Staff Software Engineer, Machine Learning
Posted on September 19, 2025 (about 2 hours ago)
About the Staff Software Engineer, Machine Learning at Headspace:
Machine Learning at Headspace is a dynamic and innovative group whose mission is to improve the experiences of our members and clinicians through the mindful application of Machine Learning. These applications include building conversational AI systems, healthcare assistance tools, and recommendation and personalization systems. In this team, you’ll be tasked with owning and delivering cutting edge language-based ML applications that will power the core features of Headspace. You’ll have the opportunity to lead the vision, alignment, development, deployment, and evangelization of these solutions, helping to bring Headspace to the forefront of AI and to realize its mission to improve health and happiness of the world.
Location and Role Details
This is a hybrid role located in our San Francisco office, working 3 days per week from the office.
What you will do
- Technical Leadership: Lead the development of complex, scalable AI models and applications from inception to production. Drive impactful ML technology initiatives that will shape the delivery of and access to mental healthcare. Serve as a go-to expert and mentor, exemplifying excellence in AI/ML engineering and inspiring others to pursue technical career growth.
- Shape ML Platform Architecture: Drive the design, development, and evolution of our internal ML platform, taking it from high-level vision to robust implementation.
- Collaborative Problem-Solving: Partner with cross-functional teams to align technical decisions with organizational goals, ensuring cohesive and impactful solutions.
- Champion Code Quality: Advocate for and contribute to high-quality engineering standards through rigorous code reviews and constructive, actionable feedback.
What you will bring
Required Skills:
- Bachelor of Science degree or higher in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics or a related field OR equivalent experience
- 5+ years of ML engineering experience in an academic or professional setting, programming in Python
- 5+ years of experience with any of the following fundamental technologies: vector search, embedding models, recommender systems, supervised, unsupervised machine learning, deep learning, reinforcement learning, LLM orchestration, RAG systems.
- 3+ years of experience with modern NLP tools and machine learning libraries (scikit-learn, PyTorch, TensorFlow, spaCy)
- Experience with unit, integration, and end-to-end testing, version control
- Strong problem solving and communication skills and ability to influence across internal organizations
- Mentorship of junior engineers and contribution to DEIB initiatives
Preferred Skills:
- Master’s degree in relevant field or equivalent experience
- Professional experience with clinical and/or healthcare applications of machine learning
- Familiarity with current ML literature including optimization methods and agent-based models
- Experience with implementation of robust and highly scalable services
- Experience with AWS, including SageMaker, Lambda, S3, DynamoDB, IAM
Pay & Benefits
The anticipated new hire base salary range for this full-time position is $140,400-$224,250 + equity + benefits.
Salary ranges are based on job, level, and location, reflecting the lowest to highest geographic markets for this role within the United States. Individual compensation is determined by location, experience, skills, and education or training.
Headspace offers a robust Total Rewards package including base salary, stock awards, healthcare coverage, wellness stipend, retirement savings match, lifetime Headspace membership, parental leave, and more.
About Headspace
Headspace provides every person access to lifelong mental health support combining evidence-based content, clinical care, and innovative technology to help millions get effective, personalized, accessible support wherever needed.
Headspace values daily: Make the Mission Matter, Iterate to Great, Own the Outcome, Connect with Courage. These values shape decisions, collaborations, and culture, building a connected, human-centered team redefining mental health care.
Why You'll Love Working Here
- A mission that matters—with impact you can see and feel
- A culture that’s collaborative, inclusive, and grounded in our values
- The chance to shape what mental health care looks like next
- Competitive pay and benefits that support your whole self
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB)
Headspace is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace free of discrimination and harassment. They create an environment where everyone can thrive, belong, and do impactful work together.
They prohibit unlawful discrimination based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, expression, sexual orientation, national origin, family or parental status, disability, age, veteran status, or other protected statuses.
Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodations under applicable laws. Applicants can inform Talent team via a form for assistance in the application or interview process.
Additional Details
Headspace participates in the E-Verify Program.
Privacy Statement about member records and care relationships is provided including ethical guidelines for employees applying.
How to Apply
Please visit the Headspace careers page to apply for this role.
Use the "Apply" button on the job posting page or visit https://www.headspace.com/join-us to start your application.