Machine Learning Engineer

Machine Learning Engineer – Stealth DesignTech Client (via Shields Group Search)📍 Onsite 5 days a week – New York City💼 Full-Time | $180K–$210K + Equity + BenefitsPREVIOUS STARTUP AND SCALING EXPERIENCE IS OPTIMALStable diffusion and Advanced Image Generation experience is a MUST HAVEShields Group Search is partnering with a VC-backed startup revolutionizing product design and supply chain collaboration in the fashion industry. The company has grown ARR 12x in the past year, is used by top global brands and design schools, and is backed by investors such as 500 Global and leading fashion tech executives. We're helping them hire a Machine Learning Engineer to build out the core AI infrastructure and take ownership of their ML stack.Why You Should JoinThe fashion industry is undergoing a seismic shift. Designers are increasingly tasked with creating collections that meet rapidly changing consumer demands while navigating complex supply chains. Yet, the tools designers use haven’t kept pace with the industry’s needs. Our client is building the future of fashion design and supply chain collaboration.Their platform combines the flexibility of a digital canvas, an integrated library of fabrics and trims, and AI-powered tools that streamline workflows. Designers at companies like DKNY, QuickSilver, and the Levy Group are already using it to accelerate their design process from six months to just six days. Features like the AI Style Builder generate high-fidelity 3D renders in seconds, dramatically reducing time and cost.Since launching in 2023, this startup has seen explosive growth:40+ hours of productivity gained per week by design teams12x ARR growth in the past yearAdopted by 7 of the top 10 U.S. fashion design schools, including Parsons, SCAD, and FITEngineering & What You’ll Work OnThey are looking for a strong Machine Learning Engineer to take ownership of the AI engineering process. You’ll help fine-tune and train custom models to allow users to design and visualize complex garments. You'll also play a critical role in improving the ML stack and deploying new solutions at scale.This role blends creativity and deep technical challenge, serving a user base that spans from junior designers to creative directors.You’ll work on:Fine-tuning and implementing Diffusion (transformer) models for image generation and in-paintingFine-tuning and implementing image classification and segmentation modelsDesigning, deploying, and maintaining AI models for cloud-based inferenceTransforming research models into production-ready demos and MVPsDeveloping robust APIs to serve ML modelsManaging data and experiments across the AI development lifecycleOptimizing inference performance and scalabilityEnsuring security and high availability across ML infrastructureWhat We’re Looking ForStrong proficiency in Python and its ML ecosystem (transformer models, data analysis, NN architectures)Experience with Diffusion models for image generation, in/out-paintingProficiency in PyTorch and/or TensorFlowExperience deploying/scaling ML models on cloud platforms (GCP or AWS)Familiarity with Docker, Kubernetes, and other orchestration toolsProven track record of rapid ML prototyping using tools like Streamlit or GradioExperience with distributed task queues and scalable model-serving architecturesUnderstanding of monitoring, logging, and observability best practices for ML systemsPrevious experience in an early stage startupNice to haves:Experience with image recognition, segmentation, or classification modelsKnowledge of database systems and streaming technologiesFamiliarity with security best practices for ML APIsExperience with real-time or low-latency inference systemsTeam & BackingThis stealth startup is led by a passionate founding team with deep roots in fashion, supply chain, and SaaS:CEO: Former product design leader in fashion supply chain, 3D design, and sourcingCTO: Built the platform solo; previously at Sky Media and Ministry of Justice (UK)CGO & COO: Veteran SaaS and logistics leaders with experience serving global brandsBacked by 500 Global and Silicon Valley-based investors, including a board member of American EagleCompensation & BenefitsBase Salary: $180K–$210K/yearEquity: Meaningful early-stage equityBenefits: Health, dental, and vision insuranceLocation: Onsite in New York City