Machine Learning Lead Engineer

CompanyCox Automotive - USAJob Family GroupData Intelligence & ScienceJob ProfileMachine Learning Lead EngineerManagement LevelManager - Non People LeaderFlexible Work Option Hybrid - Ability to work remotely part of the weekTravel %Yes, 15% of the timeWork ShiftDayCompensationCompensation includes a base salary in the range of $134,900.00 - $224,900.00. The base salary may vary within the anticipated base pay range based on factors such as the ultimate location of the position and the selected candidate’s knowledge, skills, and abilities. Position may be eligible for additional compensation that may include an incentive program.Job DescriptionCox Automotive is hiring a Machine Learning Engineer Lead for the AI Accelerator team. The role spans three areas. The Lead builds and scales machine learning models across the company, from design through production, and brings deep skill in one area such as deep learning, generative AI, computer vision, optimization, or causal machine learning. The Lead also sets the model selection strategy for the team and owns AI governance policy, including bias checks, compliance tracking, and audit trails. The Lead builds evaluation systems that measure whether AI agents and models perform as expected, using the GenAI Eval Framework.WHAT YOU'LL DO:Key ResponsibilitiesDesign, build, and maintain ML models, algorithms, and pipelines for training, inference, and productionUse AI tools such as Claude Code to speed up coding, feature work, and testingBuild ML infrastructure, monitoring, and documentation with engineering partnersTurn model results into business value, and share progress with stakeholders across teamsCoach teams on AI adoption, and lead AI transformation work, from tool testing to rolloutTrack new advances in ML and AI, and publish or present findings through papers and talksDesign agent based workflows for training, data pipelines, and analysis, matched to team skill levelModel Selection & AI Governance StrategyOwn the Model Optimization pillar of the agentic AI framework, and set the model selection strategy for the teamPick between Claude Haiku, Sonnet, and Opus based on task complexity, cost, and speed needsBuild clear rules for when to use each model, and document the reasoning for each choiceTrack model cost across projects, and report spend to leadershipOwn AI governance policy, including bias checks, compliance tracking, and audit trailsWork with legal and compliance teams to meet AI regulationsReport on AI risk and model use across the AI Accelerator portfolioEvaluation Systems (Agentic AI Framework)Build and run evaluation systems for AI agents using the GenAI Eval Framework (GEF)Check answer correctness, task completion, tool selection, and context quality, not just the final outputCalibrate LLM as judge scores against human baselines through agreement analysisCurate golden datasets with human labels and short critiques for each agent typeCompare evaluation runs before and after a prompt or model change, and flag quality shiftsBuild synthetic conversations to test agents before they reach productionWatch for drift, and trace the root cause when agent quality moves away from baselineSet standards for how teams test and approve new models before rollout, and own the hardest evaluation problems as the field maturesWHO YOU ARE:Required SkillsSkilled in AI development tools (Claude, GPT- for ML work, with the skill to check AI output before production useUnderstanding of agent frameworks (AWS AgentSquad, AWS Strands, LangChain, agent patterns), from basic setup to custom enterprise designKnowledge of AI ethics, responsible AI practice, and governance rules for business critical ML workA steady habit of learning in AI augmented data science and responsible AI useSkill in comparing AI models on cost, speed, and output quality, and matching each model to the taskHands-on experience sourcing, deploying, and running open-source models in local or cloud environmentsAbility to set up model serving infrastructure and get open-weight models running end to end (weights, dependencies, inference)Skill in benchmarking open-source models against hosted/proprietary options on quality, cost, and latency to inform build-vs-buy decisionsComfort fine-tuning, quantizing, or otherwise adapting open-source models to task and hardware constraintsRequired QualificationsApplicants must currently be authorized to work in the United States for any employer without current or future sponsorship. No OPT, CPT, STEM/OPT or visa sponsorship now or in future.Bachelor's degree in a related field and 6 years of experience, or a master's degree and 4 years, or a Ph.D. and 1 year, or 14 years of experience with no degree6+ years' experience working in Machine Learning focused workSkilled in analytical thinking, consulting, requirements work, system and technology integration, and comfort with new technologySkilled in working with intent, clear communication, building trust, driving new ideas, and pushing for high quality workOther duties as neededA track record of leading new projects from idea to proof of conceptDeep skill in more than one ML area and knowledge of new researchStrong background in testing technology, studying competitors, and planning strategyProof of sharing knowledge through papers, talks, or similar workExperience building and leading strong research or innovation teamsStrong communication skills for both technical and executive audiencesA strong network in the ML research communityExperience with research partnerships and joint workMust live within a commutable distance to AtlantaPreferred QualificationsExperience in corporate research labs, innovation teams, or technology consultingA record of finding and rolling out breakthrough technologyBackground moving research into business useA strong name in the ML community through talks or open source workKnowledge of new areas such as LLMs, agents, foundation models, multimodal AI, or quantum MLLeadership ExpectationsBuild a culture of testing, learning, and smart risk takingBuild agreement on research priorities while keeping speed highGrow talent through mentoring in both technical skill and research methodShare complex results and their meaning with people at every levelLead by example through curiosity, careful method, and open sharingConnect new research to real business useBuild the team into a known center for ML experimentsDrug TestingTo be employed in this role, you’ll need to clear a pre-employment drug test. Cox Automotive does not currently administer a pre-employment drug test for marijuana for this position. However, we are a drug-free workplace, so the possession, use or being under the influence of drugs illegal under federal or state law during work hours, on company property and/or in company vehicles is prohibited.BenefitsThe Company offers eligible employees the flexibility to take as much vacation with pay as they deem consistent with their duties, the company’s needs, and its obligations; seven paid holidays throughout the calendar year; and up to 160 hours of paid wellness annually for their own wellness or that of family members. Employees are also eligible for additional paid time off in the form of bereavement leave, time off to vote, jury duty leave, volunteer time off, military leave, and parental leave.About UsThrough groundbreaking technology and a commitment to stellar experiences for drivers and dealers alike, Cox Automotive employees are transforming the way the world buys, owns, sells – or simply uses – cars. Cox Automotive employees get to work on iconic consumer brands like Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book and industry-leading dealer-facing companies like vAuto and Manheim, all while enjoying the people-centered atmosphere that is central to our life at Cox. Benefits of working at Cox may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO). For more details on what benefits you may be offered, visit our benefits page. Cox is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer – All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual’s age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law. Cox provides reasonable accommodations when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with disability, unless such accommodations would cause an undue hardship.EOE, including disability/vetsSummaryLocation: Atlanta GAType: Full time