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Senior Manager, Ai/Ml Engineering

syndigo

Chicago, Illinois, United States
AI

Job Score

80 pts
On-site model (+70) AI (+10)

Syndigo powers the continual flow of data and content throughout the entire commerce ecosystem— accelerating delivery of accurate and compelling information that increases sales on every shelf. We are the recognized leader in software and services for the management of master data, product information, digital assets, and content syndication and analytics across industries including grocery, foodservice, hardlines, home improvement, oil & gas, pet, health and beauty, automotive, apparel, and healthcare products.

Syndigo serves the industry’s largest two-sided network, connecting more than 50,000 global users across 12,000+ global brands with more than 1,750 global retailers.

Basically, we're the people that deliver the rich, accurate product content that helps consumers shop online with confidence, and helps brands and retailers operate efficient product supply chains. We cannot do all of this without our amazing employees who make the magic happen here at Syndigo. As we continue to grow, we’re always looking to identify talented individuals to join our team.

**This is a hybrid position that requires 2 days per week in the office at our Chicago location**

We’re looking for a results-driven Sr. Manager, AI/ML Engineering to build, scale, and lead high-performing teams delivering production-grade AI systems. This role sits at the intersection of engineering, data science, and product - owning the end-to-end lifecycle from concept through deployment, monitoring, and continuous optimization.

You’ll play a critical role in shaping our AI strategy, translating business needs into scalable solutions, and driving execution discipline across complex, enterprise-grade systems.

HOW WE’LL BE WINNING TOGETHER DAY TO DAY

  • Lead and scale AI/ML engineering teams delivering production-ready systems (not just prototypes)
  • Drive end-to-end ownership of ML lifecycle: data pipelines, model development, deployment, observability, and iteration
  • Partner cross-functionally with Product, Data Science, Architecture, and Engineering to align priorities and execution
  • Translate business requirements into AI/ML solutions, technical roadmaps, and delivery plans
  • Establish and improve engineering execution standards (planning, estimation, delivery, quality)
  • Ensure scalability, reliability, and cost efficiency of AI/ML systems in production
  • Build and evolve MLOps practices, including monitoring, model health, and performance optimization
  • Use data and metrics to drive decision-making, prioritization, and continuous improvement
  • Coach, mentor, and develop engineering talent while raising the overall performance bar
  • Communicate complex AI concepts clearly to executive stakeholders

WE SHOULD TALK IF THIS SOUNDS LIKE YOU 

  • 8–12+ years in software engineering, with 4–6+ years in AI/ML or data platforms
  • 2–4+ years managing and developing engineering teams
  • Proven experience leading teams delivering production-grade AI/ML systems
  • Strong experience with:
  • ML pipelines, model deployment, and MLOps
  • Modern AI stack (Python, Databricks, cloud platforms, APIs, LLM/GenAI frameworks)
  • Enterprise-scale data systems and architectures
  • Experience driving end-to-end delivery from concept to production and ongoing optimization
  • Track record of improving engineering execution and delivery predictability
  • Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or related field
  • Experience in enterprise SaaS, data, or AI-driven organizations
  • Background in high-growth or transformation environments preferred

For full-time U.S. based-employees, we offer competitive health insurance benefits, PTO and volunteer time off, employer-paid short- and long-term disability, parental and adoption leave, 401(k), and tuition reimbursement.

Your individual compensation within the budgeted salary range is determined based on your skills, education, experience, and internal equity. This position is Bonus Eligible.

Budgeted Salary Range:
$180,000$200,000 USD

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

To achieve the best version of our organization, we know it takes new ideas, new approaches, new perspectives and new ways of thinking. A purpose we are 100% committed to cultivating.

Diversity is woven into our fabric at Syndigo and it’s how we stay an industry leader, innovating technology solutions that equip our customers with everything they need to be successful! 

All are welcome here and we invite you to join our team if you are ready to help us continue that growth! 

GDPR/CCPA

Syndigo, to process applications, holds onto data for a "reasonable time" after applications are submitted. This data is stored for Syndigo's internal use by HR/Recruiting Staff only. Verified requests for data deletion and exports will be completed upon request.

Syndigo Job Applicant Privacy Notice

At Syndigo, we care about your privacy. As you go through our recruitment process, we are committed to being transparent about how we process your personal data. To learn more about how Syndigo processes your personal data, go to our Job Applicant Privacy Notice.

About Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence is currently the fastest-growing field in the technology market. The revolution in generative models (GPT, Claude, Gemini) has created massive demand for AI-specialized professionals.

Key areas of practice include Machine Learning Engineering, MLOps, Prompt Engineering, AI Research, and Applied AI. Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and LLM knowledge are essential skills.

AI salaries are the highest in the technology sector, with many remote work opportunities at international companies.

Discover Other Areas

Understand the scope of work, key skills, and tools used in different career areas.

About Information Security

The Information Security area is one of the most strategic and in-demand fields in the technology market. With the rise of cyberattacks, data breaches, and regulations like LGPD and GDPR, companies of all sizes invest heavily in professionals who can protect their digital assets.

