Machine Learning Engineer – Stealth DesignTech Client (via Shields Group Search)

📍 Onsite 5 days a week – New York City

💼 Full-Time | $180K–$210K + Equity + Benefits

PREVIOUS STARTUP AND SCALING EXPERIENCE IS OPTIMAL

Shields 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 Join

The 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 teams
12x ARR growth in the past year
Adopted by 7 of the top 10 U.S. fashion design schools, including Parsons, SCAD, and FIT

Engineering & What You’ll Work On

They 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-painting
Fine-tuning and implementing image classification and segmentation models
Designing, deploying, and maintaining AI models for cloud-based inference
Transforming research models into production-ready demos and MVPs
Developing robust APIs to serve ML models
Managing data and experiments across the AI development lifecycle
Optimizing inference performance and scalability
Ensuring security and high availability across ML infrastructure

What We’re Looking For

Strong proficiency in Python and its ML ecosystem (transformer models, data analysis, NN architectures)
Experience with Diffusion models for image generation, in/out-painting
Proficiency in PyTorch and/or TensorFlow
Experience deploying/scaling ML models on cloud platforms (GCP or AWS)
Familiarity with Docker, Kubernetes, and other orchestration tools
Proven track record of rapid ML prototyping using tools like Streamlit or Gradio
Experience with distributed task queues and scalable model-serving architectures
Understanding of monitoring, logging, and observability best practices for ML systems
Previous experience in an early stage startup

Nice to haves:

Experience with image recognition, segmentation, or classification models
Knowledge of database systems and streaming technologies
Familiarity with security best practices for ML APIs
Experience with real-time or low-latency inference systems

Team & Backing

This 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 sourcing
CTO: Built the platform solo; previously at Sky Media and Ministry of Justice (UK)
CGO & COO: Veteran SaaS and logistics leaders with experience serving global brands
Backed by 500 Global and Silicon Valley-based investors, including a board member of American Eagle

Compensation & Benefits

Base Salary: $180K–$210K/year
Equity: Meaningful early-stage equity
Benefits: Health, dental, and vision insurance
Location: Onsite in New York City

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