Machine Learning Research Engineer

Overview We are a rapidly growing startup developing solutions that utilise Virtual Agents to handle manual customer and marketplace operations tasks. Virtual agents blend deterministic Python code, LLM reasoning and agentic AI capabilities to undertake this work, with a fallback to human experts. Our approach combines human expertise with AI automation to solve real-world challenges in trust & safety and beyond, without the need for complex technical integration. We have raised about $25M in VC funding from top-tier funds and operate at significant scale across multiple enterprise customers.Role Machine Learning Research Engineer to help build and deliver a platform that can automatically create Virtual Agents for operational processes currently undertaken manually using browser-based UIs. The project includes an \”Agent Factory\” that can compile deterministic portions of workflows into reliable, testable code. This Agent Factory will learn from captured demonstrations of workflows and transform manual processes into automated solutions combining speed and reliability with AI reasoning where needed.Your mission will be to create capabilities that automate the creation and management of Virtual Agents. You will design and develop capabilities using Agentic approaches for code generation and software engineering best practices, leveraging state-of-the-art LLM coding frameworks and guardrails to reliably build and test automated workflows. You will work with customer-facing technical teams to configure and deploy the Virtual Agents for customer work.You will push the boundaries of Agentic automation, leveraging best-in-class capabilities where appropriate and developing in-house when needed. You will collaborate with platform and software engineers to turn these capabilities into scalable operational systems that can deliver Virtual Agents across a broad range of processes.As part of this role, you will:Design and build capabilities that create Virtual Agents — an \”Agent Factory\”Robustly evaluate the agent creation process to enable systematic improvements through experimentation against benchmarksImplement code generation capabilities, guardrails, and evaluations focused on encoding workflows from customer documentation and input (e.g., captured browser demonstrations)Drive adoption of these capabilities with customer-facing technical teamsUtilise best-in-class capabilities to deliver these featuresResearch, invent and create novel capabilities where gaps exist in the industryParticipate in our machine learning community to influence how we implement ML and computer vision technologiesContribute to full-stack development including software engineering, DevOps, and MLOps, with light project management to maximise early valueRequirements YouWe are looking for someone excited about Unitary\’s mission, eager to have a large impact at an early-stage startup, and ready to define the company\’s future as one of the early employees. We need versatile individuals who are prepared to contribute across disciplines and grow with the company. For this role, we need a proactive AI and machine learning expert familiar with leveraging and creating AI capabilities, comfortable engaging with customers and presenting new ideas. Strong communication skills are essential to liaise with technical, product and executive stakeholders.You may be a fit if you:Know how to create systems for Agentic development, including mechanisms to guide and enhance state-of-the-art LLMsHave expert knowledge of Agentic AI and Generative AI capabilitiesCan assess where best-in-class industry capabilities can help operational workflowsKnow how to invent novel capabilities based on rapid research iterationsCan collaborate with other engineers to understand and solve challengesHave strong Python and engineering skillsCan demonstrate problem-solving and project management skills to analyse workflows and design automated solutionsThrive in a collaborative environment where group output and team achievements matter more than individual inputCan travel to company-wide off-sites three times per yearNice to have (not essential):Experience in fully remote, international teamsExperience with Temporal or similar workflow orchestration platformsPrevious startup experienceExperience with MLOps practices and monitoring ML systems in productionKnowledge of browser-based automation methods (e.g., Playwright)Knowledge of CI/CD practices and tools (e.g., GitLab CI, Argo CD)Proficiency with SQL and NoSQL databasesWorked with Kubernetes and IaC tools (e.g., Terraform)This role reports to the Chief Scientist and can be placed anywhere within 3 hours of the UK time zone.Benefits The teamUnitary is a remote-first team of about 20 people across Europe and North America, focused on making the internet safer and a force for good. Our culture emphasizes trust, transparency and self-leadership.Working at UnitaryWe offer a positive and inclusive culture with progressive benefits, including:Flexible hours and locationCompetitive salary and equity packageOccupational pensionGenerous paid parental leaveGenerous paid sick leaveAnnual budget for professional development and growthAnnual budget for health and wellnessThree team off-sites to London or other destinations in Europe

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