This role is ideal for a senior-level engineer who bridges the gap between deep **Data Engineering** and modern **Applied AI**. You should have a proven track r
Work type: remote
Location: Remote
Salary: $151,500 – $215,500/yr
Type: Full-time
This role is ideal for a senior-level engineer who bridges the gap between deep **Data Engineering** and modern **Applied AI**. You should have a proven track record of moving Generative AI projects beyond the "experiment" phase into production-grade systems, specifically focusing on agentic workflows and LLM orchestration within an enterprise data environment. Financially, the position offers a strong base salary (up to $215k) plus an annual bonus and equity incentives. As a fully remote role within a "remote-first" culture, it offers significant geographic flexibility across 21 U.S. states. You’ll be at the forefront of the company's internal transformation, building the tools that democratize data access for the entire global organization. **You might be a good fit if you:** * Have hands-on experience building **agentic frameworks** that coordinate multiple LLMs to solve complex tasks. * Are an expert in **Python and SQL**, particularly within a **Snowflake** ecosystem. * Know how to build and maintain "Natural Language to SQL" (NLQ) systems that allow non-technical users to query data safely. * Can design rigorous evaluation frameworks to measure LLM accuracy and reliability.
Upwork Inc.’s (Nasdaq: UPWK) family of companies connects businesses with global, AI-enabled talent across every contingent work type including freelance, fractional, and payrolled. This portfolio includes the Upwork Marketplace, which connects businesses with on-demand access to highly skilled talent across the globe, and Lifted, which provides a purpose-built solution for enterprise organizations to source, contract, manage, and pay talent across the full spectrum of contingent work. From Fortune 100 enterprises to entrepreneurs, businesses rely on Upwork Inc. to find and hire expert talent, leverage AI-powered work solutions, and drive business transformation. With access to professionals spanning more than 10,000 skills across AI & machine learning, software development, sales & marketing, customer support, finance & accounting, and more, the Upwork family of companies enables businesses of all sizes to scale, innovate, and transform their workforces for the age of AI and beyond.
Since its founding, Upwork Inc. has facilitated more than $30 billion in total transactions and services as it fulfills its purpose to create opportunity in every era of work. Learn more about the Upwork Marketplace at[ Upwork.com](http://upwork.com/) and follow us on[ LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/upwork),[ Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/upwork),[ Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/upwork/),[ TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@upwork), and[ X](https://twitter.com/upwork); and learn more about Lifted at[ Go-Lifted](http://go-lifted.com) and follow on[ LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/go-lifted/).
As a Lead AI Engineer on our Data Platform & Services (DPS) team, you will bridge deep data engineering expertise with emerging AI capabilities to build production-grade AI-powered systems. You’ll design and deploy agentic frameworks, natural language querying (NLQ) capabilities, and prompt/LLM evaluation strategies that unlock insights at scale across Upwork. This is an opportunity to deliver tangible impact, enabling faster decision-making, democratizing data access, and empowering analysts and stakeholders throughout the company.
### Responsibilities:
At Upwork, you’ll shape the future of work for a global, remote-first workforce, creating economic opportunities for professionals worldwide. While we have a physical office in Palo Alto, we currently hire full-time employees in 21 U.S. states, making it easier than ever to join our mission from wherever you call home.
Our culture is built on trust, risk-taking, customer focus, and excellence, all in service of our core mission: to create economic opportunities so people have better lives. We embrace authenticity and inclusion, encouraging everyone to bring their whole selves to work. Personal and professional growth is a priority here, supported through development programs, mentorship, and our Upwork Belonging Communities.
We’re proud to offer benefits that go beyond the basics, including comprehensive medical coverage for you and your family, unlimited PTO, a 401(k) plan with matching, 12 weeks of paid parental leave, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Visit our [Life at Upwork](https://www.upwork.com/careers/life-at-upwork) page to learn more about our values, working principles, and the overall employee experience.
Ready to help shape the future of work? Check out our [Careers](https://careers.upwork.com/) page and follow us on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/upwork),[Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/upwork),[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/upwork/),[TikTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@upwork), and [X](https://twitter.com/upwork) to learn more about life at Upwork.