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Salary: USD 104,000 - 156,000 / annual
xAI is seeking a Team Lead for Human Data Operations focused on vision, image, and video training data. You will lead a team of AI Tutors responsible for delivering high-quality training data and evaluations that power xAI's models. This is a hands-on leadership role where you will both execute labeling and review work while continuously improving processes as the organization scales.
Key responsibilities include:
- Own end-to-end quality and delivery for assigned Human Data projects, personally reviewing work in the domain to ensure accuracy, consistency, guideline adherence, and high-quality data production at scale
- Lead, coach, and performance-manage a team of AI Tutors, including conducting regular performance reviews, maintaining records, creating action plans, managing shadow sessions, and driving continuous improvement
- Oversee and actively participate in labeling and reviewing tasks to maintain high standards and model best practices
- Ensure strict guideline adherence, taxonomy management, and quality assurance processes
- Drive efficiency by identifying and resolving operational bottlenecks, implementing process improvements, and tracking performance via KPI dashboards (quality metrics, throughput, send-back rates)
- Build, update, and deliver training materials, practice tasks, and certification benchmark tasks; manage certifications and workforce adjustments
- Collaborate closely with Human Data Managers, fellow Team Leads, and Engineering to translate model needs into clear labeling strategies and requirements
- Coach and develop talent while maintaining strong accountability and a high-performance culture; support disciplinary actions as needed
- Document outcomes, suggest process iterations, and report project status, risks, and results
- Act as the voice of your tutors while fostering strong collaboration across the broader Human Data organization
The company operates with a flat organizational structure where all employees are expected to be hands-on and contribute directly to the mission. Leadership is given to those who show initiative and consistently deliver excellence. Work ethic, strong prioritization skills, and excellent communication are essential.
REQUIREMENTS:
- 1+ years of hands-on experience in data labeling, annotation, AI training/evaluation, content quality, or similar operational domains
- Bachelor's degree, or 4+ years of professional experience in lieu of a degree
- Experience with data quality metrics, annotation processes, and guideline-driven workflows
- Experience with project management tools such as Notion, Axiom, JIRA, Linear, or equivalent
- Knowledge of AI and machine learning concepts and how high-quality training data impacts model performance
- Documented quality assurance experience in creative or media projects
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
- Professional experience in a creative field (photography, graphic design, filmmaking, video editing, visual effects)
- Prior experience leading small teams in data labeling, annotation, or related operations
- Familiarity with prompting and using AI image and video generation models
- Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment
- Strong track record of reviewing domain work, ensuring data quality, and improving operational processes
- Experience with performance management, coaching, training program development, and certification frameworks
- Proficiency in data analysis and associated tools (SQL a plus); ability to use metrics and KPIs to drive continuous improvement
- Experience managing distributed teams
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills with ability to build rapport quickly and align stakeholders
- Strong organizational skills and high attention to detail
- Proactive problem-solving mindset and focus on continuous improvement
- Strategic thinking combined with strong hands-on execution
- Passion for building high-performing teams and scaling high-quality Human Data operations
Candidates must be based in one of the following countries where xAI has a physical office; remote work is also possible: United States, Dubai, Ireland, United Kingdom, Japan, India, Indonesia, South Korea, Philippines, or Singapore.
