Senior Lead Machine Learning Engineer, Search and Recommendation

Design, implement, and deploy machine learning models to improve the efficiency and accuracy of Upwork’s platform features, such as search relevance, recommendations and personalization. Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams, including product management, data engineering, and design, to develop, iterate on, and deliver ML-driven solutions that align with business goals. Lead experimentation and optimization of models in production, continuously improving model performance and ensuring scalability across large user bases. Build and maintain scalable ML pipelines for training, inference, and real-time batch processing using cloud-native platforms (AWS, GCP, or Azure). Use advanced data analysis techniques to extract actionable insights, providing leadership on data-driven decisions that enhance user engagement and satisfaction. Mentor junior ML engineers, fostering a collaborative team culture focused on continuous learning, innovation, and excellence.