[Remote] Contract: Senior Machine Learning Engineer at Upwork

Latin America

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Technology, AIIndustries

Requirements

Deep Learning/Artificial Intelligence (AI): 5+ years of hands-on experience designing, training, and deploying deep learning models, specifically in areas related to Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Information Retrieval
Large Language Model (LLM) Finetuning/Post-Training: Proven experience in finetuning or pre-training LLMs (e.g., Llama, GPT family, Mistral) for specific downstream tasks like query understanding and instruction following
Pytorch: Expert-level proficiency in PyTorch for building, training, and optimizing complex deep learning models
Function Calling/Tool Calling/Structured Decoding: Direct experience developing and implementing models capable of structured output generation (e.g., JSON, YAML) and tool/function calling (giving the model the ability to interact with external systems or databases)
Agentic Workflow Development: Experience in designing, implementing, and orchestrating complex AI Agents or multi-step reasoning workflows using LLMs
Reinforcement Learning (RL) / Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF): Practical knowledge of applying RL principles, particularly in the context of RLHF, for aligning LLMs with human preferences, improving model safety, and enhancing instruction-following capabilities

Responsibilities

Train/Finetune large language models for query understanding and tool calling
Develop and utilize vector databases and/or knowledge graphs for information retrieval. Orchestrate information retrieval using databases in the loop
Investigate model explainability to enhance reliability and reduce hallucination in end-to-end Uma use cases
Collaborate cross-functionally with machine learning engineers to take models from research to production
Stay current with the latest advancements in Gen-AI and integrate relevant innovations into our systems
Publish paper in top-tier conference. Mentor junior engineers, conduct code reviews, and enforce engineering best practices
Deliver high-quality solutions that improve overall efficiency

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Machine LearningDeep LearningLarge Language ModelsFine-tuningVector DatabasesKnowledge GraphsInformation RetrievalModel ExplainabilityGen-AIPyTorchTensorFlow

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What are the required skills for this Senior Machine Learning Engineer role?

Candidates need 5+ years in Deep Learning/AI with focus on NLP and Information Retrieval, proven experience finetuning LLMs like Llama or GPT, expert-level PyTorch proficiency, experience with function calling and structured decoding, and skills in agentic workflow development.

Is this a remote position, and what is the location policy?

This is a contract engagement through Upwork’s Hybrid Workforce Solutions Team, with team members located all over the world, indicating a remote-friendly global work arrangement.

What is the compensation for this contract role?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What does the team structure look like at Upwork for this role?

The role involves collaborating cross-functionally with machine learning engineers, mentoring junior engineers, and conducting code reviews within Upwork’s global Hybrid Workforce Solutions Team.

What makes a strong candidate for this Machine Learning Engineer position?

A strong candidate has 5+ years in deep learning with NLP and IR expertise, hands-on LLM finetuning experience, PyTorch mastery, and proven skills in function calling and agentic workflows, plus the ability to mentor and publish research.

Upwork

Online platform connecting freelancers and clients

About Upwork

Upwork connects freelancers with clients looking for various services in the gig economy, which focuses on short-term contracts instead of permanent jobs. The platform allows freelancers to create profiles that showcase their skills, while clients can post job listings for specific projects. Freelancers bid on these projects, and clients choose the best candidates based on proposals and reviews. Upwork earns revenue through service fees charged to freelancers based on their earnings, with a tiered structure that rewards long-term client relationships. The platform also offers premium memberships and additional services for enhanced visibility and access to job listings. Upwork provides tools for time tracking, invoicing, and project management, making it easier for both freelancers and clients to manage their work and payments. The goal of Upwork is to facilitate successful project completion by bridging the gap between freelancers and clients.

San Francisco, CaliforniaHeadquarters

2015Year Founded

$143.8MTotal Funding

IPOCompany Stage

Consulting, Enterprise SoftwareIndustries

10,001+Employees

Benefits

Health Insurance

Unlimited Paid Time Off

401(k) Retirement Plan

401(k) Company Match

Parental Leave

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

Risks

Increased competition from Fiverr and Toptal threatens Upwork's market share.

The new Fiverr-style Project Catalog may commoditize services, reducing freelancers' perceived value.

Strategic shifts under new management may not align with current client expectations.

Differentiation

Upwork connects freelancers with clients across diverse industries, enhancing global work opportunities.

The platform offers tools like time tracking and invoicing for efficient project management.

Upwork's tiered fee structure incentivizes long-term client relationships, differentiating it from competitors.

Upsides

Upwork's acquisition of Objective AI enhances its AI capabilities for better talent matching.

The introduction of Featured Jobs increases visibility for job posts, attracting more candidates.

Upwork's recognition as the top job posting site boosts its credibility among employers.

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