Data Annotation (Labeling) Lead

MacPaw is a software company that develops and distributes software for macOS and iOS. Today, we have 20 million active users across all our products.
At MacPaw, we believe humans and technology can reach their greatest potential together.
MacPaw is proud to be Ukrainian. The support and development of Ukraine are significant parts of the company's culture. MacPaw gathers open-minded people who support each other and aspire to change the world around us.
We are looking for a Data Annotation (Labeling) Lead to join our AI team to oversee the entire data annotation process, supporting our AI and machine learning initiatives. This role requires strong leadership skills combined with a good understanding of data collection and annotation for machine learning models.
In this role, you will be central to ensuring the efficiency, accuracy, and success of our data labeling processes.
If it sounds interesting to you, then look no further - send us your CV!
In this role, you will:

• Organize and supervise the data annotation process, ensuring its accuracy and quality
• Build and lead the data annotation team, coordinate team tasks and workflows, and foster the team development
• Implement quality control processes, analyze errors, and improve standards
• Develop and maintain annotation guidelines and documentation to ensure consistency and accuracy across the team
• Optimize annotation processes and explore automation opportunities
• Closely collaborate with data engineers to develop efficient data processing solutions and tools, and implement automated data processing workflows to streamline annotation processes
• Collaborate closely with ML Engineers to align data annotation efforts with machine learning model requirements and understand the neural network training process
• Take part in cross-functional coordination and cooperation with other colleagues
• Manage costs related to data sourcing and annotation
• Explore outsourcing & alternative data solutions, manage cooperation with external freelancers and partners, including searching, selecting, and organizing cooperation with them to meet the organizational needs
• Ensure compliance with data privacy and security regulations throughout the data annotation process

Skills you'll need to bring:

• Proven experience leading a data annotation team
• Basic understanding of AI/ML concepts (data annotation needs, task types, neural network training)
• Good knowledge of data labeling processes and familiarity with relevant tools, platforms, and best practices in the data annotation field
• Basic understanding of data collection processes (web scraping, dataset management)
• Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills with the ability to convey technical aspects to both technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Strong ability to manage uncertainty and bring clarity to unstructured situations - handle incoming requests without predefined processes, structure the chaos, and progressively build clear, actionable workflows for the team
• Experience with quality assurance processes for large datasets
• Keen attention to detail and the ability to balance multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Openness to frequent feedback from multiple stakeholders and readiness to quickly adapt processes in real time based on that input
• Experience with data privacy regulations and ethical considerations in data annotation
• Strong analytical skills to monitor processes and implement improvements based on data-driven insights
• Ability to develop and implement data quality metrics and KPIs to measure the effectiveness of annotation processes
• Experience managing budgets & external partnerships
• Upper-intermediate level of English

What We Offer

• We are a Ukrainian company, and we stand with Ukraine against the russian aggression
  
  • We maintain workplaces for the mobilized Macpawians and provide financial support to colleagues or their families affected by the war. Here , you can also read about the MacPaw Foundation, which intends to help save the lives of Ukrainian defenders and provide relief to as many civilians as possible.
• We are committed to our veterans
  
  • Our Veteran Career and Empowerment Program is designed to ensure our veterans and active military personnel receive the recognition, support, and opportunities they deserve.
• Hybrid work model
  
  • Whether to work remotely or at the hub is entirely up to you. If you decide to mix it, our Kyiv office, which works as a coworking space, is open around the clock. The office is supplied with UPS and Starlink for an uninterrupted work process.
• Your health always comes first
  
  • We guarantee medical insurance starting on your first working month. For those abroad, you can receive a yearly Medical insurance allowance as compensation for managing your medical expenses.
• Flexible working hours
  
  • You can choose a schedule that is comfortable for you. No one here tracks your clock in/out because MacPaw is built on trust and cooperation.
• Space to grow both professionally and personally
  
  • Education opportunities to grow both hard and soft skills, annual development reviews, and internal community.
• Teams we are proud of
  
  • We build honest, transparent, and reliable relationships within teams. Every Macpawian can improve processes and implement their ideas. We encourage open and constructive feedback and provide training for Macpawians on giving and receiving feedback.
• Office designed for people (and pets)
  
  • Our office has it all: a spacious workplace with enough room for sitting up, lying down, and running around; a gym for recreation; cozy kitchens; a sleeping/meditation room; and a terrace with a view where we throw summer parties. Also, we have two cats living in the office.
• Time-off policy that covers life's needs
  
  • Convenient personal time-off policy to help you take care of essential matters in your personal life, and parental leaves. On top of all that, sabbaticals are open after 5 years of being with MacPaw.
• Join social initiatives with MacPawCares
  
  • MacPaw participates in numerous humanitarian aid and charity projects across many fields, and you are welcome to jump in to make the world a better place.
• We're an equal-opportunity employer. Here is a safe place for applicants of all backgrounds
  
  • We are hiring talented humans. Meaning with all our variety of backgrounds and identities, including service members and veterans, women, members of the LGBTQIA+ community, individuals with disabilities, and other often underrepresented groups. MacPaw does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
  • Some benefits are under development, and new adjustments are possible.