[Hiring] Principal Machine Learning Engineer @Upstart

Role Description

The Machine Learning Platform team builds the foundational technology that scales machine learning innovation across Upstart. As a Principal Machine Learning Engineer, you will work at the intersection of applied ML and platform engineering—collaborating closely with Research Scientists, Data Scientists, and ML Platform Engineers to design tools and systems that accelerate model development to ultimately improve predictive accuracy. Success in this role requires deep knowledge of ML throughout the entire modeling lifecycle - from data preparation to training and deployment to production.

• Lead engineering initiatives that turn high-impact modeling needs into scalable, reusable infrastructure.
• Build a unified embeddings platform for training, serving, and managing representations at scale.
• Streamline feature engineering pipelines to reduce manual steps and deliver new signals quickly.
• Develop automated continuous-learning systems that handle data refresh, retraining, evaluation, and drift monitoring with minimal manual effort.
• Scale training pipelines to support larger datasets, more complex architectures, and faster experimentation.
• Work backward from applied ML projects that meaningfully improve accuracy.

How You’ll Make an Impact

• Scale ML innovation by building tools, infrastructure, and workflows that dramatically improve the speed and reliability of model development.
• Work backward from modeling needs to design systems that directly unlock gains in accuracy, efficiency, and scientific productivity.
• Explore new algorithms and methodologies for our machine learning models and develop tooling to support them.
• Improve the entire ML lifecycle—from data readiness and feature development through training, evaluation, serving, and monitoring.
• Automate and standardize operational workflows, enabling scientists to focus on high-leverage modeling and analysis rather than manual pipelines.
• Define the roadmap for our next generation ML Platform, balancing near-term impact with long-term architectural scalability.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with Data Engineering, ML Platform, Pricing, and other teams to build reliable, end-to-end ML systems.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of hands-on experience in applied machine learning, with strong exposure to production-scale modeling efforts.
• Demonstrated expertise in end-to-end model development: data prep, feature engineering, training, evaluation, and deployment.
• Experience working in high-scale, ML-driven product environments—especially in fintech, pricing, or risk modeling.
• Proficiency in Python and core ML frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow, Scikit-learn, XGBoost).
• Ability to work autonomously and lead technical direction in ambiguous, high-impact domains.
• Experience collaborating with cross-functional teams including ML scientists, engineers, and product partners.
• Ability to bridge engineering and science teams, and influence technical strategy across disciplines.
• Numerically-savvy and smart with ability to operate at a fast pace.
• Master’s degree or PhD in a quantitative discipline, or equivalent additional professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Practical experience optimizing ML workflows using CUDA/GPU acceleration.
• Background in feature store design, embedding architecture, or synthetic data generation for model training.
• Proven track record of improving model accuracy in production environments with measurable business outcomes.
• Familiarity with modern experimentation frameworks, hyperparameter tuning tools, and automated model selection techniques.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation, including base pay, bonus opportunities, and annual equity grants that vest quarterly.
• Generous 401(k) plan with Upstart matching $2 for every $1 contributed, up to $15,000 per year.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) with discounted stock purchase options for eligible employees.
• Affordable medical, dental, and vision coverage, with multiple plan options - Upstart covers 90% to 100% of the cost depending on the plans you choose.
• Health Savings Account contributions from Upstart for eligible plans.
• Income protection benefits, including company-paid Basic Life, AD&D, and Short- and Long-Term Disability coverage, with options to purchase supplemental coverage.
• Paid time off, sick and safe time, and company holidays.
• Paid family and parental leave to support caregiving and major life moments.
• Family-centered benefits through Carrot and Cleo, supporting fertility, parenthood, and caregiving.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering mental health support and life-centered resources.
• Financial wellness resources, including access to financial planning tools and a financial concierge service.
• Annual wellness allowance to support your physical and emotional well-being and personal development, based on what matters most to you.
• Annual productivity allowance to invest in relevant tools and resources you need to do your best work, no matter where you work from.
• Connection and community through team events and onsites, all-company updates, and employee resource groups (ERGs).
• Onsite perks, including catered lunches and fully stocked micro-kitchens when working from one of our four offices, located in the Bay Area, Austin, Columbus, and New York City (opening Summer 2026!).