ML Engineer at Willow (X25)
$130K - $210K  •  
The voice interface replacing your keyboard
San Francisco Bay Area
Full-time
US citizen/visa only
1+ years
About the role

Overview

We're looking for a ML engineer with deep experience in ML models to help us deliver a world-class Willow experience.

Willow is a voice dictation app that lets you type anywhere on your computer using your voice. People already rely on Willow every day to write emails, respond in Slack, prompt AI, and move faster in their day-to-day work.

Our mission is to build the voice operating system, a way to control your computer entirely with your voice.

We're backed by the best, like Box Group, founders of Instacart and Hubspot, Y Combinator, and more.

The Opportunity

We’re at the very beginning of a shift in how people use technology.

The first major interface was the keyboard and mouse. The second was touch. The third is voice.

This is your chance to help build it.

You’ll be joining early, working on ML development. The impact is real. This is the kind of work that shapes how people use computers for decades to come. If we get this right, billions of people will use what we build every day.

The Role

We're looking for someone to be heavily involved with the development of our ML systems and models.

You'll:

  • Build and optimize Willow's ML infrastructure

  • Own model performance, reliability, and accuracy

  • Talk to users, understand their needs, and design ML solutions

  • Work with our founding team and designers to build a high-quality product

  • Stay current on ML tools, frameworks, and best practices

This is a high-ownership role where you'll shape both the product and the ML platform. You'll work closely with the team and move fast.

Your Background

We're looking for someone who:

  • Contributed to open-source ML projects / published research in RL or related fields

  • Deep understanding of ML principles and algorithms, including experience with RL fine-tuning and preference optimization (e.g. DPO)

  • Expertise in Python (2+ years)

  • Demonstrated ability to innovate in model development, addressing challenges like latency, hallucinations, context-awareness, and personalization.

  • High attention to detail and willingness to learn

  • Likes working directly with users and building from feedback

How to Stand Out:

  • 1–3+ years at a fast-growing startup

  • Worked on AI, real-time, or multimodal products

  • Research our product and show us how to improve before we even talk

  • Prove you're proactive and reach out

You’re a builder at heart. You like to move quickly, work through ambiguity, and care about doing great work.

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