Director, Enterprise Research
About The Position
The Enterprise ML team works on the front lines of the AI revolution, partnering deeply with customers to identify high-impact business problems and build cutting-edge AI systems using Scale’s proprietary research, data, and infrastructure—unlocking domain expertise through high-quality data and expert feedback. As Director of Enterprise ML, you will lead a world-class team of research scientists and engineers, define the research roadmap, and drive execution from early prototyping to deployment. You’ll thrive in a fast-moving environment, balancing deep technical leadership with people management, vision setting, and delivery. This role is ideal for a leader who thrives in ambiguity, understands both frontier GenAI capabilities and their limitations, and is motivated by turning research into durable, production-ready systems.
Requirements
- 8+ years of hands-on research experience (PhD or equivalent preferred) in machine learning, deep learning, generative models, agent/rl systems or related domains.
- A strong track record of research excellence, including publications in top-tier ML/AI venues (NeurIPS, ICML, ICLR, ACL, etc.).
- Experience and track of recording in landing major research impacts in a fast-paced environment
- Experience leading or managing research teams. You’re excited to mentor, coach and develop talent.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills. You are able to articulate research ideas and outcomes to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence executives, customers, and cross-functional partners
Nice To Haves
- Hands-on experience building and deploying agent-based, tool-augmented, or workflow-driven LLM systems in enterprise environments
- Prior ownership of enterprise AI platforms, internal ML products, or customer-facing AI services at scale
- Proven track record of partnering directly with enterprises to identify high-impact use cases and deliver measurable business outcomes
Responsibilities
- Lead, mentor and grow a team of research scientists and engineers working on GenAI research initiatives (e.g., evaluation, post-training, agents, RL environments).
- Define and drive a multi-year research roadmap: identify key scientific questions, set milestones, allocate resources, and ensure rigorous execution.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering, product, client-facing teams and external academic or industry partners to translate research into components, insights, and actionable outcomes.
- Communicate compellingly: publish research, present at conferences, engage in open-source contributions, and represent the team externally.
- Drive an inclusive, high-performing culture: help your team through technical challenges, provide growth opportunities, and attract top talent.
- Stay deeply connected to the research community, understanding major trends, and helping set them.
- Thrive in a high-energy, fast-paced startup environment and are ready to dedicate the time and effort needed to drive impactful results.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health, dental and vision coverage, retirement benefits, a learning and development stipend, and generous PTO.
- Additionally, this role may be eligible for additional benefits such as a commuter stipend.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Education Level
Ph.D. or professional degree
Number of Employees
1,001-5,000 employees
