> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/2313389-lead-data-scientist-autonomous-goal-management](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/2313389-lead-data-scientist-autonomous-goal-management). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md).

---

# Lead Data Scientist - Autonomous Goal Management

- **Company:** The Ladders
- **Location:** United States (Remote available)
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $142,300.0 - $195,700.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Large Language Models, Information Technology, Machine Learning Operations
- **Published:** August 30, 2026
- **Apply:** https://arc.dev/remote-jobs/j/redirect/pg4d9yayhk

## About the Role

* Master's degree and 4+ years of experience in research, ML engineering, or applied research with a focus on production-ready AI solutions.
 * 2+ years of experience leading AI/ML systems development.
 * Ph.D. preferred in Computer Science, Data Science, Machine Learning, or a related field.
 * Experience shipping autonomous or semi-autonomous agents in production or simulation.
 * Familiarity with LLM-based agents employing hierarchical task decomposition.

## Description

This role will lead the design of advanced AI and ML systems that help autonomous agents plan, adapt, and achieve goals in production settings. The ideal candidate will work closely with research, engineering, and product partners to build safe, reliable, and human-aligned agentic solutions. This position blends applied machine learning, hierarchical planning, and evaluation rigor to support real-world healthcare applications., * Architect goal-setting and decomposition mechanisms for autonomous agents.

 * Design and implement dynamic planning systems such as hierarchical planning and curriculum learning.
 * Collaborate on designs for memory, tool use, and feedback loops for self-directed agents.
 * Develop evaluation frameworks to ensure alignment with human intent and long-term objectives.
 * Prototype agents that interact with APIs and real-world systems for goal achievement.
 * Explore strategies to detect and mitigate goal misalignment and undesirable strategies.
 * Integrate goal alignment with safety and operational reliability across teams.


## Related Videos

- [Introduction to Azure Machine Learning](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/368-introduction-to-azure-machine-learning)
- [Creating Industry ready solutions with LLM Models](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/899-creating-industry-ready-solutions-with-llm-models)
- [Enabling intelligent logistics automation: home-grown Industrial IoT platform at Austrian Post](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/2018-enabling-intelligent-logistics-automation-home-grown-industrial-iot-platform-at-austrian-post)
- [On a Secret Mission: Developing AI Agents](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1510-on-a-secret-mission-developing-ai-agents)
- [How Machine Learning is turning the Automotive Industry upside down](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/61-how-machine-learning-is-turning-the-automotive-industry-upside-down)
- [It's not easy being green](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/558-it-s-not-easy-being-green)

## Related Articles

- [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer)
- [What Are Large Language Models?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/304-what-are-large-language-models)
- [From Prototype to Production: Build AI Agents with This Free 4-Course Learning Path](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/655-from-prototype-to-production-build-ai-agents-with-this-free-4-course-learning-path)
- [Graph and AI Trends 2026: Why Is AI Running but Not Yet Delivering?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/680-graph-and-ai-trends-2026-why-is-ai-running-but-not-yet-delivering)
- [MLOps And AI Driven Development](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/82-mlops-and-ai-driven-development)
- [Got AI ideas but no money? Here are 10 free ways to level up your AI skills with Google Cloud](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/600-got-ai-ideas-but-no-money-here-are-10-free-ways-to-level-up-your-ai-skills-with-google-cloud)