Upwork is seeking a Senior Lead Machine Learning Engineer to shape the future of AI-powered intelligence, leading the design and delivery of infrastructure and models that support agentic LLM workflows across the platform.
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.
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.
Other
- Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or related field (not explicitly mentioned but implied)
- Collaborative mindset, clear communication skills, and a drive to mentor and elevate those around you.
- Track record of leading high-impact, cross-functional initiatives with a focus on business outcomes and customer value.
- Must be eligible to work in the United States (implied due to mention of U.S. states and California Fair Chance Act)
- Criminal background check may be required once a conditional job offer is made.
