Senior Lead Machine Learning Engineer

Summary

Join Upwork as a Senior Lead Machine Learning Engineer and develop and scale impactful ML models that power the experiences of millions of users. You will play a pivotal role in improving search relevance, personalizing recommendations, and enhancing fraud detection. Collaborate across disciplines, own mission-critical initiatives, and bring innovative solutions to the future of work. This role requires extensive experience in developing and deploying ML models at scale, fluency in Python and relevant ML libraries, and strong communication skills. Upwork offers a remote-first work environment, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for personal and professional growth. The annual base salary range is $195,000-$308,000 USD, with eligibility for bonuses and equity.

Requirements

• Extensive experience developing and deploying ML models at scale, including deep learning, NLP, or recommender systems in real-world applications
• Fluency in Python and ML libraries such as TensorFlow or PyTorch, and strong proficiency with data tools like SQL, Spark, and Pandas
• Proven ability to lead high-impact projects from ideation through deployment, working effectively with cross-functional teams
• Strong communication skills with the ability to explain technical decisions and data insights to stakeholders at all levels
• A growth-oriented mindset with a passion for innovation, learning, and advancing the state of applied machine learning

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and deploy production-grade ML models that drive core user-facing features including recommendations, search, personalization, and trust & safety
• Lead complex cross-functional initiatives by aligning stakeholders, translating strategy into execution, and delivering measurable business impact
• Optimize model performance and infrastructure, championing operational excellence and responsiveness at scale across Upwork's ecosystem
• Guide the team in setting and upholding best practices for experimentation, data quality, and model evaluation to support continuous learning and delivery
• Use advanced analytics to surface insights and influence decision-making at the team and leadership level
• Mentor and support team members, cultivating a collaborative, curious, and inclusive engineering culture
• Bring fresh ideas and frameworks to solve technical challenges, championing innovation and creative problem-solving across projects

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical coverage for you and your family
• Unlimited PTO
• A 401(k) plan with matching
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• An Employee Stock Purchase Plan