Collectors is the leading creator of innovative technology that provides value-added services for collectors worldwide. We grade, authenticate, vault, and sell millions of record-setting collectibles, all while modernizing and digitalizing the process to further our mission of helping collectors pursue their passions. We’re always on the lookout for talented people to join our growing team.
Our services span collectible coins, trading cards, Funko Pops!, video games, event tickets, autographs, and memorabilia. Our subsidiaries include PSA, PCGS, SGC, WATA, and Card Ladder.
Since our founding in 1986, we have graded and authenticated millions of items. We employ more than 1,900 people across our headquarters in Santa Ana and offices in Jersey City, Tokyo, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Toronto, Guadalajara, Dallas, and Paris.
Our AI/ML team is building tools to enhance and move forward a digital and physical Collectors ecosystem. We create innovative and groundbreaking tools that enhance the experience of internal stakeholders and employees as well as a diverse range of customers and businesses that depend on our tools and services. We're looking for an experienced AI/ML and Engineering leader that is ambitious, quick to learn, practical, and outcomes driven. We highly value a leader who is proactive both internally with the AI/ML team as well as externally with our many stakeholders across the organization.
We are specifically looking for someone who can lead the current team effectively through multiple innovative and challenging projects on the cutting edge of both our industry as well as technology (LLMs, agentic flows, computer vision, advanced predictive algorithms, high throughput / low latency APIs, etc.).
Some of the nearest term projects you will work on will entail using machine vision to drive advanced image matching, grading assistance, and building or enhancing ML models for card value estimation and recommendations. You’ll lead and mentor our AI/ML team and partner with Operations, Product, Analytics, and other Engineering teams on small and large cross-functional projects. You’ll report to the VP of Data and AI/ML.
Remote or hybrid candidates will also be considered. We believe that there is significant value in in-person collaboration. If you live within a 1 hour commuting distance to one of our offices, you will be required to be onsite most of the time. This will be discussed further as part of the recruiting process.
What You'll do:
- As an AI/ML and engineering leader, you will collaborate closely with the VP of Data and senior leaders across Engineering and Product to shape and drive the long-term technical vision for AI and Machine Learning at Collectors, spanning both internal systems and customer-facing products that power our grading and authentication services.
- Manage and scale the Collectors AI/ML team and build a world-class organization that is focused on innovation, productivity, and employee retention.
- Work with other development leaders and teams to create comprehensive solutions shared across multiple product areas.
- Collaboratively partner with Product, Operations, Analytics, and other cross-functional teams within the organization to identify the highest impact technology opportunities to accelerate the product and user experience.
- Provide coaching, mentoring, and support to your team members so they can grow and develop within our organization.
- Drive workflow development and proactively seek out opportunities to improve existing processes for scale.
- Oversee all phases of the ML lifecycle: data acquisition, feature engineering, model training, deployment, and ongoing improvement.
- Stay abreast of the latest in AI/ML research and emerging technologies, translating insights into practical solutions.
Who You Are:
- You have 3+ years of experience as a senior engineering manager or Director of engineering, who has managed a medium- to large-sized engineering team (e.g. 5+ engineers and line managers) or a small- to medium-sized AI/ML team in a high-growth environment.
- 5+ years of Data Science, Software Engineering, and/or Machine Learning experience building complex projects.
- Ability to translate strategy into execution; holistically identify and define organizational objectives and implement processes and systems that support those goals.
- Forward thinking and experimentation and/or productionalization of LLMs, Agentic Flows, or Computer Vision.
- Experience in coaching and supporting managers and engineers through empathy, compassion, and candor within the engineering organization as well as between teams.
- Proficient with Python for AI and Machine Learning.
- Proficient with deployment frameworks and processes for Machine Learning algorithms.
- Strong exposure to
- collaborative engineering including Agile methodologies, code reviews, linting, continuous integration, and cloud-based deployments.
- Willing to take feedback, learn and grow; an ethos of continuous self-improvement
- Excellent communication skills.
The salary range for this position is $195,000- $275,000. Actual compensation on this range varies based on a variety of non-discriminatory factors, including location, job level, experience, and skill set. This role may be eligible for bonuses, commissions, or other forms of compensation, please ask your recruiter for details.
Reasons To Join Us:
- Health Insurance: All full-time employees are eligible to enroll in Medical, Dental, and Vision
- 401(K) Matching Plan: We are proud to offer a competitive 401k matching plan to our employees to support their future financial goals
- Vacation: All full-time employees are eligible for a flexible paid vacation
- Holiday Pay: All regular, full-time employees are eligible for nine company-paid holidays
- Employee Discounts: Employees receive discounts on select grading services for approved submissions
- Flexible Hours: Many of our teams offer flexible schedules with varying shifts and will work with you to accommodate your needs
- Fun Working Environment: Our team members are invited to participate in celebrations, holiday events, and team-building activities
Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States.
Qualified applications with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.