Machine Learning Lead

At Loka we use a modern tech stack to support meaningful projects across a huge range of industries. In the last year we’ve helped clients advance the world’s #1 AI reading tutor, eliminate $1B in food waste and develop novel drugs for fighting cancer, all while enjoying every other Friday off. Join us, feed your need to grow and ship projects you believe in with a team you’re proud to lead.

We’re seeking a Machine Learning Team Lead to deploy, secure and maintain ML models in production environments, mainly AWS. The ideal candidate will not only apply their technical brilliance but also take a leadership role in contributing positively to Loka’s unique culture.

The Role

• Lead a team of ML engineers in architecting, building and optimizing scalable, cost-efficient ML models and ensuring performance in production environments.
• Provide constructive team feedback through regular one-on-one meetings and drive technical and professional development.
• Manage end-to-end ML projects, including data exploration, model development, deployment and scaling while delivering solutions that meet business and client needs.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to align ML initiatives with strategic objectives, ensuring clear communication with both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Drive technical innovation within the team by staying current with the latest AI/ML trends, implementing cutting-edge techniques.
• Foster the team's professional growth by creating development plans and encouraging a positive, collaborative remote working environment.
• Own the development and automation of ML workflows, including data pipelines and model deployment, with a focus on scalability and efficiency.
• Ensure strong cross-functional collaboration with Data Engineering, DevOps, BackEnd and other teams to deliver cohesive solutions.
• Work closely with senior leadership to align ML initiatives with long-term company strategies.

Hard Skills Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in machine learning, with 3+ years leading a team
• Strong knowledge of Python, ML libraries and frameworks such as PyTorch, HuggingFace and TensorFlow
• Hands-on experience with GenAI solutions using LLMs (even if not at an expert level), including prompt engineering and an understanding of common patterns like RAG and NLQ
• Client-facing experience, including the ability to gather requirements, set expectations and deliver technical presentations, sometimes to non-technical people
• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering or related field

Additional Requirements

• Excellent English language skills
• Clean criminal record
• CV written in English

Not Required but Nice to Have

• Experience with AWS
• Experience in consultancy environments or startups, including working directly with clients, managing projects and adapting to different settings
• Familiarity with MLOps best practices and tools

Personality Profile

• Curiosity: Eager to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving ML field and apply new technologies
• Autonomy & Positivity: Thrives in a remote, globally distributed team
• Leadership: Capable of leading with empathy, motivating team members and fostering a collaborative culture
• Adaptability: Comfortable operating with a startup mindset, able to pivot and scale quickly
• Client-Focused: Understand client needs and balance them with technical realities to deliver impactful solutions

Benefits

• Every other Friday off (26 extra days off a year)
• Remote and flexible
• Explore and Relocation programs (three months work abroad or full international relo)
• Paid sick days and local holidays
• Premium mental health subscriptions
• Access to LokaLabs™, our internal research and development program
• LokaLabs incubator
• Fitness subscription
• Mental wellness programs
• Defined career path
• Business English classes

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