HWS: Lead Machine Learning Engineer

Upwork ($UPWK) is the leading tech solution for companies looking to hire the best talent maintain flexibility and get more done. We’re passionate about our mission to create economic opportunities so people have better lives. Every year more than $2 billion of work is done through Upwork by skilled professionals who want the freedom of working anytime anywhere. Top companies connecting with extraordinary talent around the globe? Upwork is how.

This position is through Upwork’s Talent Innovation Program (TIP). Our TIP team is a global group of professionals that augment Upwork’s business. Our TIP team members are located all over the world.

This is a long-term contract position.

We are looking for a talented Machine Learning Engineer to join our Algorithms and Research team . This role is perfect for someone who is excited about productizing Generative AI technologies to revolutionize our platform. Join us in revolutionizing search technology at Upwork and making a significant impact on our platform and users.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and deploy machine learning models with a focus on Generative AI and Large Language Models

• Implement Vision Language Models to enhance user experience and platform capabilities

• Design and build retrieval-augmented generation systems to improve search and recommendation functionalities

• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate machine learning solutions into the Upwork platform

• Continuously monitor and improve model performance and accuracy

Must Haves (Required Skills):

• 7+ years of experience in the machine learning field with a strong emphasis on practical applications and innovation

• Proven experience in developing deploying and maintaining machine learning models particularly in Generative AI and Large Language Models ( LLMs )

• Expertise in Vision Language Models ( VLMs ) and their practical applications in real-world scenarios

• Strong programming skills in Python additional proficiency in Java

• Experience with retrieval-augmented generation ( RAG ) and its implementation in various projects

• Ability to work effectively in a remote-first collaborative team environment

• Strong sense of ownership and a proactive approach to continuous improvement and innovation in machine learning practices

• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders clearly and effectively

Upwork is proudly committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. We never discriminate based on race religion color national origin gender (including pregnancy childbirth or related medical condition) sexual orientation gender identity gender expression age status as a protected veteran status as an individual with a disability or other applicable legally protected characteristics.