Key specializations include Network Security, Cloud Security (AWS, Azure, GCP), Offensive Security (Penetration Testing, Red Team), Defensive Security (SOC, Blue Team), AppSec, and Security Governance. Tools like SIEM (Splunk, QRadar), firewalls, EDR, and Vulnerability Management platforms are essential.

Certifications like CISSP, CEH, OSCP, CompTIA Security+, and AWS Security Specialty are important differentiators. Information security professionals are among the highest-paid in the sector, with growing demand especially in fintechs, healthtechs, and large enterprises.

About Administrative

The Administrative area is responsible for ensuring the efficient functioning of all organizational operations. Administrative professionals manage processes, human resources, procurement, and facility management.

Key skills include process management, Office 365, administrative ERPs, compliance, and people management. Knowledge of automation and AI tools is becoming increasingly relevant.

The digitization of administrative processes has created new opportunities for professionals who master technology and management.

About Sales

The Sales area is responsible for generating revenue and expanding the customer base. B2B and B2C sales professionals are fundamental for sustainable growth of any organization.

Key skills include prospecting, negotiation, CRM (Salesforce, HubSpot), sales enablement, and value consulting. The consultative and data-driven approach is increasingly valued.

Consultative sellers and senior Sales Managers have very high earning potential, with OTE (On-Target Earnings) that can exceed monthly salaries in technology companies.

About Scrum Master

The Scrum Master is the professional responsible for facilitating the adoption of Scrum and agile practices within development teams. They act as servant leaders, removing impediments, promoting continuous improvement, and ensuring Scrum events and ceremonies happen in the best possible way.

Key skills include event facilitation (sprint planning, daily, review, retrospective), backlog management, team coaching, conflict resolution, and agile metrics (velocity, burndown, cycle time). Knowledge of Jira, Trello, Azure DevOps, and frameworks like Kanban, XP, and SAFe is a differentiator.

Scrum Masters in technology companies are highly valued, especially those who can promote team autonomy, create psychologically safe environments, and lead agile transformations at scale. The field offers opportunities from junior scrum master to agile coach, head of agile, and director of agile transformation.

About Backend

The Backend area is responsible for all server logic, APIs, databases, and infrastructure that support web and mobile applications. Backend professionals ensure that systems are scalable, secure, and performant.

Key skills include languages like PHP, Java, Python, Ruby, Go, and Node.js, frameworks like Laravel, Spring Boot, Django, and Express, databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL, MongoDB, Redis), software architecture (clean architecture, DDD, microservices), and API security (OAuth, JWT).

Backend developers in technology companies are highly valued, especially those who master microservices architecture, cloud computing, and high-scale performance. The field offers opportunities from junior developer to software architect, with a focus on scalability, security, and efficiency.

Career Guides

Technology Career Guide

Planning, skills, interviews, and professional growth in IT, Data Science, DevOps, and Product.

Read full guide →

Design Career Guide

UX/UI, Graphic Design, Product Design. Portfolio, tools, interviews, and growth in the Design field.

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Marketing Career Guide

SEO, Paid Media, Growth, Content Marketing. Certifications, tools, and strategies to grow in Digital Marketing.

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Finance Career Guide

Financial market, investments, corporate finance, certifications, and strategies to grow in the financial field.

Read full guide →

Communication Career Guide

Journalism, PR, Corporate Communication, Content Marketing, and Multimedia Production.

Read full guide →

Administration Career Guide

Business Management, HR, Logistics, Consulting, Project Management, and Entrepreneurship.

Read full guide →

Data Career Guide

Data Science, Data Engineering, BI, Machine Learning, and AI. From training to the job market.

Read full guide →

Product Career Guide

Product Management, Product Ownership, Agile, Scrum, and OKRs. From strategy to execution.

Read full guide →

Tech & Remote Glossary

Stop getting lost in interviews and job descriptions

The job market, especially within tech and global companies, has developed its own dialect. Not understanding these acronyms can make you lose valuable opportunities or poorly negotiate your contract. To end this problem, we created the Definitive Glossary for the Remote Professional.

🏢 Work Models & Routine

Async (Asynchronous Work)
A communication model where responses don't need to be immediate. Instead of back-to-back meetings, the team relies on well-structured documents, threads, and messages. It's the gold standard for global companies spanning multiple time zones.
Sync (Synchronous Work)
The opposite of Async. It requires the team to be online and available at the same time for meetings, live chats, and real-time collaboration.
Daily / Stand-up
A quick daily meeting (usually 15 minutes) common in Agile (Scrum) methodologies. The team answers three questions: What did I do yesterday? What will I do today? Are there any blockers?
All-Hands / Town Hall
A company-wide meeting involving all employees. Usually led by the founders (C-Levels) to present results, new goals, and answer team questions.
1:1 (One-on-One)
A recurring individual meeting between a professional and their direct manager. It is used for career alignment, feedback, and problem-solving, not just for project status updates.

