At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-impact AI projects and manage a dynamic team of ML professionals.
- Company: JetBrains, a pioneer in developer tools and AI-native platforms.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a fast-paced environment with exciting challenges and career advancement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of AI in software development and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in ML systems, strong leadership, and excellent communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
At JetBrains, code is our passion. Ever since we started back in 2000, we have been striving to make the world’s most robust and effective developer tools. By automating routine checks and corrections, our tools speed up production, freeing developers to grow, discover, and create. JetBrains is evolving beyond standalone developer tools toward a unified, AI-native platform for software development. AI is no longer just an assistant inside the editor – it is becoming an active participant in how software is planned, built, reviewed, and operated across teams and organizations. This shift introduces new challenges that cannot be solved at the level of individual tools alone: governance, security, cost control, observability, and coordinated work between humans and autonomous agents. Our goal is to build a platform that enables companies to adopt AI in software development in a structured, scalable, and economically efficient manner without locking them into closed ecosystems. This platform will serve as the execution and governance layer for AI-driven development, deeply integrated with developer tools but designed to work across teams, products, and environments.
We are looking for an experienced ML leader who has created products with an ML backbone, weaving together research, technical excellence, and strong product focus. We are seeking a professional who excels in three key areas: technology, product vision, and business operations. This role involves extensive cooperation with products across the company – both AI-native and just integrating AI.
In This Role
- Identify, prioritize, and champion high-impact AI projects that align with JetBrains' product strategy and deliver measurable business value.
- Lead a team of about 50 people across multiple AI initiatives, including hiring and developing team leads, ML engineers, and MLOps specialists.
- Set the technical direction for JetBrains’ ML roadmap, translating cutting-edge AI advancements into practical product innovations.
- Ensure projects deliver on commitments and create measurable value.
- Set technical standards, architectural direction, and best practices for ML development.
We’ll be happy to have you on our team if you have
- The ability to balance long-term R&D with short-term product needs.
- A track record of shipping production ML systems that users actually use.
- Experience building business cases for technical projects.
- A deep understanding of modern ML infrastructure, LLMs, and AI tooling.
- Outstanding stakeholder management skills and are comfortable working with senior leaders.
- The ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, effectively managing multiple projects simultaneously.
- Excellent management and communication skills.
- Attention to detail in everything you do.
We’d be especially thrilled if you have experience with
- Distributed training of multi-billion parameter models.
- CI systems, workflow automation, and experiment tracking.
- The Kotlin programming language.
Head of ML employer: JetBrains
JetBrains is an excellent employer for those looking to make a significant impact in the software development landscape. With a strong focus on innovation and a collaborative work culture, employees are encouraged to grow their skills while working on cutting-edge AI-first tools. The flexibility of remote work combined with opportunities for professional development makes JetBrains a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of ML
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your industry on LinkedIn or at events. A personal connection can often get you a foot in the door faster than any application.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or GitHub repository showcasing your ML projects. This gives potential employers a taste of what you can do and sets you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common ML questions and case studies. Practice explaining your past projects and how they align with the role at JetBrains – it’s all about making that connection!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of ML
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for AI:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for AI and ML shine through. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission at JetBrains to innovate in software development.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase your experience with production ML systems and any leadership roles you've held. We’re looking for someone who can balance R&D with product needs, so give us the details!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Tailor your CV and cover letter to reflect how your skills and experiences match the specific requirements of the Head of ML role. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect the dots.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at JetBrains!
How to prepare for a job interview at JetBrains
✨Know Your ML Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest advancements in machine learning, especially those relevant to JetBrains' focus. Be ready to discuss your experience with production ML systems and how you've tackled challenges in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading a team of around 50 people, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight your experience in hiring, developing talent, and fostering collaboration across different projects.
✨Align with Their Vision
Understand JetBrains' product strategy and be ready to discuss how you can champion high-impact AI projects that deliver business value. Show them you can balance long-term R&D with immediate product needs.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication skills are a must for this role. Practice articulating complex technical concepts in a way that's easy to understand. Be prepared to engage with senior leaders and stakeholders, showcasing your ability to manage relationships effectively.
