Engineering Manager, Machine Learning / San Francisco / Full-time

Job Description
This is a full-time position based in San Francisco, with flexibility for hybrid work. You'll be joining a forward-thinking AI avatar and gaming technology company that's redefining the way users create, customize, and interact in digital spaces using generative AI and immersive tools.
The platform is built on two core ideas: "anyone can create anything" and "everything works with everything." Through a proprietary avatar system that combines machine learning, 3D graphics, and real-time interoperability, users and IP holders alike can build expressive social experiences.
We're seeking an Engineering Manager, Machine Learning to guide a talented team of ML engineers working on intelligent, real-time AI avatar systems. You'll oversee the entire model development cycle, from experimentation to deployment, while shaping the core infrastructure that powers dynamic user-generated content and rich avatar behavior.

Required Skills & Experience

• 8+ years of hands-on experience in machine learning, deep learning, or related fields
• Minimum 2 years in a team leadership or engineering management role
• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or a closely related discipline
• Deep understanding of productionizing ML models and scalable infrastructure
• Technical expertise in 3D mesh optimization, texturing, or real-time rendering
• Strong foundation in generative AI (Diffusion models, GANs, VAEs, NeRFs)
• Familiar with modern NLP/LLM architectures and their applications
• Comfortable working with real-time engines such as Unity or Unreal
• Proficient in C++ or CUDA, especially for ML acceleration in graphics pipelines

What You Will Be Doing
Desired Skills & Experience

• Experience with Houdini, OpenUSD, or shader development workflows
• Familiarity with Uplatforms, avatar creation pipelines, or social gaming tech
• Strong understanding of how creative and technical pipelines intersect
• Past experience deploying large-scale ML infrastructure or real-time AI systems
• Industry background in AR/VR, media tech, or immersive content platforms

Tech Breakdown

• 50% machine learning architecture, research, and deployment
• 30% people management, planning, and roadmap alignment
• 20% collaboration with graphics, design, and product teams

Daily Responsibilities

• Lead the development of machine learning models driving avatar intelligence
• Manage and mentor a team of ML engineers, promoting growth and innovation
• Partner with cross-functional teams to align product goals with technical execution
• Drive a culture of experimentation, creativity, and technical excellence
• Stay hands-on with technical design while balancing leadership duties

The Offer

• Competitive salary + generous equity in a fast-growing company
• Full-time opportunity to lead foundational ML efforts in a next-gen platform

Benefits Include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Equity
• Hybrid work flexibility from San Francisco or nearby locations

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the U.S. on a full-time basis, now and in the future.