💰 Contracts, Benefits & Compensation

PTO (Paid Time Off)
Instead of strict, categorized leave policies, modern US companies usually offer a flexible pool of days (e.g., 20 days of PTO, or even "Unlimited PTO") that you can use for vacations, sick days, or personal matters, while receiving your regular compensation.
Equity / Stock Options
Company ownership. The startup offers you the right to buy shares at a heavily discounted strike price in the future. If the company grows, goes public, or is acquired, these shares can be highly lucrative.
Vesting (Vesting Schedule)
The rule that controls your Equity. It usually lasts 4 years. You don't get all the shares on day one; you "earn" them gradually as you stay with the company. A "1-year Cliff" means you must stay for at least one year to receive your first batch of shares.
RSUs (Restricted Stock Units)
Unlike Stock Options (where you have the right to buy the stock), RSUs are actual shares the company grants you as a bonus or part of your compensation package, following a strict Vesting schedule.
Independent Contractor (1099 / B2B)
The most common international hiring model for global talent working for US companies. You act as a service provider (business-to-business), receiving the gross salary (often six-figure compensation) without standard local payroll tax deductions at the source.

🤖 Recruitment & Hiring Process

ATS (Applicant Tracking System)
The "robot" that reads your resume. Software like Greenhouse, Ashby, and Workday are used to filter candidates by keywords before a human even looks at the document. (Pro tip: this is why your resume must be clean, semantic, and have the right keywords).
JD (Job Description)
The document that lists the responsibilities, technical requirements, and benefits of the open position.
Cultural Fit
The interview stage that evaluates if your core values, communication style, and worldview align with the company's culture. This is the ultimate test of your Soft Skills.
Onboarding
The integration process. It's the period of your first few weeks at the company, where you get your access credentials, learn about the culture, study the internal documentation, and understand how the product works.

🚀 How to use this to your advantage?

The secret isn't just knowing what these acronyms mean, but using them actively. If during an interview for a premium tech role you ask, "How does your PTO policy and Vesting schedule work?", the recruiter will immediately perceive you as a high-level professional, familiar with the global market standards.

The remote job market requires preparation. And having the right vocabulary is the first big step to securing six-figure proposals and standing out among thousands of applicants.

Expert Tip

How n8n and Automation Open Doors to Premium Jobs

The Paradigm Shift in Web Development

The web development market has matured. A few years ago, mastering a traditional stack (like MERN or LAMP) was enough to secure a highly sought-after role. Today, the corporate landscape — especially in US startups hiring globally and offering six-figure compensation — demands speed and operational efficiency. It's no longer just about building from scratch, but knowing how to integrate complex ecosystems rapidly.

According to Gartner, hyperautomation is one of the top strategic technology trends of the decade. The modern developer must be an integration architect, capable of connecting CRMs, databases, AI APIs, and payment gateways in a matter of hours, not weeks. This is exactly where n8n becomes an indispensable tool in your portfolio.

Why n8n? The Power of "Fair-Code"

n8n is a node-based workflow automation tool. Unlike competitors aimed at non-technical users (such as Zapier or Make), n8n was designed with the developer in mind first. It allows raw JavaScript injection for complex data manipulation, custom HTTP requests, and, most importantly, features a fair-code licensing model that allows it to be self-hosted on a company's own infrastructure.

For technical recruiters and CTOs, a candidate who masters n8n demonstrates maturity. It proves that you understand SaaS cost reduction and value the security and sovereignty of the company's data.

Practical Tips to Land Your Next Role

If you want your resume to pass rigorous ATS (Applicant Tracking System) screening — like Greenhouse or Ashby — and reach the hands of Tech Leads, here are the core skills you should highlight when associating Web Development with n8n:

  • Mastery of Webhooks and RESTful APIs: The foundation of automation is system communication. Demonstrate your ability to create n8n workflows that listen to native Webhooks from your application (e.g., a checkout event in a Next.js e-commerce app) and trigger subsequent actions with low latency.
  • Hosting and Docker: n8n's biggest differentiator is self-hosting. In your resume, mention your ability to package and orchestrate n8n instances using Docker and Docker Compose. Familiarity with Cloud providers (AWS, GCP, or DigitalOcean) to deploy these instances is a massive bonus.
  • Advanced JSON and JavaScript Manipulation: Show that you don't rely solely on pre-built integrations. Using the "Code" node in n8n to transform large JSON payloads using raw JavaScript or TypeScript is what separates a regular user from an automation engineer.
  • Error Handling and Resilience: Systems fail. APIs go down. An amateur automation will break a company's process. In your portfolio, document how you use Error Trigger nodes to build automated retries and send alerts to Slack/Discord when an integration fails.

Your Portfolio is the Ultimate Proof

Just listing "n8n" in the skills section of your resume isn't enough. Create a repository on GitHub containing a real-world use case. For example: export the JSON file of an n8n workflow that reads new leads from a PostgreSQL database, enriches the data using the OpenAI API, and sends them to a CRM. Add a detailed README.md explaining the architecture. This is the ultimate bait for Senior roles.

References and Further Reading