Machine learning engineer

Valence has built the only AI native coaching platform for enterprise, offering personalized, expert, and human-like guidance and support to any leader or employee. We’re not just talking about the future of work — we’re building it now, with the most innovative Fortune 500 companies across healthcare, financial services, manufacturing, and technology.

Our focus is on the problems that actually decide whether AI changes how organizations operate — the ones with no playbook, no obvious answers, and no guarantee of success. If you want to be part of the small group that defines how AI transforms the future at a global scale, this is your chance.

And this isn’t for everyone. We’re not looking for people who want predictability or incremental progress. We only want those who are restless at the edge of what’s possible, who get bored when things feel “done,” and who are driven to redefine what AI can mean for leaders, companies, and the world. Because at Valence, the work worth doing is the kind that redefines work itself.

The Role

This role is a Machine Learning Engineer role for our conversational AI coaching product designed for Fortune 500 enterprises, reporting into our Head of AI. In this role you will implement, and optimize machine learning models that power our coaching insights and recommendations. This role is focused on the development and optimization of machine learning models and algorithms, optimizing the underlying ML infrastructure and model development. This role will directly impact our product's core and shape the future of AI-driven leadership coaching for Fortune 500 enterprises.

About Valence

We're the only company pioneering leadership coaching for large enterprises in an AI-first way. Our mission is to transform how the world's biggest companies approach learning and development, helping teams work better together through AI-powered personalization that adapts to individual goals and organizational culture using the latest advances in machine learning and natural language processing.

We've been featured in Harvard Business Review, TIME, World Economic Forum, Financial Times, Forbes and an Inc. 5000 fastest-growing private companies in America. Our clients represent the most diverse and sophisticated enterprise AI implementations globally, including Coca-Cola, Delta, Nestlé, General Mills, Schneider Electric, Deutsche Telekom, AstraZeneca, Prudential, CVS and Bristol Myers Squibb.

Working at Valence means you'll work directly with Fortune 500 technology leaders, building expertise through the most complex enterprise deployments while gaining insight into diverse organizational approaches to AI transformation. These aren't just any enterprise clients - they're the companies defining what AI-first business transformation looks like across every major industry.

What You'll Do

• You will develop scalable data pipelines, optimize models for performance and accuracy, and evaluate them to ensure they are production-ready.
• Develop, design and implement improvements in user experience in conversational interactions leveraging LLMs in new ways to advance product goals.
• Work with the product team to analyze user behavior and prioritize evolving requirements.
• Experiment at a high velocity, conducting statistical analyses, to optimize the end user experience
• Research and development on new Conversational AI approaches leveraging cutting edge LLM/NLP advancements.
• Documentation of models, prompts, and processes to increase replicability and drive quality improvements.
• Stay current with the latest leading research advancements in ML, LLMs, and Conversational AI
• Support other coding and feature development where required

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, related field, or equivalent experience
• 3+ years of professional experience (or equivalent) in software engineering, AI/ML development (ideally including a Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, ML, Data Science, or a related field)
• Practical experience and theoretical knowledge of language technologies such as: dialogue/conversational systems, NLP, and Information Retrieval
• Strong foundation in data structures, algorithms, and software engineering principles.
• Proficiency in Python and relevant deep learning frameworks; training (e.g. PyTorch, Tensorflow, JAX, Hugging Face Transformers/Adapters), serving (e.g., Hugging Face TGI//outlines, vLLM)
• Experience with LLM model development and deployment ideally including experience with model distillation, supervised fine-tuning using RLHF/DPO, and automatic prompt tuning (e.g. DSPy, TextGrad)
• Experience with cloud deployment of ML systems (e.g., AWS, GCP, Azure) including and open systems (e.g. Docker and Kubernetes) and associated ML services.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Experience structuring and running data-backed experiments
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Exposure to early-stage startups, preferably B2B SaaS

What You'll Get

• Ownership & Rapid Growth
• Outsized missions from day one, with direct responsibility for company-defining projects
• Work alongside the executive team with transparency into strategy and decision-making
• Influence on direction through real-time customer feedback and market insights

• 
  AI-First Operator
• Work directly with cutting-edge AI models and next-generation platforms
• Build expertise in enterprise AI implementation across Fortune 500 companies and multiple industries
• Establish yourself as a recognized leader among peers in shaping how AI transforms work at a global scale

• 
  Compensation
• Competitive salary including base + bonuses
• Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision) from day one
• Generous PTO, company-wide R&R shutdowns, and paid parental leave
• Retirement plan support for US and global employees

• 
  Equity
• Meaningful ownership in a venture-backed company at a growth inflection point
• Financial upside that comes from scaling fast
• Top-up grants as we scale and you deliver exceptional performance — your compensation grows alongside your impact

• 
  Top-Performing Culture
• A culture built for top talent: intensity to win, growth without limits, and a team that solves hard problems and celebrates big wins together

Learn more about us and meet our team here

Location and Work Environment

If candidates are based in NYC or Toronto they can work hybrid in our offices, otherwise this role can be remote. Candidates must be comfortable working with colleagues in different time zones (UK), and have valid travel documents without work authorization restrictions in the US.

Diversity and Inclusion

We are dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported. We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and offer accommodations upon request throughout the hiring process. If you have any questions, please reach out to Allison Langille, Head of People, at [email protected].

Employment Verification & Commitment

We use third-party services to verify employment history, education, and other information relevant to your candidacy. Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of these verification checks. This is a full-time role that requires a high level of focus, availability, and commitment. Employees may not hold concurrent full-time employment with another organization while employed at Valence. Any outside consulting, advisory, freelance, or other professional work must be disclosed and approved in advance and must not interfere with job responsibilities, availability, performance, or create a conflict of interest - including risks related to confidentiality, intellectual property, or competition.

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We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.