• Job Description

  Req#: 6659930003

  Upwork ($UPWK) is the world’s human and AI-powered work marketplace that connects businesses with highly skilled, AI-enabled independent talent from across the globe. From entrepreneurs to Fortune 100 enterprises, companies rely on Upwork’s trusted platform and its mindful AI companion, Uma, to find and hire expert talent, leverage AI-powered work solutions, and drive business transformation. With on-demand access to professionals spanning more than 10,000 skills across AI & machine learning, software development, sales & marketing, customer support, finance & accounting, and more, Upwork enables businesses of all sizes to scale, innovate, and build agile teams for the age of AI and beyond.

  Upwork’s platform has facilitated more than $25 billion in economic opportunity for talent around the world. Learn more at Upwork.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X.

  We’re looking for a high-agency operator to solve real business problems with AI. Think: “How do we turn our scattered knowledge base into a single AI-native source of truth that answers 90% of team & user questions instantly?” You’ll go from problem → solution hypothesis → vendor/tool → prototype → rollout, fast.

  This role is not about writing research papers or waiting for engineering handoffs. You’ll go from idea to solution hypothesis to prototype to rollout, talking to vendors, shipping scrappy versions, running PoCs, validating ROI, and building internal playbooks for scale. You are obsessed with automation, AI-native tools, and the practical application of frontier technology. If you’re excited about turning business pain points into scalable AI solutions—without waiting on a roadmap—this role is for you.

  Responsibilities

  • Reframe vague problems into sharp, testable hypotheses suitable for AI-native solutions

  • Conduct discovery and requirements gathering with internal stakeholders to inform solution design

  • Research & evaluate AI tools, platforms, and vendors through hands-on testing and proof-of-concept pilots

  • Build and iterate on scrappy internal prototypes using no-code platforms, LLM APIs, and automation tools (think: days, not months). Implement tools with minimal/no engineering effort

  • Define success metrics and validate ROI for solutions before scaling across teams or functions

  • Develop rollout plans, documentation, and internal playbooks to ensure adoption and repeatability
    

  What it takes to catch our eye

  • Proven ability to ship internal tools or solutions in a fast-paced, resource-constrained environment

  • Hands-on experience with AI/LLM technologies, agents, no-code platforms, APIs, and product discovery methods

  • Strong product sense and comfort operating in ambiguity with minimal direction

  • A track record of independently driving cross-functional initiatives from idea to adoption

  • Curiosity, scrappiness, and a bias toward action when exploring new technologies

  • Startup or venture studio mindset: own the problem, ship fast
    

  Come change how the world works.

  At Upwork, you’ll shape the future of work for a global, remote-first workforce, creating economic opportunities for professionals worldwide. While we have a physical office in Palo Alto, we currently hire full-time employees in 21 U.S. states, making it easier than ever to join our mission from wherever you call home.

  Our culture is built on trust, risk-taking, customer focus, and excellence, all in service of our core mission: to create economic opportunities so people have better lives. We embrace authenticity and inclusion, encouraging everyone to bring their whole selves to work. Personal and professional growth is a priority here, supported through development programs, mentorship, and our Upwork Belonging Communities.

  We’re proud to offer benefits that go beyond the basics, including comprehensive medical coverage for you and your family, unlimited PTO, a 401(k) plan with matching, 12 weeks of paid parental leave, and an Employee Stock Purchase Plan. Visit our Life at Upwork page to learn more about our values, working principles, and the overall employee experience.

  Ready to help shape the future of work? Check out our Careers page to learn more about opportunities at Upwork.

  Upwork is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics under federal, state, or local law.

  Please note that a criminal background check may be required once a conditional job offer is made. Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered in accordance with applicable law, including the California Fair Chance Act and local Fair Chance ordinances.

  The annual base salary range for this position is displayed below. The range displayed reflects the minimum and maximum salary for this position, and individual base pay will depend on your skills, qualifications, experience, and location. Additionally, this position is eligible for the annual bonus plan or sales incentive plan and eligibility to participate in our long term equity incentive program.

  Annual Base Compensation

  $151,500 — $326,500 USD

  To learn more about how Upwork processes and protects your personal information as part of the application process, please review our Global Job Applicant Privacy Notice

• About the company

  Upwork connects businesses of all sizes to freelancers, independent professionals, and agencies for all their hiring needs. Scale your workforce dynamically as business needs change.

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