Strategic Projects Lead

HandshakeIndiaHAI Delivery Ops

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Opens the official Handshake careers page

Salary

Not listed

Job type

Full-time

Posted

1 Jun 2026

Status

Open · checked 7d ago

About this role

Role Overview

The Strategic Projects Lead at Handshake in India is a full-time position focused on directing large-scale human data programs that drive frontier AI model evaluation and training. This role is well-suited for experienced professionals with a technical background who want to shape the future of artificial intelligence in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Manage the complete lifecycle of multi-week and multi-month AI data programs to deliver substantial ARR-equivalent impact.

Coordinate hundreds or thousands of expert Fellows to achieve strict delivery deadlines while preserving quality and cost goals.

Create and modify staffing frameworks, incentives, and operational workflows to boost throughput, margins, and reliability.

Collaborate closely with frontier AI labs and senior stakeholders to define scope, solve challenges, and expand program executions.

Requirements

Six or more years of professional background in technical or analytical positions like software engineering, analytics, data, or technical product.

Possess a technical degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, or a related discipline, alongside practical coding exposure in Python or SQL.

Demonstrate strong analytical capabilities and first-principles problem-solving for operational scaling.

Exhibit exceptional communication and stakeholder management abilities when working with senior clients.

Maintain high ownership and absolute accountability for end-to-end results.

Show curiosity and the capacity to rapidly grasp technical artificial intelligence concepts and market trends.

Nice to Have

Previous experience running large, distributed workforces or marketplaces.

Familiarity with AI data, model evaluation, or technical services delivery.

Background in product operations, management consulting, investment banking, or private equity.

Skills and Tools

Python

SQL

Data analysis

Stakeholder management

Program execution

Operational scaling

Salary and Benefits

Generous equity grant that vests over a period of four years.

Housing bonus totaling 1.3 Lakhs distributed throughout the first year.

Defined performance bonus with a potential range between 10% and 100% of the base.

Comprehensive medical insurance coverage.

Food credit provided for every in-person working day.

About the Company

Handshake was established with the mission to ensure everyone has access to a great career path, regardless of background or connections. The organization currently powers millions of job seekers, employers, and educational institutions globally. In 2025, Handshake launched Handshake AI to work directly with frontier artificial intelligence lab researchers on evaluations, benchmarks, and data development. The India team is a strategic investment that has expanded significantly to accelerate frontier model development.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should visit the official Handshake careers page to submit their application for the Strategic Projects Lead position.

Skills and tech stack

Python SQL

Questions candidates ask

What is the primary focus of the Strategic Projects Lead role?

The Strategic Projects Lead owns the execution of large-scale human data programs that directly power frontier AI model training and evaluation.

Where is the Strategic Projects Lead position located?

The position is based in India as part of the Handshake AI delivery operations team.

What level of experience is required for this role?

Candidates must have six or more years of experience in technical or analytical roles such as software engineering, data, analytics, or technical product.

What technical skills are needed for the job?

Applicants need a technical degree in fields like Computer Science, Engineering, or Data Science, alongside practical coding experience in Python, SQL, or similar languages.

What benefits and perks are included with employment?

Perks include a generous four-year equity grant, a 1.3 Lakhs housing bonus in the first year, a performance bonus ranging from 10% to 100% of base, medical insurance, and food credits for in-person days.

Ready to apply?

The application is on the official Handshake careers page.

Apply on company site