RLHF, Implicit ALS, Synthetic Data.
Tech Stack: Python (FastAPI), Flutter (iOS/Android), PostgreSQL (pgvector), Redis, FAISS.
DevOps & MLOps: Grafana, ClickHouse, MinIO, Zero-downtime Deployments, Systemd, Fastlane.
Management: AI Strategy, Agile (Scrum/SAFe), IT Demand Management, BPMN, ROI Optimization.

Experience

Head of AI & Full-Stack Architect
Feb 2026 – Present

teqlif (www.teqlif.com), Ankara, TUR

  • End-to-End Architecture: Developed the complete ecosystem from scratch, including cross-platform mobile apps (Flutter), web frontend, and a high-performance FastAPI backend integrating WebRTC (LiveKit) for live streaming.
  • Resource Optimization: Orchestrated a production-grade ML infrastructure running 6 concurrent models (MiniLM, CLIP, NudeNet, Gradient Boosting) on a highly constrained 6 vCPU / 24GB RAM environment, keeping peak memory under 40% via ARQ async cron jobs.
  • Multimodal Search & Discovery: Engineered a sub-50ms hybrid semantic search engine using FAISS IVFFlat for ANN retrieval and PostgreSQL pgvector for accurate re-ranking.
  • Real-time Algorithms & Observability: Developed feed personalization utilizing Alternating Least Squares (ALS) and Thompson Sampling. Built a comprehensive observability stack (Grafana, ClickHouse, Loki) to monitor SSD IOPS and system bottlenecks.
  • CI/CD & Platform Safety: Streamlined mobile deployments via Fastlane pipelines and integrated real-time automated moderation systems (NudeNet CNN, NLP filtering) to ensure continuous platform safety and compliance.

POD Lead, AI Data & Engineering
July 2025 – Jan 2026

TURING, Remote, USA, Contract

  • Directed the end-to-end development of high-quality training datasets to enhance the reasoning and tool-integration capabilities of next-generation Large Language Models (LLMs).
  • Improved model function-calling accuracy by 20% through the design of high-fidelity synthetic datasets and implementation of technical QA playbooks.
  • Led a specialized team focused on generating synthetic training data (RLHF/SFT) to enhance LLM agentic capabilities.
  • Orchestrated complex, multi-turn conversation scenarios simulating real-world integrations with REST APIs (Calendar, Email, Maps).

Technical Integration Manager
March 2023 – June 2025

MERCEDES-BENZ TECH TURKEY, Istanbul, TUR

  • Led the technical architecture and global implementation of complex e-commerce payment and integration systems across 10+ international markets.
  • Reduced time-to-market for global rollouts by 18% by streamlining integration workflows and optimizing Adyen gateway configurations.
  • Managed end-to-end technical integrations for global E-commerce projects utilizing IT Demand Management skills.
  • Led project planning and releases for global rollouts (Germany, Singapore, Japan) using Scrum/SAFe methodologies.

Solution Architect
November 2021 – March 2023

BOSCH SIEMENS HOME APPLIANCES, Istanbul, TUR

  • Designed and optimized scalable CRM architectures to align technological infrastructure with evolving global business requirements.
  • Enhanced system scalability to support a 31% increase in peak user traffic via architectural redesign and automated monitoring.
  • Translated business requirements into CRM solutions by designing scalable systems in collaboration with dev teams.
  • Leveraged AWS, .NET, and Jenkins to design architectures that aligned perfectly with long-term business goals.

System and Process Manager
Jan 2020 – Feb 2021

KUEHNE+NAGEL, Istanbul, TUR

  • Achieved a 27% increase in efficiency for creating delivery records through workflow automation and technology evaluation.
  • Led CRM projects focused on enhancing logistics systems through Business Process Mapping (BPMN).
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to integrate API-based solutions into existing logistics workflows.

Senior Software Engineer
May 2012 – September 2019

SIEMENS R&D, Istanbul, TUR – Nürnberg, DE

  • Decreased post-release bug reports by 15% by introducing automated unit testing and refining architectural standards.
  • Delivered complex Software Architecture for healthcare devices within an Agile R&D environment (C#, C++, Vue.JS).
  • Provided onsite technical leadership in Germany, ensuring compliance with international engineering standards.

Education

2017 Bahçeşehir University, TUR | Business Administration, MBA, MBA Coursework Completed
2012 Pamukkale University, TUR | Computer Engineering, BSc
2011 Uni. of Southern Denmark, DK | Software Engineering, BEng, Exchange