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Strategic Projects Lead

Lead the execution of large-scale human data programs that power frontier AI model training and evaluation.

Location
India
Compensation
Not disclosed
Level
lead
Type
full time · Hybrid

Posted by employer 5 months ago

First seen on Joblaze 2 months ago

Last verified on the company career page 1 day ago

Apply at Handshake → Save job Scanned from joinhandshake.com

Skills & Technologies

SQL Python Flexible on stack

AI in the day-to-day

Handshake AI supports frontier AI labs with complex data for model training and evaluation.

Requirements

Experience
6+ years
Education
Bachelor's degree

Not disclosed in this posting: compensation, visa sponsorship.

Benefits

Equity/Stock Options Health Insurance

Joblaze summary

The Strategic Projects Lead at Handshake is responsible for overseeing the execution of large-scale human data programs that support frontier AI model training and evaluation. This role requires a blend of technical expertise and strong analytical skills, particularly in Python or SQL, to manage complex projects and coordinate a large team of experts. Ideal candidates will have significant experience in technical or analytical roles and possess a high ownership mindset, thriving in fast-paced, ambiguous environments. Handshake's focus on AI data positions this role at the forefront of innovation in the rapidly evolving AI landscape.

Joblaze insights

  • Listed about 2 months ago — first seen on Joblaze September 3, 2026. Last confirmed on Handshake's careers page November 2, 2026.
  • Python appears in 34.6% of 188 comparable lead ai/ml roles; SQL appears in 10.1% of 188 comparable lead ai/ml roles.

Quick facts

Is the Strategic Projects Lead role remote?
It's hybrid — Handshake expects some on-site time in India.
How much experience is required?
At least 6 years of relevant experience for this Strategic Projects Lead role.
Where is the role based?
Handshake is hiring for this position in India.
What's the tech stack?
Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: Python, SQL.
What seniority level is this role?
Handshake targets lead candidates for this position.
Is this full-time or contract?
Full-time for this Strategic Projects Lead role at Handshake.

From the original posting

Why join Handshake now:

  • Shape how every career evolves in the AI economy, at global scale, with impact your friends, family and peers can see and feel

We are building our India team to help accelerate the development of frontier models. This team is a critical, strategic investment for us - we have grown the team 3x in the past six months to help fuel our next phase of growth. India-based teammates will work hand-in-hand with US-based teams to scope, execute, and deliver critical human data projects to Frontier Labs and other customers.

The Role

As a Strategic Projects Lead (SPL), you will own the execution of large-scale human data programs that directly power frontier AI model training and evaluation. Working hands-on with leading AI labs and technology companies, you will make real-time decisions that affect revenue, margins, delivery quality, and long-term customer relationships.

This is a high-ownership, outcomes-driven role for operators who thrive in ambiguity, move fast with incomplete information, and are accountable for results at scale. What you'll do:

  • Own end-to-end execution of multi-week to multi-month AI data programs to deliver double-digit millions in ARR-equivalent impact

  • Lead and coordinate hundreds to thousands of expert Fellows to meet aggressive delivery timelines while maintaining quality and cost targets

  • Design and adapt staffing models, incentives, and workflows to improve throughput, margins, and delivery reliability under changing requirements

  • Partner directly with frontier AI labs and senior stakeholders to shape scope, resolve issues, and expand programs through execution

You Have:

  • 6+ years of experience in technical or analytical roles such as software engineering, data, analytics, or technical product.

  • A technical degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Data Science, or similar and/or hands-on experience with coding (Python, SQL, or similar).

  • Strong analytical and first-principles problem-solving skills applied to scaling operations

  • Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills, including with senior customers

  • High ownership mindset with pride in end-to-end accountability

  • Curiosity and ability to quickly learn technical AI concepts and industry trends

Bonus Points:

  • Experience managing large, distributed workforces or marketplaces

  • Exposure to AI data, model evaluation, or technical services delivery

  • Background in productOps, investment banking, private equity, or management consulting

You’ll Thrive Here If You:

  • Are motivated by solving operational problems that have direct, measurable impact.

  • Want to be part of a company shaping the future of AI through human data.

  • Can navigate ambiguity, act with urgency, and keep multiple workstreams moving in parallel.

Perks:

  • Generous Equity Grant vested over 4 years

  • Housing Bonus: 1.3 Lakhs spread throughout the first year

  • Well Defined Performance Bonus ranging between 10 - 100% of base

  • Medical Insurance Coverage

  • Food credit for every in person day.

Standard company text repeated across Handshake's postings is omitted here.

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