Associate Machine Learning Engineer

Edtech.com's Summary

Handshake is hiring an Associate Machine Learning Engineer to join their Growth Relevance team. The role involves developing, deploying, and improving machine learning systems that optimize user lifecycle, personalize notifications, and enhance monetization strategies, while collaborating with senior engineers and contributing to responsible AI practices.

Highlights

Develop and iterate on ML models affecting user lifecycle, notifications, and monetization
Collaborate with senior engineers, data scientists, and product managers to enhance product features
Gain experience with embedding-based retrieval, Graph Neural Networks, multi-stage rankers, and a large-scale data platform
Proficient in Python and ML frameworks such as scikit-learn, PyTorch, or TensorFlow
Strong foundation in classification, regression, ranking, and model evaluation
Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or related field required; 0-2 years of relevant experience
Preferred experience with recommendations, NLP, deep learning, LLMs, explainable AI, and cloud platforms (GCP, AWS, Azure)
Equity, competitive compensation, 401(k) match, paid parental leave, wellness benefits, and learning stipends offered
Work cross-functionally with product, analytics, and engineering teams
Supportive perks include flexible PTO, remote and office resources, team outings, and referral bonuses

Associate Machine Learning Engineer Full Description

About Handshake

Handshake is the career network for the AI economy. 20 million knowledge workers, 1,600 educational institutions, 1 million employers (including 100% of the Fortune 50), and every foundational AI lab trust Handshake to power career discovery, hiring, and upskilling, from freelance AI training gigs to first internships to full-time careers and beyond. This unique value is leading to unparalleled growth; in 2025, we tripled our ARR at scale.

Why join Handshake now:

Shape how every career evolves in the AI economy, at global scale, with impact your friends, family and peers can see and feel
Work hand-in-hand with world-class AI labs, Fortune 500 partners and the worldâs top educational institutions
Join a team with leadership from Scale AI, Meta, xAI, Notion, Coinbase, and Palantir, among others
Build a massive, fast-growing business with billions in revenue

About the Role

Handshake is hiring an Associate Machine Learning Engineer for the Growth Relevance team. AI is transforming how students navigate their careers, and we're committed to providing innovative, responsible AI-powered solutions that guide students from educational aspirations to meaningful career opportunities. In this role, you will contribute directly to this mission by developing, deploying, and enhancing machine learning systems focused on lifecycle optimization, personalized notifications, and monetization strategies.

You'll join a high-impact team leveraging cutting-edge ML infrastructure, including embedding-based retrieval, Graph Neural Networks, and multi-stage rankers built upon a robust data platform with billions of data points. Your work will drive critical marketplace metrics, enhance user engagement, and contribute to responsible AI practices around explainability, fairness, and quality.

What You'll Do

Innovator: Develop and iterate on machine learning models and features that directly influence user experience across lifecycle, notifications, and monetization â with guidance from senior engineers.
Collaborator: Partner with senior engineers, data scientists, and product managers to develop and iterate on machine learning models that improve product features and user experience.
Learner: Grow your technical depth by working alongside experienced ML practitioners, picking up best practices in model development, experimentation, and production deployment.

Desired Capabilities

Bachelorâs degree in Computer Science, Data Science, or a related field
0â2 years of experience in machine learning, data science, or a related area
Proficient in Python, with hands-on experience in frameworks such as scikit-learn, PyTorch, or TensorFlow
Strong foundation in core ML concepts, including classification, regression, ranking, and model evaluation

Extra Credit

Masterâs degree or currently pursuing an advanced degree in a relevant field
Exposure to areas such as recommendations, personalization, NLP, deep learning, LLMs, or explainable AI
Familiarity with the ML lifecycle (e.g., experiment tracking, model monitoring, feature pipelines)
Experience with cloud platforms (GCP, AWS, or Azure)
Clear communicator, able to translate technical work for diverse audiences
Collaborative mindset with experience working cross-functionally with product, analytics, and engineering teams

Perks

Handshake delivers benefits that help you feel supportedâand thrive at work and in life.

The below benefits are for full-time US employees.

ð¯ Ownership: Equity in a fast-growing company

ð° Financial Wellness: 401(k) match, competitive compensation, financial coaching

ð¼ Family Support: Paid parental leave, fertility benefits, parental coaching

ð Wellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision, mental health support, $500 wellness stipend

ð Growth: $2,000 learning stipend, ongoing development

ð» Remote & Office: Internet, commuting, and free lunch/gym in our SF office

ð Time Off: Flexible PTO, 15 holidays + 2 flex days

ð¤ Connection: Team outings & referral bonuses

Explore our mission, values, and comprehensive US benefits at joinhandshake.com/careers.

Original Job Description