Head of Frontier Data Operations

Scale AI is seeking an experienced Head of Frontier Data Operations to spearhead our most advanced AI projects, including AI agents, audio, and model evaluation. This leadership role is essential in driving innovation, overseeing the development of new datasets, and managing teams focused on the latest advancements in AI technology. The Head of Frontier Data Ops will play a crucial role in shaping our AI initiatives, ensuring the highest standards of quality, and fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration.

You will:

Be a Leader

• Drive the development and execution of high-impact projects in AI agents, speech recognition, and model evaluation.
• Provide strategic direction and oversight to ensure projects align with Scale AI’s goals and industry advancements.
• Collaborate with research and engineering teams to integrate cutting-edge AI models with robust data development practices.
• Manage and mentor specialized teams, including Strategic Project Leads (SPLs) and Single Threaded Owners (STOs), fostering a high-performance culture.
• Encourage innovation, continuous improvement, and professional growth within the team.
• Ensure effective collaboration and communication across cross-functional teams and departments.

Build data strategy and tooling roadmap

• Formulate and implement comprehensive data development strategies tailored to frontier AI applications.
• Oversee data collection, annotation, and validation processes to ensure high-quality datasets.
• Stay informed about the latest AI trends and technologies to drive strategic initiatives and maintain competitive edge.
• Identify opportunities for enhancing data development workflows through innovative tools and products.
• Lead the design, development, and deployment of solutions that improve data collection, annotation efficiency, and overall data quality.
• Collaborate with IT and development teams to ensure seamless integration of new tools into existing systems.

Handle Quality assurance & model improvement

• Oversee the establishment of robust evaluation metrics and benchmarks for AI models.
• Work closely with research teams to assess model performance, identify strengths and areas for improvement, and ensure models meet desired standards.
• Implement and maintain rigorous quality assurance processes to uphold data integrity and reliability.
• Coordinate with Quality Assurance (QA) teams to monitor data quality and address any issues promptly and effectively.

Champion collaboration & communication

• Facilitate collaboration between research scientists, engineers, product managers, and other stakeholders to drive cohesive project outcomes.
• Promote knowledge sharing and best practices across different teams and projects.
• Communicate project goals, progress updates, and outcomes to executive leadership and key stakeholders.
• Prepare and deliver reports and presentations that highlight project achievements, challenges, and strategic plans.

Talent development 

• Cultivate a positive and inclusive work environment that promotes team engagement and retention.
• Implement initiatives to boost team morale, encourage collaboration, and support professional development.

Ideally, you’d have:

Experience & education

• Master’s or Ph.D. degree in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, or a related field.
• 7-10 years of experience in AI, machine learning, or data science roles.
• Proven track record in leading data development projects for AI applications.
• Expertise in AI agents, speech recognition systems, and model evaluation methodologies.

Skills & competencies

• Deep understanding of machine learning algorithms, data annotation techniques, and AI model evaluation.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python and familiarity with AI frameworks (e.g., TensorFlow, PyTorch).
• Strong leadership abilities with experience managing cross-functional and high-performing teams.
• Excellent project management skills, capable of overseeing multiple complex projects simultaneously.
• Ability to analyze complex data and make data-driven decisions.
• Strategic mindset with a focus on innovation and long-term planning.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to convey complex technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders effectively.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about advancing the field of AI and exploring new frontiers.
• Creative thinker who can develop novel solutions to complex problems.
• Strong team player who values diverse perspectives and fosters collaboration.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with evolving priorities.

This Role Is Critical For:

• Driving the development of high-quality datasets essential for training and evaluating cutting-edge AI models.
• Leading initiatives that push the boundaries of AI agents, speech recognition, and model evaluation technologies.
• Contributing to Scale AI's strategic objectives by ensuring successful and impactful frontier AI projects.
• Building and nurturing high-performing teams that are motivated, skilled, and aligned with the company's vision.