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Head of Applied AI

San Francisco, CA

We’re on a mission to democratize AI by building the definitive AI data development platform. The AI landscape has gone through incredible change between 2016, when Snorkel started as a research project in the Stanford AI Lab, to the generative AI breakthroughs of today. But one thing has remained constant: the data you use to build AI is the key to achieving differentiation, high performance, and production-ready systems. We work with some of the world’s largest organizations to empower scientists, engineers, financial experts, product creators, journalists, and more to build custom AI with their data faster than ever before. Excited to help us redefine how AI is built? Apply to be the newest Snorkeler!

As Head of Applied AI, you will lead the design, development, and deployment of advanced AI solutions that deliver measurable business impact for enterprise customers. You will manage and mentor a high-performing team of Applied AI Engineers, guiding them in translating complex business needs into actionable data and AI systems. This role demands a strong blend of technical expertise in machine learning and data science, hands-on leadership in building and deploying production-ready AI applications, and exceptional communication skills to effectively engage with both technical and non-technical stakeholders. You will be responsible for scoping project requirements, creating detailed work plans, setting clear milestones, and ensuring timely, high-quality delivery. In addition to overseeing project execution, you will contribute directly to technical development, collaborating closely with Product, Sales, Engineering, and Research teams while representing the company as a technical leader in customer engagements and the broader AI community. Your strategic vision and leadership will be essential in fostering innovation, driving growth, and ensuring our applied AI practice remains at the forefront of the industry.

Main Responsibilities

  • Oversee the full lifecycle of AI/ML solution development, from ideation to successful deployment, integration, and customization for diverse customer needs.
  • Define and execute the technical and product vision for applied AI solutions, ensuring alignment with the company’s overall business strategy.
  • Lead, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of Applied AI Engineers, fostering technical excellence and professional growth.
  • Develop and implement state of the art AI techniques such as retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), fine-tuning, prompt engineering, AI agents, ML model training, and optimizing model performance for real-world deployment to maximize business impact.
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with product, research, and field teams to prioritize the roadmap, integrate new developments, and ensure seamless delivery of AI capabilities.
  • Build and nurture strong relationships with key stakeholders, understanding their business requirements and aligning AI solutions to deliver measurable value.
  • Identify and drive opportunities to differentiate the company’s AI offerings, contributing insights and feedback to influence product and research directions.
  • Represent the company at industry events, conferences, and webinars, sharing expertise and promoting innovative AI solutions.
  • Maintain the organization’s position as an industry leader by staying abreast of the latest AI/ML trends and incorporating cutting-edge advancements into products and services.
  • Occasionally travel to customer sites for workshops, implementation support, and relationship building, ensuring customer success and satisfaction.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, Statistics, or a related quantitative field, or equivalent experience.
  • 5+ years of hands-on experience in Applied AI and ML roles, leading successful customer-facing projects.
  • Strong proficiency in Python for data preparation, analysis, feature engineering, and visualization; experience with NLP is preferred.

Compensation range for Tier 1 locations of San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles & New York  $220K - $300K OTE. All offers also include equity in the form of employee stock options. Our compensation ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training.

Locations

New York; San Francisco Bay Area; Remote - US

#LI-CG1

Salary Range

$220,000 - $300,000 USD

Be Your Best At Snorkel
 
Snorkel AI is on a mission to make machine learning practical for everyone, and it starts with building a team that welcomes, represents and gives opportunity to all. We work at the frontier of AI and software engineering, and believe that underrepresented communities need to play a part in shaping the future of these fields. At Snorkel AI, we actively work to create an environment that values end-to-end ownership, diverse forms of impact, and opportunities for personal growth.
 
Snorkelers are supported by an amazing team and an amazing set of benefits. For Full-time employees, we offer comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans for Snorkelers and their families, plus a yearly wellness stipend. Our 401k program lets Snorkelers plan for their future and our parental leave program lets new parents take up to 20 weeks of paid time off. Learn more about these benefits and more — like our workstation setup allowance — on our Careers page.
 
Snorkel AI is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer and is committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Snorkel AI embraces diversity and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment. Snorkel AI prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, performance, merit, and business need.
 
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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