Associate Director, ML/ AI Engineering

About Us 

We turn customer challenges into growth opportunities.  

Material is a global strategy partner to the world’s most recognizable brands and innovative companies. Our people around the globe thrive by helping organizations design and deliver rewarding customer experiences.  

We use deep human insights, design innovation and data to create experiences powered by modern technology. Our approaches speed engagement and growth for the companies we work with and transform relationships between businesses and the people they serve.  

About the Associate Director, ML/ AI Engineering role 

Material is seeking a seasoned Associate Director within the Data Engineering space to support existing Machine Learning products that revolve around market research data. This role will be involved in work such as enhancing LLMs, utilizing AI for data validation, and improving deliverables with clustering metrics and insights. We offer a supportive environment that encourages professional growth and innovation, where your contributions will significantly impact our clients and their success.  

As an Associate Director, ML/ AI Engineering you will  

• Build ML applications using the latest advances in machine learning to power consumer insights 

• Utilize data driven modeling and leverage the unique properties of our data to improve analytics 

• Communicate on business value and technical details with stakeholders and other technical teams 

• Keep up with industry trends in Machine Learning 

• Leverage LLMs to enhance data quality and processing 

About you  

• 4+ years of industry experience applying machine learning methods (e.g.  boosting models, natural language processing, clustering methods) 

• 2+ years of experience working in Python and Python web frameworks such as FastAPI 

• Experience with modern ML frameworks such as XGBoost, scikit-learn, and PyTorch 

• Experience with vector databases such as pgvector or LanceDB 

• Degree in computer science, statistics, or related field 

• End-to-end hands-on experience with large scale machine learning systems and big data technologies (e.g. Spark) 

• Practical knowledge of modern AWS cloud infrastructure 

• Nice to have:  

• M.S. or PhD in Machine Learning or related areas 

• Be able to hit the ground running.  

Why work for Material? 

In addition to fulfilling, high-impact work, company culture and benefits are integral to determining if a job is a right fit for you. Here’s a bit about who we are and highlights around what we offer. 

Who We Are & What We Care About 

• Material is a global company and we work with best-of-class brands worldwide. We also create and launch new brands and products, putting innovation and value creation at the center of our practice. Our clients are in the top of their class, across industry sectors from technology to retail, transportation, finance and healthcare. 

• Material employees join a peer group of exceptionally talented colleagues across the company, the country, and even the world. We develop capabilities, craft and leading-edge market offerings across seven global practices including strategy and insights, design, data & analytics, technology and tracking. Our engagement management team makes it all hum for clients. 

• We prize inclusion and interconnectedness. We amplify our impact through the people, perspectives, and expertise we engage in our work. Our commitment to deep human understanding combined with a science & systems approach uniquely equips us to bring a rich frame of reference to our work. 

• A community focused on learning and making an impact. Material is an outcomes focused company. We create experiences that matter, create new value and make a difference in people's lives. 

What We Offer 

In addition to Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability and FSA, Material offers: 

• A work environment that works best for you. Whether that’s fully remote, in one of our offices, or hybrid. 

• Flexible & synchronous time off. We trust our colleagues to take responsibility for and manage their workloads. That’s why we offer Flexible Time Off along with synchronous companywide closures and 11 company holidays. 

• 12 weeks of paid parental leave. Every parent deserves to spend the first few months of their new child’s life with them. 

• Help planning for your future. We offer 401K match, as well as periodic financial wellness and planning sessions throughout the year. 

Annual Pay Range: $83,500.00 - $125,000.00

The range shown represents a grouping of relevant ranges currently in use at Material. Actual range for this position may differ, depending on location and specific skillset required for the work itself. 

Equal Employment Opportunity 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, or any other factors prohibited by law.