[Remote] Senior Lead Machine Learning Engineer at Upwork

Remote

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

Requirements

  • Demonstrated expertise in building, deploying, and scaling advanced ML models in a production environment using Python and frameworks like PyTorch or TensorFlow
  • Deep technical understanding of transformer-based models, generative AI, and agent architectures such as MCP or A2A
  • Proven experience training and optimizing large models on GPU clusters and integrating LLMs with APIs or orchestration systems
  • Track record of leading high-impact, cross-functional initiatives with a focus on business outcomes and customer value
  • A collaborative mindset, clear communication skills, and a drive to mentor and elevate those around you

Responsibilities

  • Design and implement resilient infrastructure for agentic LLM systems, including multi-agent coordination, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and real-time orchestration
  • Lead training and fine-tuning of large-scale foundation models tailored to Upwork’s domain-specific challenges and user base
  • Partner with engineering, product, and research teams to align technical development with strategic business priorities
  • Mentor and support other engineers and researchers to elevate team-wide technical capabilities and foster a culture of innovation and inclusion
  • Drive experimentation and translate findings into robust, scalable production systems with clear metrics of success
  • Identify opportunities for innovation, challenge conventional approaches, and lead initiatives that push the boundaries of applied ML
  • Contribute to the external AI/ML community through papers, talks, or open-source contributions, enhancing Upwork’s visibility in the field

Skills

Machine Learning
LLM
AI
Model Training
Infrastructure Design
Multi-agent Coordination
Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)
Real-time Orchestration
Software Development
Leadership
Strategy
Mentoring

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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