Strategic Project Lead - Code

About Turing

Based in San Francisco, California, Turing is the world’s leading research accelerator for frontier AI labs and a trusted partner for global enterprises looking to deploy advanced AI systems. Turing accelerates frontier research with high-quality data, specialized talent, and training pipelines that advance thinking, reasoning, coding, multimodality, and STEM. For enterprises, Turing builds proprietary intelligence systems that integrate AI into mission-critical workflows, unlock transformative outcomes, and drive lasting competitive advantage.

Recognized by Forbes, The Information, and Fast Company among the world’s top innovators, Turing’s leadership team includes AI technologists from Meta, Google, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, McKinsey, Bain, Stanford, Caltech, and MIT. Learn more at www.turing.com

Role Overview

We are looking for Strategic Project Leads (SPLs) to drive large-scale AI data operations and lead high-impact programs for frontier AI labs.

This is a hands-on, people management + operations leadership role at the intersection of AI, data, and large-scale execution.

You will own end-to-end delivery of complex AI workflows (e.g., RLHF, SFT, model evaluation, benchmarking), manage large distributed teams, and ensure high-quality output under aggressive timelines.

This role is ideal for sharp, high-pedigree operators (Top tier MBA) who thrive in ambiguity, enjoy solving complex problems, and can scale both systems and teams.

What You’ll Do

1. End-to-End Delivery Ownership

• Own execution of large-scale AI data programs (multi-million dollar scope)

• Translate ambiguous client/research requirements into structured workflows

• Drive delivery across RLHF, SFT, coding annotation, and model evaluation pipelines

• Ensure outcomes across quality, speed, and cost

• Operations & Systems Leadership

• Design and optimize end-to-end data pipelines

• Identify bottlenecks and implement improvements in:

• Throughput

• Quality

• Cost efficiency

• Build scalable systems including:

• Workflow design

• Incentive structures

• Review and QA mechanisms

• Drive continuous iteration and process improvement (“build → test → refine” loops)

• People & Team Leadership (Core to Role)

• Lead and manage large distributed teams (100s to 1000+ contributors)

• Build and manage pods/team structures

• Drive performance through:

• Clear goal setting

• Quality benchmarks

• Feedback loops

• Hire, train, and mentor high-performing operators

• Act as a force multiplier for team productivity and output

• Client & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the primary interface with AI researchers and enterprise clients

• Build strong, trust-based relationships with stakeholders

• Provide structured updates, insights, and recommendations

• Anticipate client needs and drive proactive problem solving

• AI Model Evaluation & Benchmarking

• Work on model benchmarking initiatives (e.g., hill climbing benchmarks)

• Design prompts and evaluates outputs across models (GPT, Claude, Gemini, etc.)

• Analyze performance gaps and drive improvements

• Contribute to building evaluation frameworks and quality standards

• Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner closely with R&D / FDL teams (e.g., Anshul’s team) on technical alignment

• Bridge the gap between research and operations

• Translate technical requirements into scalable execution plans

What We’re Looking For

• Experience: 4–10 years (MBB/Tier-1), high-growth startups, or strategy & operations/program management/Human Data management roles in high-intensity environments

• Education (Preferred): MBA from top US university or leading global management programs

• Problem Solving & Ownership: Strong first-principles thinking with the ability to break down ambiguous problems and build scalable solutions (0→1, 1→10)

• Operations Excellence: Proven experience managing complex workflows with a focus on throughput, quality, efficiency, and data-driven decision making

• People Leadership: Experience managing teams or pods; ability to drive performance, accountability, and team development

• Tech Literacy: Comfortable working with AI/ML workflows (LLMs, RLHF, evaluation); able to collaborate effectively with technical teams and understand data pipelines

• Communication: Clear, structured communicator with strong client-facing and stakeholder management skills

•

What This Role is NOT

• Not a pure software engineering role

• Not a strategy-only or PPT-driven role

• Not a passive program management role

This is a builder + operator role with ownership and intensity

Key Expectations

• Operate in a fast-paced, high-ownership environment

• Manage time-sensitive, high-pressure deliverables

• Occasionally work across time zones / off-hours when required

• Maintain a very high bar for quality and execution

Values:

• We are client first: We put our clients at the center of everything we do, because their success is the ultimate measure of our value.

• We work at Start-Up Speed: We move fast, stay agile and favor action because momentum is the foundation of perfection

• We are Al forward: We help our clients build the future of Al and implement it in our own roles and workflow to amplify productivity.

Advantages of joining Turing:

• Amazing work culture (Super collaborative & supportive work environment; 5 days a week)

• Awesome colleagues (Surround yourself with top talent from Meta, Google, LinkedIn etc. as well as people with deep startup experience)

• Competitive compensation

• Flexible working hours

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. Turing is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristics. At Turing we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace and celebrate authenticity, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyways. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

For applicants from the European Union, please review Turing's GDPR notice here.