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Strategic Projects Lead, STEM

Lead large-scale human data programs that power frontier AI model training and evaluation at Handshake.

Location
San Francisco, CA, United States
Compensation
Not disclosed
Level
lead
Type
full time · On-site

Posted by employer 2 days ago

First seen on Joblaze 23 hours ago

Last verified on the company career page 23 hours ago

Apply at Handshake → Save job Scanned from joinhandshake.com

Skills & Technologies

What you'll build

  • Own execution of AI data programs
  • Lead and coordinate expert Fellows
  • Design staffing models and workflows
  • Partner with AI labs and stakeholders

Must have

  • 2+ years of experience in STEM field
  • A STEM degree
  • Strong analytical skills
  • Exceptional communication skills
  • High ownership mindset

Nice to have

  • Experience managing large workforces
  • Exposure to AI data or model evaluation

AI in the day-to-day

Handshake AI supports frontier AI labs, working on complex data at large scale.

Requirements

Experience
2+ years
Education
Bachelor's degree

Not disclosed in this posting: compensation, visa sponsorship.

Benefits

401k Match Education Budget Equity/Stock Options Remote Work Health Insurance Parental Leave

Joblaze summary

The Strategic Projects Lead at Handshake is responsible for executing large-scale human data programs that support AI model training and evaluation, making critical decisions that impact revenue and customer relationships. This role requires a strong background in STEM, analytical problem-solving skills, and the ability to manage complex operations with a high degree of ownership. Ideal candidates will have experience in managing distributed teams and a curiosity for AI concepts. Handshake's focus on collaboration with leading AI labs and technology companies adds a unique dimension to the role.

Joblaze insights

  • Listed today — first seen on Joblaze November 6, 2026. Last confirmed on Handshake's careers page November 6, 2026.
  • AI/ML appears in 23.9% of 639 comparable lead management roles in United States.

Quick facts

Is the Strategic Projects Lead, STEM role remote?
No — this is an on-site role in San Francisco, CA, United States.
How much experience is required?
At least 2 years of relevant experience for this Strategic Projects Lead, STEM role.
Where is the role based?
Handshake is hiring for this position in San Francisco, CA, United States.
What's the tech stack?
Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: AI/ML.
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, STEM 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

About Handshake AI

Human data is the core infrastructure to AI advancement. Frontier AI labs currently improve model capabilities with various data-intensive post-training techniques. We believe that data spend for AI training will increase by 3-5x in the next few years and continue for much longer as models take on new domains. Handshake AI supports all of the frontier AI labs, working on their most complex data at the largest scale.

 

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

  • 2+ years of experience in STEM field

  • A STEM degree

  • 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

We Offer

Handshake delivers benefits that help you feel supported—and thrive at work and in life.
The below benefits are for full-time US employees.

🎯 Ownership: Equity in a fast-growing company
💰 Financial Wellness: 401(k) match, competitive compensation, financial coaching
🍼 Family Support: Paid parental leave, fertility benefits, parental coaching
💝 Wellbeing: Medical, dental, and vision, mental health support, $500 wellness stipend
📚 Growth: $2,000 learning stipend, ongoing development
💻 Remote & Office: Internet, commuting, and free lunch/gym in our SF office
🏝 Time Off: Flexible PTO, 15 holidays + 2 flex days
🤝 Connection: Team outings & referral bonuses

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

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