Head of Data Science

About This Role

This role is for a Head of Data Science at a stealth-mode AI startup, responsible for owning the data function, defining AI/data strategy, building a team, and driving core breakthroughs in next-generation intelligence solutions.

Responsibilities

• Shape and execute the full data science & ML roadmap, from foundational models to advanced production AI systems.
• Architect scalable data infrastructure, pipelines, and experimentation frameworks to support cutting-edge AI development.
• Collaborate intimately with the founder on technical vision, rapid prototyping, model iteration, and product direction.
• Lead talent acquisition and team building: hire, mentor, and scale a world-class data science/ML organization as the company grows.
• Ensure rigorous best practices around model performance, ethical AI, bias mitigation, explainability, and data governance/security.
• Drive data-informed decisions that accelerate innovation across engineering, product, and business priorities.

Requirements

• 7+ years in data science / machine learning
• 3+ years in senior/leadership roles at startups, AI labs, or high-growth tech companies
• Deep hands-on experience building and deploying production-grade ML/AI systems (e.g., large-scale models, generative AI, reinforcement learning, multimodal systems, or agentic architectures)
• Strong technical fluency: Python, SQL, cloud platforms (AWS/GCP/Azure), modern frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow, JAX, etc.), and MLOps tools
• Proven track record scaling data/ML teams from early stage (0–few) through growth phases, including direct hiring and culture-setting experience
• Austin-based or open to relocation

Qualifications

• 7+ years in data science / machine learning, with 3+ years in senior/leadership roles at startups, AI labs, or high-growth tech companies.

Skills

* Required skills

Benefits