The Team 

Upstart’s Machine Learning team has a direct impact on our company's success. The team consists of full-stack applied science generalists as well as specialists in research, data science, statistical modeling and machine learning. The fundamental goal of the Machine Learning team is to explore new models and new data sets that can improve the accuracy of our models. With this goal comes near-limitless challenges to tackle, and that is one of the reasons why Upstart is such a unique opportunity.

As Distinguished Machine Learning Engineer at Upstart, you will be at the forefront of a team of top-notch specialists, working to optimize cutting-edge machine learning frameworks, employing GPU-accelerated computing, and mastering cloud and Linux infrastructure. Leveraging our strong interdisciplinary expertise, you will play an integral role in the development, optimization, and deployment of machine learning models. This entails leveraging your robust knowledge of computer science fundamentals and an extensive understanding of operating systems and hardware configurations. You will also be diving into low-level details on data formats to ensure the efficiency and accuracy of these models.

Role description: Leveraging your strong interdisciplinary expertise, you will play an integral role in the development, optimization, and deployment of machine learning models. This entails leveraging your robust knowledge of computer science fundamentals and an extensive understanding of operating systems and hardware configurations. You will also be diving into low-level details on data formats to ensure the efficiency and accuracy of these models.

Being part of a highly specialized team, your role extends beyond the technical realm. It includes defining the long-term machine learning strategy for the company. You will be responsible for coordinating with machine learning engineers, promoting high cross-functional collaboration and fostering a productive and innovative engineering culture. Your leadership will guide large teams and steer substantial projects towards successful completion within tight timelines. Through your expert coordination, you will ensure that projects align with the company's strategic objectives and result in the creation of value-driven, effective solutions. Your experience and vision will be pivotal in setting the company's direction in machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Position Location - This role is available in the following locations: Columbus, Austin, San Mateo, or Remote

Travel Requirements - This team has regular on-site collaboration sessions. ML leads can anticipate working in either HQ 3 days/week 6 times/year. Since this is a leadership position, a few additional travel dates may be possible for onsite collaborations with other teams. If you need to travel to make these meetups, Upstart will cover all travel related expenses.

How you’ll make an impact:

• Deep Optimization: Dive into the depths of machine learning models and techniques such as recurrent neural networks, gradient boosting methods, model ensembling, and stacking. You will use your expertise to push the boundaries of these models and extract their maximum potential.
• GPU and CUDA: Harness the raw power of GPUs using CUDA to supercharge your machine learning models, creating solutions that are not just efficient, but also blazing fast.
• Cloud and Linux: Leverage your solid understanding of cloud infrastructures and Linux to build robust, scalable, and highly available machine learning solutions.
• Data Formats: Look into the finer details of data formats. Your work will ensure the accuracy, efficiency, and quality of the data that feeds into our machine learning models
• LLM Strategy: Define and drive the Long-Lived Machine (LLM) learning strategy for the company, shaping the future direction of our ML initiatives and contributing significantly to our success.

What we’re looking for: 

Minimum qualifications:

• Profound knowledge of the entire tech stack, inclusive of computer science fundamentals and in-depth understanding of various operating systems and hardware configurations.
• High degree of cross-functional expertise, with the ability to navigate between various roles within the tech stack.
• Prior work experience in creating and implementing strategic plans at the company-wide level, in the field of machine learning.
• Strong software skills in multiple languages such as C++, Python, Java, Kotlin. 
• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or a related field, or equivalent practical experience.

Preferred qualifications:

• Experience with machine learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, etc.
• Deep knowledge in using GPUs for computation, including a strong understanding of CUDA.
• Extensive experience with cloud and Linux infrastructures.

What you'll love: 

• Competitive Compensation (base + bonus & equity)
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage with Health Savings Account contributions from Upstart 
• 401(k) with 100% company match up to $4,500 and immediate vesting and after-tax savings
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP)
• Life and disability insurance
• Generous holiday, vacation, sick and safety leave  
• Supportive parental, family care, and military leave programs
• Annual wellness, technology & ergonomic reimbursement programs
• Social activities including team events and onsites, all-company updates, employee resource groups (ERGs), and other interest groups such as book clubs, fitness, investing, and volunteering
• Catered lunches + snacks & drinks when working in offices

#LI-REMOTE

#LI-MidSenior