Machine Learning Engineer

Who we are:

Understory is an AI powered platform that provides geospatial tracking and verification for nature. Our data-driven roadmaps help people manage land, preserve biodiversity, and tackle climate change more effectively. We’ve built a diverse team of scientists, ecologists, and engineers revolutionizing our ability to monitor and protect natural resources for the communities that rely on them. Our goal is to radically improve environmental outcomes while removing financial barriers. We strive to tackle groundbreaking research problems with the efficiency and ingenuity of a startup.

How we do it:

Understory’s mission is to fight climate change and biodiversity loss by providing actionable metrics for environmental management and trusted verification for nature based solutions. We use a combination of drone and satellite imagery to identify vegetation down to the species level and quantify biological data. The resulting metrics provide measurable environmental performance indicators over the lifespan of an intervention or initiative. These data allow our customers to assess compliance for environmental regulation, verify sequestration in voluntary carbon markets, and improve outcomes from nature based solutions. 

About the Team:

Our team believes in using the power of technology to put nature first. We are problem solvers, passionate about creating simple solutions to complex problems, at scale. As part of our team, you will have a big impact on the company, and together, we can foster a sustainable planet. Regardless of the new products we develop, features we add, or industries we move into, our team is the strong root network that enables Understory to grow. 

About the Role:

You will be a Machine Learning Engineer on an early-stage team focused on ecology and computer vision. This role leads R&D development on the core components of our platform with a focus on machine learning and geospatial imagery processing. You’ll have autonomy to experiment and develop new processes while knowing that support is available when desired.

How you will contribute:

• Create and iterate prototypes, drafting technical and design documents as necessary.
• Collaborate cross-functionally to drive the vision behind Machine Learning solutions and back end infrastructure
• Engage with external partners to prioritize and incorporate feedback
• Improve the scalability and efficiency of large-scale distributed ML workflows by analyzing, understanding, and fixing bottlenecks
• Participate in developing new machine learning systems (data acquisition, data processing pipelines, modeling) and productize them (API design, testing plan, support)
• Stay ahead of the field of ML research and actively participate in ongoing research efforts
  
  

What you should have:

• 6 years experience in a hands-on technical role
• 3 years experience in ML/AI (sourcing and processing data to production pipelines)
• Experience with Python and Tensorflow
• Proven team leadership track record - building and managing small engineering teams, setting aggressive goals, and leading complex cross functional projects.

Nice to have:

• Full-stack engineering experience in a production environment to assist with development of wider product
• Experience in Vertex Ai and Google ML suite
• Entrepreneurial spirit
• Experience in unstructured work environments with rapidly changing requirements and limited oversight. 
  
  

The base salary range for this full-time position is $90,000 - $130,000 + equity + benefits. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. 

Stronger with diversity
At Understory, we strive to build a diverse team that celebrates and embraces the difference in our cultures and backgrounds. We are committed to equal employment opportunity and will consider all applicants regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements.

If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please contact us at: info@understory.ai