Expert Team Lead, Human Data Operations

SpaceXAI; Palo Alto (CA); On-site; USD 104,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equity

Medical coverage

401(k)

Disability insurance

Life insurance

Employee discounts

Job summary

SpaceXAI is seeking a hands-on leader to guide a team of AI Tutors responsible for delivering high-quality training data and evaluations powering SpaceXAI’s models. You will set data quality standards, review work in the domain, and build scalable processes while executing labeling and review tasks.

You will coach a team, manage performance, and collaborate with Human Data Managers and Engineering to translate model needs into effective labeling strategies, driving continuous improvement across

Qualifications

• 6 months+ hands-on experience in data labeling, annotation, AI training/evaluation, content quality, or similar operational domains.
• Basic understanding of AI and machine learning concepts and how high-quality training data impacts model performance.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or 4+ years applicable experience in lieu of a degree.

Responsibilities

• Own end-to-end quality and delivery for assigned Human Data projects — review work in the domain, ensure accuracy, consistency, guideline adherence, and high-quality data production at scale.
• Lead, coach, and performance-manage a team of AI Tutors, including performance reviews, records, action plans, shadow sessions, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee and participate in labeling and reviewing tasks to maintain high standards and model best practices.
• Ensure strict guideline adherence, taxonomy management, and quality assurance processes.
• Drive efficiency by identifying and resolving operational bottlenecks, implementing process improvements, and tracking performance via KPI dashboards.
• Collaborate with Human Data Managers, Team Leads, and Engineering to translate model needs into clear labeling strategies.
• Coach and develop talent while maintaining accountability and a high-performance culture; support disciplinary actions as needed.
• Document outcomes, suggest process iterations, and report project status, risks, and results.
• Act as the voice of your tutors while fostering strong collaboration across the broader Human Data organization.

Skills

People leadership

Project management

Data quality

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics

Tools

Notion

Axiom

JIRA

Linear

Job description

SpaceXAI’s mission is to create AI systems that can accurately understand the universe and aid humanity in its pursuit of knowledge. Our team is small, highly motivated, and focused on engineering excellence. This organization is for individuals who appreciate challenging themselves and thrive on curiosity. We operate with a flat organizational structure. All employees are expected to be hands-on and to contribute directly to the company’s mission. Leadership is given to those who show initiative and consistently deliver excellence. Work ethic and strong prioritization skills are important. All employees are expected to have strong communication skills. They should be able to concisely and accurately share knowledge with their teammates.

SpaceXAI’s mission is to create AI systems that can accurately understand the universe and aid humanity in its pursuit of knowledge. Our team is small, highly motivated, and focused on engineering excellence. This organization is for individuals who appreciate challenging themselves and thrive on curiosity. We operate with a flat organizational structure. All employees are expected to be hands-on and to contribute directly to the company’s mission. Leadership is given to those who show initiative and consistently deliver excellence. Work ethic and strong prioritization skills are important. All employees are expected to have strong communication skills. They should be able to concisely and accurately share knowledge with their teammates.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

You will lead a team of AI Tutors responsible for delivering high-quality training data and evaluations that power SpaceXAI’s models. You will set the standard for data quality on your projects, review work in the domain, ensure the accuracy and consistency of the data produced, and build operational excellence at the team level. This is a hands-on leadership role — you will both execute labeling/review work and continuously improve processes as we scale.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Own end-to-end quality and delivery for assigned Human Data projects — personally reviewing work in the domain, ensuring accuracy, consistency, guideline adherence, and high-quality data production at scale.
• Lead, coach, and performance-manage a team of AI Tutors, including conducting regular performance reviews, maintaining records, creating action plans, managing shadow sessions, and driving continuous improvement.
• Oversee and actively participate in labeling and reviewing tasks to maintain high standards and model best practices.
• Ensure strict guideline adherence, taxonomy management, and quality assurance processes.
• Drive efficiency by identifying and resolving operational bottlenecks, implementing process improvements, and tracking performance via KPI dashboards (e.g., quality metrics, throughput, send-back rates).
• Collaborate closely with Human Data Managers, fellow Team Leads, and Engineering to translate model needs into clear labeling strategies and requirements.
• Coach and develop talent while maintaining strong accountability and a high-performance culture; support disciplinary actions as needed.
• Document outcomes, suggest process iterations, and report project status, risks, and results.
• Act as the voice of your tutors while fostering strong collaboration across the broader Human Data organization.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• 6 months+ of hands-on experience in data labeling, annotation, AI training/evaluation, content quality, or similar operational domains.
• Basic understanding of AI and machine learning concepts and how high-quality training data impacts model performance.
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related fields or 4+ years applicable experience in lieu of a degree.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Previous people leadership experience.
• Advanced degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or related fields
• Proven ability to manage multiple concurrent projects and prioritize effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong track record of reviewing domain work, ensuring data quality, and improving operational processes.
• Experience with performance management, coaching, training program development, and certification frameworks.
• Proficiency in data analysis and associated tools (SQL a plus); ability to use metrics and KPIs to drive continuous improvement.
• Experience managing mixed employment types (full-time employees and contractors) or distributed teams.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to build rapport quickly and align stakeholders.
• Familiarity with project management and collaboration tools such as Notion, Axiom, JIRA, Linear, or equivalent.
• Strong organizational skills, high attention to detail, proactive problem-solving mindset, and focus on continuous improvement.
• Strategic thinking combined with strong hands-on execution.
• Passion for building high-performing teams and scaling high-quality Human Data operations.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Candidates must be based in one of the following countries where SpaceXAI has a physical office; remote work is also possible
  - United States
  - Dubai
  - Ireland
  - United Kingdom
  - Ireland
  - Japan
  - India
  - Indonesia
  - South Korea
  - Philippines
  - Singapore

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

US based candidates: $104,000 - $170,400 USD depending on factors including relevant experience, skills, education, geographic location, and qualifications. International candidates: Information will be provided to you during the recruitment process.

Base salary is just one part of our total rewards package at SpaceXAI, which also includes equity, comprehensive medical, vision, and dental coverage, access to a 401(k) retirement plan, short & long-term disability insurance, life insurance, and various other discounts and perks.Benefits vary based on employment type, location and jurisdiction. Benefits for eligible U.S. based positions include health insurance, 401(k) plan, and paid sick leave. Specific details and role specific information will be provided to you during the interview process.

SpaceXAI is an equal opportunity employer. For details on data processing, view our Recruitment Privacy Notice.