At Aelpha, we are on a mission to reinvent the global talent economy.We believe that one of the most significant and pressing problems is the misallocation of human talent - especially in the age of AI.Our vision is to unlock and ignite human potential matching individuals with opportunities aligned to their purpose and strengths to drive the greatest impact.We are looking for an exceptional Lead AI/ML Engineer to drive our MVP phase.

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Overview:At Aelpha, we are a Melbourne based startup offering a $20,000 fixed-price contract for the delivery of an AI Talent Engine / Hiring Platform MVP. This is a milestone-based engagement over 8 months, requiring an independent contractor with an active ABN. We estimate the work will require approximately 12–15 hours per week of your time with full control over when you work (to help accommodate your studies) and how you deliver the code to meet the contracted delivery date of 30th of December 2026.Key Responsibilities:• Applied NLP & Feature Valuation: Implement and optimise pre-trained, open-source embedding models to process and analyse diverse, unstructured data points. Extract key professional and behavioural attributes and design the systematic logic to dynamically score and value these features as quantitative inputs to the core Talent Engine algorithm.• Core Translation & Data Mapping: Architect the foundational data matrix that systematically translates extracted unstructured variables into standardised, quantifiable system metrics, serving as the core relational bridge for the Talent Engine algorithm.• Algorithmic Engineering: Design non-linear scoring algorithms and logic gates that account for complex human trait interdependencies, moving beyond standard cumulative scoring methods.• Clustering & Archetyping: Implement unsupervised machine learning techniques to identify, group, and map distinct behavioural profiles within a broad dataset.• API & External Integrations:
Architect and deploy lightweight, production-ready APIs to seamlessly connect the core machine learning backend to the user-facing web portals (working collaboratively with the front-end developer), and build secure data pipelines to ingest variables from external third-party platforms.
Iterative Validation & ML: Design and execute structured Alpha and Beta testing phases to calibrate the algorithm against established industry baselines and prove high predictive accuracy.• R&D Documentation: Maintain a detailed technical logbook tracking hypotheses, experimental pivots, and the resolution of technical uncertaintiesWhy This Role Is For You:• Direct Impact: You aren't debugging legacy code or acting as a small cog in a corporate machine. You are architecting and developing the core logic of a talent engine/hiring platform entirely from the ground up. This is a rare opportunity to own the complete technical lifecycle of a commercial AI MVP build.• True Startup Velocity: Experience the agility and innovation of an early-stage tech startup. Your algorithms won't sit in an academic folder; they will be the beating heart of a platform to solve one of the most pressing problems in society.• Massive Portfolio Power: You will walk away with a verifiable, complex AI/ML algorithmic build under your belt. This proves to future employers that you can successfully translate theoretical machine learning concepts into a functional, revenue-generating software product.• Commercial R&D Experience: Learn the high-value skill of hypothesis generation, experiment design. and documentation of pivots and results to build highly-sought after commercial R&D experience.• Top-Tier Mentorship: Gain direct exposure to commercial product, customer, and digital strategy by working closely with a founder experienced in global, top-tier strategy consulting. You will learn how to bridge the gap between strategy and technology to deliver business value.How to Apply:If you are excited about this role and passionate about joining the team, please share the below information to [email protected] (applications close 1st of May 2026 @ 11:59pm)• A copy of your latest CV• A link to either a) your GitHub, b) a portfolio of projects you’ve built, or c) a summary of a complex technical problem you’ve solved from scratch.• In 3–5 sentences, tell us how you would technically approach the challenge of uncovering human potential using data. What data points would you consider other than University GPA and why?• A brief note on your current commitments (e.g., final year of university) and your preferred tech stack/coding language for building an AI Talent Engine/Hiring Platform MVPAs this role involves building proprietary, early-stage IP, the successful candidate (and all shortlisted interviewees) will be required to sign a standard Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) before specific project details or data structures are shared.Please note:This position requires you to apply as an Independent Contractor.Applicants must consider all legislative obligations and responsibilities when engaging as a contractor such as using an ABN, taxation, superannuation, workers compensation and other insurances.More information can be found at:Fair Work
Australian Taxation Office
Business.gov.au
For information about employee rights and minimum wages, see the Fair Work Ombudsman website at www.fairwork.gov.au.