Senior/Lead ML Operations Engineer

1 Week ago • 5 Years +

Job Summary

Job Description

As a Senior/Lead Machine Learning Operations Engineer, you will be responsible for deploying and maintaining machine learning models, particularly those utilizing graph data structures and Generative AI, to enhance Upwork's platform. This role involves leading knowledge graph development, deploying and optimizing ML models at scale, designing retrieval-augmented generation systems, building ML pipelines, and integrating APIs. You will collaborate with a global team to improve model accuracy, system scalability, and operational efficiency. This is a long-term contract position focused on innovating Upwork's search, recommendation, and matching functionalities. Your work will directly impact how Upwork's users experience the platform.
Must have:
  • 5+ years experience deploying and maintaining ML models.
  • Expertise in knowledge graph development and databases.
  • Strong programming skills in Python (preferred).
  • Understanding of cloud-based architectures (AWS preferred).
  • Experience with containerization and orchestration (Docker, Kubernetes).
  • Solid grasp of Generative AI and Large Language Models.
  • Experience with ETL pipelines and relational databases.
  • Familiarity with RESTful API development.
Good to have:
  • Experience with data engineering and API integration.
  • Prior work on large-scale knowledge graph projects.
  • Exposure to active learning systems.

Job Details

Upwork ($UPWK) is the world’s work marketplace. We serve everyone from one-person startups to over 30% of the Fortune 100 with a powerful, trust-driven platform that enables companies and talent to work together in new ways that unlock their potential.  

Last year, more than $3.3 billion of work was done through Upwork by skilled professionals who are gaining more control by finding work they are passionate about and innovating their careers.  

This is an engagement through Upwork’s Hybrid Workforce Solutions (HWS) Team. Our Hybrid Workforce Solutions Team is a global group of professionals that support Upwork’s business. Our HWS team members are located all over the world.


This role is a long-term contract position.

Join our Algorithms and Research team as a Senior/Lead Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) Engineer. We are seeking an experienced engineer passionate about productizing advanced technologies, including Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs), to revolutionize Upwork's platform capabilities.

In this role, you will focus on deploying machine learning models, particularly those leveraging graph data structures, and building the infrastructure to support them. You will work closely with machine learning engineers on serving models built using graphs and contribute significantly to our multi-year knowledge graph initiative. This is an opportunity to make a substantial impact on Upwork's search, recommendation, and matching functionalities.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the development, integration, and maintenance of knowledge graphs, including data modeling, ETL pipelines, and graph database management.
  • Deploy, monitor, and optimize machine learning models — especially those leveraging Generative AI and LLMs — at scale in production environments.
  • Design and implement retrieval-augmented generation systems to enhance search and recommendation functionalities.
  • Build and maintain robust machine learning pipelines, ensuring seamless data flow from ingestion to model serving.
  • Develop and integrate APIs for serving ML models and knowledge graph data to platform applications.
  • Implement monitoring, alerting, and active learning systems to ensure model performance and reliability.
  • Collaborate closely with a globally distributed team of ML engineers, data engineers, and product stakeholders to deliver impactful solutions.
  • Continuously drive improvements in model accuracy, system scalability, and operational efficiency.

Must Haves (Required Skills):

  • 5+ years of experience deploying and maintaining machine learning models in production environments.
  • Proven expertise in knowledge graph development, graph databases (e.g., Neo4j, TigerGraph), and data integration.
  • Strong programming skills in Python (preferred), with proficiency in Java or Golang a plus.
  • Deep understanding of scalable, cloud-based architectures (AWS preferred; GCP and Azure experience valued).
  • Hands-on experience with containerization and orchestration tools (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
  • Solid grasp of Generative AI, Large Language Models, and modern ML frameworks.
  • Experience building and maintaining ETL pipelines and integrating with relational databases.
  • Familiarity with RESTful API development and best practices.
  • Excellent problem-solving skills, proactive mindset, and ability to thrive in a remote, collaborative environment.

As a plus:

  • Experience with data engineering, API integration, and monitoring/optimization of ML services.
  • Prior work on multi-year, large-scale knowledge graph or graph ML projects.
  • Exposure to active learning systems and ML model monitoring frameworks.

Upwork is proudly committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. We never discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical condition), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics.   

To learn more about how Upwork processes and protects your personal information as part of the application process, please review our Global Job Applicant Privacy Notice

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About The Company

Upwork is the world’s work marketplace that connects businesses with independent talent from across the globe. We serve everyone from one-person startups to large, Fortune 100 enterprises with a powerful, trust-driven platform that enables companies and talent to work together in new ways that unlock their potential. Our talent community on Upwork encompasses more than 10,000 skills in categories including website & app development, creative & design, customer support, finance & accounting, consulting, and operations.

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