Avantages principaux
About the role
Company Description
Squirl Signs is an award-winning startup based at the University of Toronto, building AI-powered accessibility technology in collaboration with the Deaf community. Our mission is to break communication barriers by developing real-time sign language translation technology that is ethical, community-informed, and built for real-world impact.
Working alongside Deaf advisors, researchers, and developers, we’re building technology that prioritizes accessibility, inclusion, and meaningful user-centered design.
Role Overview
We’re looking for an experienced Lead Machine Learning Engineer to lead the technical development of our AI models and help shape the future of Squirl Signs.
This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys solving challenging machine learning problems while contributing to technology with meaningful social impact. You’ll work closely with our research team, Deaf advisors, and developers to guide model development, technical architecture, and long-term AI strategy.
You’ll have significant ownership over our ML roadmap while mentoring a growing technical team and helping translate cutting-edge research into a real product.
This is an unpaid 6-month leadership role with the opportunity for long-term involvement with salary and early-stage equity.
Responsibilities
Lead the design and development of machine learning models for sign language recognition and translation Develop and optimize computer vision models using TensorFlow or PyTorch Design scalable data pipelines for training, validation, and deployment Guide technical decisions surrounding model architecture, evaluation, and deployment Mentor and support junior developers and ML contributors Collaborate closely with researchers to integrate user feedback into model development Work alongside Deaf advisors to ensure technology is developed responsibly and ethically Communicate technical concepts clearly to multidisciplinary team members
Preferred Qualifications
Strong experience with Python and modern ML frameworks (TensorFlow or PyTorch) Experience developing computer vision models, particularly video-based applications Experience building or deploying deep learning models in production or research settings Experience working with large datasets and data pipelines Familiarity with Hugging Face, OpenCV, ONNX, or similar ML ecosystems Experience leading technical projects or mentoring developers Interest in accessibility, assistive technology, or socially impactful AI is highly valued
Soft Skills
Strong leadership and communication skills Ability to collaborate across technical and non-technical teams Self-motivated with strong project ownership Passion for building technology with meaningful social impact Professional, reliable, and collaborative
What You’ll Gain
Lead the technical direction of an award-winning accessibility startup Build AI technology with real-world social impact Collaborate directly with researchers, Deaf advisors, and community members Mentor and grow a technical development team Opportunity for long-term leadership and early-stage equity
Requirements
Based in Canada (GTA preferred for in-person meetings) Able to commit approximately 10-15 hours per week for six months Resume required
About Squirl Signs
Squirl Signs is an accessibility-focused startup based at the University of Toronto, building accessible communication technology in collaboration with the Deaf community.
Similar Jobs
Avantages principaux
About the role
Company Description
Squirl Signs is an award-winning startup based at the University of Toronto, building AI-powered accessibility technology in collaboration with the Deaf community. Our mission is to break communication barriers by developing real-time sign language translation technology that is ethical, community-informed, and built for real-world impact.
Working alongside Deaf advisors, researchers, and developers, we’re building technology that prioritizes accessibility, inclusion, and meaningful user-centered design.
Role Overview
We’re looking for an experienced Lead Machine Learning Engineer to lead the technical development of our AI models and help shape the future of Squirl Signs.
This is an opportunity for someone who enjoys solving challenging machine learning problems while contributing to technology with meaningful social impact. You’ll work closely with our research team, Deaf advisors, and developers to guide model development, technical architecture, and long-term AI strategy.
You’ll have significant ownership over our ML roadmap while mentoring a growing technical team and helping translate cutting-edge research into a real product.
This is an unpaid 6-month leadership role with the opportunity for long-term involvement with salary and early-stage equity.
Responsibilities
Lead the design and development of machine learning models for sign language recognition and translation Develop and optimize computer vision models using TensorFlow or PyTorch Design scalable data pipelines for training, validation, and deployment Guide technical decisions surrounding model architecture, evaluation, and deployment Mentor and support junior developers and ML contributors Collaborate closely with researchers to integrate user feedback into model development Work alongside Deaf advisors to ensure technology is developed responsibly and ethically Communicate technical concepts clearly to multidisciplinary team members
Preferred Qualifications
Strong experience with Python and modern ML frameworks (TensorFlow or PyTorch) Experience developing computer vision models, particularly video-based applications Experience building or deploying deep learning models in production or research settings Experience working with large datasets and data pipelines Familiarity with Hugging Face, OpenCV, ONNX, or similar ML ecosystems Experience leading technical projects or mentoring developers Interest in accessibility, assistive technology, or socially impactful AI is highly valued
Soft Skills
Strong leadership and communication skills Ability to collaborate across technical and non-technical teams Self-motivated with strong project ownership Passion for building technology with meaningful social impact Professional, reliable, and collaborative
What You’ll Gain
Lead the technical direction of an award-winning accessibility startup Build AI technology with real-world social impact Collaborate directly with researchers, Deaf advisors, and community members Mentor and grow a technical development team Opportunity for long-term leadership and early-stage equity
Requirements
Based in Canada (GTA preferred for in-person meetings) Able to commit approximately 10-15 hours per week for six months Resume required
About Squirl Signs
Squirl Signs is an accessibility-focused startup based at the University of Toronto, building accessible communication technology in collaboration with the Deaf community.