Head of Data Creation Labs
HumanSignal
The future of AI — whether in training or evaluation, classical ML or agentic workflows — starts with high-quality data.
At HumanSignal, we’re building the platform that powers the creation, curation, and evaluation of that data. From fine-tuning foundation models to validating agent behaviors in production, our tools are used by leading AI teams to ensure models are grounded in real-world signal, not noise.
Our open-source product, Label Studio, has become the de facto standard for labeling and evaluating data across modalities — from text and images to time series and agents-in-environments. With over 250,000 users and hundreds of millions of labeled samples, it’s the most widely adopted OSS solution for teams working on building AI systems.
Label Studio Enterprise builds on that traction with the security, collaboration, and scalability features needed to support mission-critical AI pipelines — powering everything from model training datasets to eval test sets to continuous feedback loops.We started before foundation models were mainstream, and we’re doubling down now that AI is eating the world. If you're excited to help leading AI teams build smarter, more accurate systems — we’d love to talk.
Data Laboratory Operations Lead
HumanSignal is pioneering a revolutionary approach to AI training data through our Data Creation Laboratories—and we're looking for a Data Laboratory Operations Lead to run the show on the ground. This isn't about labeling existing data. We manufacture purpose-built datasets from scratch in controlled environments, replicating real-world scenarios to create the human-generated data that will unlock the next generation of AI capabilities.
As the operational engine behind one of our laboratories, you'll orchestrate everything required to turn ambitious data creation plans into reality. You'll manage the workforce, coordinate complex data collection scenarios, handle the logistics that keep operations running smoothly, and ensure we deliver world-class datasets to frontier AI labs and Fortune 500 enterprises. This is a rare opportunity to build something from the ground up—combining hands-on operational leadership with strategic thinking about how we scale data manufacturing.
If you're energized by the idea of running a high-performance operation where your work directly impacts breakthrough AI applications, this role is for you.
You Will:
- Own end-to-end laboratory operations: Manage daily workforce scheduling, resource allocation, and operational logistics to ensure seamless data collection and production
- Lead and develop your team: Recruit, train, coach, and manage data collectors and operators who execute complex data creation scenarios on-site
- Orchestrate data collection projects: Translate customer requirements into operational plans, coordinating multi-phase data collection efforts that may involve specific environments, equipment, or scenarios
- Drive operational excellence: Build processes and systems that make data creation faster, more consistent, and higher quality as we scale
- Manage the administrative backbone: Handle workforce management, timekeeping, compliance documentation, supply procurement, facility coordination, and operational reporting
- Partner cross-functionally: Work closely with delivery leads, quality control teams, project managers, and customers to ensure alignment between what's promised and what's delivered
- Solve problems in real-time: Troubleshoot operational challenges on the fly—whether that's staffing gaps, equipment issues, or unexpected project changes
- Scale smart: Identify opportunities to optimize operations, improve efficiency, and prepare the laboratory for growth
Ideally You'd Have:
- 3-5 years of experience in operations management, workforce management, production operations, or logistics coordination
- Proven track record managing teams of 10+ people in fast-paced, dynamic environments
- Strong organizational skills with ability to juggle multiple projects, priorities, and stakeholders simultaneously
- Hands-on leadership style—you're comfortable being on-site, rolling up your sleeves, and working alongside your team
- Experience with workforce scheduling, resource planning, and operational logistics
- Proficiency with operational tools and systems (scheduling software, project management tools, Google Workspace/Microsoft Office)
- Excellent communication skills and comfort interfacing with both your team and external stakeholders including customers
- Problem-solving mindset with ability to adapt quickly when plans change
- Attention to detail and commitment to quality—you understand that small operational issues can cascade into big delivery problems
Nice to Haves:
- Background in production environments, studios, testing facilities, or other operations-heavy settings where you've coordinated complex workflows
- Experience with data collection, research operations, or working in AI/ML environments
- Prior experience scaling operations from small to large teams
- Technical aptitude or understanding of how data collection feeds into AI model training
- Startup or high-growth company experience where you've built processes from scratch
What Makes This Role Exciting:
You're not managing a traditional operation—you're running a data manufacturing laboratory that's creating the raw material for the future of AI. Every dataset you help produce could power autonomous systems, advanced reasoning models, or applications we haven't even imagined yet. You'll see the direct connection between your operational excellence and breakthrough AI capabilities. Plus, you'll have the autonomy to build and scale operations your way, with the backing of a company that's redefining what's possible in AI infrastructure.
Work Environment:
This role is hybrid/on-site as needed, with significant time in our data laboratory coordinating operations, managing your team, and ensuring smooth execution. Flexibility for remote work when operational demands allow, but this role requires hands-on presence to be successful.
About HumanSignal
At HumanSignal, we're building the infrastructure for the next generation of AI. Our Label Studio platform powers data operations for leading organizations worldwide, while our Data Creation Laboratories manufacture the purpose-built datasets that breakthrough AI applications require.
We believe the next frontiers in AI won't be unlocked by scraping what's left on the web—they'll be built on human-created data that captures the complexity of how systems need to see, hear, reason, and react. Through controlled environments and operational excellence, we're enabling researchers and enterprises to innovate without being constrained by data availability.
We work with frontier AI labs, Fortune 500 enterprises, and government agencies who are pushing the boundaries of what's possible with AI. Join us in building the data that will build the future.
We are proud to be an inclusive and equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability status, gender identity, or Veteran status.
At HumanSignal we pay based on regional compensation market rate ranges across the globe. We are hiring for this role across North and South America as well as Europe. The base cash compensation range is $100,000 to $160,000 USD. These ranges are provided by market data and are in good faith. The final offer details are determined by several factors including candidate experience, expertise, as well as applicable industry knowledge and may vary from the pay ranges listed above.