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Senior Manager, ML Research Science
San Mateo, CA
Are you ready to revolutionize the advertising industry?
At Cognitiv, we are not just another AdTech company—we are industry trailblazers redefining media buying with our Deep Learning Advertising Platform. Since 2015, we have harnessed the power of cutting-edge deep learning technology and data science to transform how brands connect with their customers. Our mission? To bring intelligence to advertising and deliver unparalleled precision, relevance, and impact at scale.
With our innovative platform, advertisers enjoy unprecedented flexibility—whether it is activating Dynamic Deals through their preferred DSP, leveraging our managed service DSP, or utilizing our industry-first ContextGPT product. As a part of Cognitiv, you will be at the forefront of AI-driven advertising solutions, driving change and achieving remarkable growth in a rapidly evolving industry.
Now, we’re growing!
The Role
We are seeking a Senior Manager or Director of Machine Learning Research Science with a strong background in leading advanced deep learning projects, feature enhancement, and Large Language Model (LLM) integration. In this role, you will lead and mentor a team of seasoned adtech research scientists, driving the advancement of real-time bidding (RTB) algorithms and the incorporation of LLM technology into our adtech solutions. You will oversee the development and optimization of robust, end-to-end training pipelines, enhance our algorithmic strategies, and ensure the successful implementation of innovative technologies that revolutionize feature capabilities and model architectures within the adtech industry. Additionally, you will maintain a hands-on approach, actively participating in code reviews and contributing directly to the technical development of your team members. If you are passionate about leading a dynamic team in a fast-paced environment and eager to tackle complex challenges in adtech, we invite you to join our team of experts in this transformative managerial role.
This position will be located in San Mateo, CA with a hybrid work schedule of 3 days in office (Mon/Tue/Wed) and 2 days remote (Thursday/Friday).
What You'll Do
- Lead and manage a team of Machine Learning Research Scientists, fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.
- Define and execute the strategic vision for machine learning research initiatives within the adtech domain.
- Oversee the design and implementation of cutting-edge deep learning architectures to drive innovation and performance improvements in our adtech solutions.
- Maintain a hands-on approach by actively participating in the development process and conducting thorough code reviews to ensure code quality and adherence to best practices.
- Stay abreast of the latest LLM research and guide the integration of new findings into Cognitiv’s adtech solutions.
- Collaborate with operations, engineering, and cross-functional teams to refine data pipelines, model deployment, and monitoring systems.
- Ensure the continuous enhancement of machine learning models and algorithms for improved ad targeting, real-time bidding efficacy, and audience relevance.
- Manage project timelines, resources, and deliverables to ensure successful completion of research projects.
- Represent the machine learning research team in strategic discussions and contribute to company-wide initiatives.
- Mentor and develop team members, providing guidance on technical challenges and supporting career growth
Who You Are
- Master’s or Ph.D. in Computer Science, Statistics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
- 5-7+ years of experience in machine learning research and development.
- Proven experience in a leadership or managerial role, with the ability to lead and mentor a team of researchers.
- Expertise in deep learning architectures (e.g., transformers) and frameworks (e.g., PyTorch).
- Proficient in Python programming with strong software engineering principles, algorithms, and data structures.
- Strong understanding of traditional machine learning algorithms (e.g., XGBoost, PCA).
- Extensive experience with Large Language Models (LLMs).
- Knowledge of distributed computing, cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure), and big data technologies (e.g., Hadoop, Spark).
- Hands-on experience in developing, deploying, and optimizing machine learning models in production environments.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong organizational and project management abilities.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and tackle complex challenges in adtech
Bonus Points
- Prior experience in AdTech and RTB systems.
- Strong C++ programming skills are a significant advantage.
- Track record of published research or contributions to the machine learning community.
Salary
- $200,000-$270,000 Base Salary DOE + Equity
What We Offer
Compensation is based on experience, skills, and other factors. Base salary is just one part of your total rewards at Cognitiv—you’ll also receive equity and a comprehensive benefits package.
Highlights include:
- Medical, dental & vision coverage (some plans 100% employer-paid)
- 12 weeks paid parental leave
- Unlimited PTO + Work-From-Anywhere August
- Career development with clear advancement paths
- Equity for all employees
- Hybrid work model & daily team lunch
- Health & wellness stipend + cell phone reimbursement
- 401(k) with employer match
- Parking (CA & WA offices) & pre-tax commuter benefits
- Employee Assistance Program
- Comprehensive onboarding (Cognitiv University)
- …and more!
What You’ll Find at Cognitiv
- Festiv – We make work fun with cross-team games, events, and creative team bonding.
- Responsiv – You’ll be close to clients and leadership, influencing real outcomes.
- Inclusiv – Diversity and individuality are celebrated across all levels.
- Inventiv – We reward curiosity and embrace bold ideas.
- Transformativ – We support your growth with training, mentorship, and flexibility.
- Collaborativ – We operate across coasts, connected by purpose and teamwork.
Cognitiv is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all.
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