[Remote] Lead Machine Learning Engineer - AI Agents at Upwork

Remote

Upwork Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Software Development, Artificial IntelligenceIndustries

Requirements

  • Proven experience designing and deploying agent architectures, protocols, or LLM-powered workflows in production environments
  • Strong engineering foundation with expertise in Python and Agent frameworks (e.g., LangChain, Autogen) and protocols (e.g., MCP, A2A)
  • Demonstrated success building developer platforms, APIs, SDKs, tools, or frameworks focusing on usability, extensibility, and developer support
  • Familiarity with developer relations or solutions engineering, including documentation, demos, and consultative technical work
  • Growth mindset, strong communication skills, and an inclusive approach to leadership

Responsibilities

  • Architect and implement scalable infrastructure to support LLM-based Agentic systems, including multi-agent pipelines, and real-time orchestration
  • Design APIs, SDKs, and internal tooling to accelerate productivity through AI agent adoption
  • Drive developer advocacy by partnering to produce technical content, samples, and reference architectures that simplify integration with our platform
  • Partner with cross-functional stakeholders to align technical solutions with product strategy, ensuring high developer productivity and agent performance
  • Provide consulting and hands-on support to teams integrating with our agentic marketplace, advocating for best practices and evolving the ecosystem based on feedback
  • Contribute to AI/ML research initiatives where applicable, representing Upwork at conferences and in technical communities

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Machine LearningAILLMAPI DesignSDK DevelopmentSystem DesignMulti-agent SystemsReal-time Orchestration

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What skills are required for the Lead Machine Learning Engineer role?

Candidates need proven experience designing and deploying agent architectures, protocols, or LLM-powered workflows in production, strong engineering foundation with expertise in Python and Agent frameworks like LangChain and Autogen, and protocols like MCP and A2A, plus demonstrated success building developer platforms, APIs, SDKs, tools, or frameworks.

What are the main responsibilities of this position?

Responsibilities include architecting scalable infrastructure for LLM-based Agentic systems, designing APIs and SDKs, driving developer advocacy through technical content, partnering with stakeholders to align solutions with product strategy, providing consulting support, and contributing to AI/ML research.

Is this a remote position at Upwork?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What is the salary or compensation for this role?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What kind of experience stands out for this Lead AI/ML Engineer role?

Proven production experience with agent architectures, LLM workflows, Python, frameworks like LangChain and Autogen, and building developer platforms with APIs and SDKs focused on usability and extensibility will catch their eye.

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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