Manager, Senior Technical Recruiter - AI / ML & Data Science (IC)
At Capital One, data and technology sit at the heart of everything we do. As we scale our cutting-edge AI, Deep Learning, and Applied Research capabilities across the enterprise, attracting top-tier talent in specialized fields like Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning Infrastructure, and Data Science is critical to driving our mission forward.
We are seeking an experienced Manager, Senior Technical Recruiter (Individual Contributor) to join our Enterprise AI Talent Acquisition team. In this high-impact IC role, you will be responsible for sourcing, engaging, and closing niche technical talent across AI Engineering, Applied Research, and Advanced Data Science. You will act as a strategic advisor to senior engineering leaders, navigating hyper-competitive tech markets to secure candidate talent for Capital One.
What You'll Do
Niche Talent Sourcing & Engagement: Drive full-lifecycle technical recruiting for specialized talent pools across AI Engineering, Machine Learning, Applied Research, and Data Science.
Advanced Sourcing Strategies: Leverage unconventional sourcing platforms, research papers, academic channels, and tech communities (e.g., GitHub, Google Scholar, arXiv, NeurIPS, ICML, CVPR) to map and engage passive 10% AI talent.
Business Partnership & Intake: Partner closely with Engineering Directors, VPs, and Research Leads to refine job profiles, establish interview rubrics, and drive efficient, data-driven hiring workflows.
Competitive Offer Closing: Architect and execute compelling closing strategies for elite candidates, navigating complex multi-year equity buyouts, sign-on structures, and competing Big Tech or AI Lab offers.
Market Intelligence & Mapping: Continually map competitor ecosystems (Big Tech, research labs, and AI startups) to identify emerging talent pools and share market insights with internal partners.
The Ideal Candidate is
Domain Literate: Possesses deep fluency in AI/ML terminology, effortlessly distinguishing between AI Engineers, Applied Researchers, Data Scientists, and Machine Learning Infrastructure Engineers.
Data-Driven & Rigorous: Relies on recruiting SLAs, funnel metrics, and candidate conversion data to optimize pipeline velocity and deliver high offer-acceptance rates.
Candidate Champion: Committed to delivering a high-touch, differentiated candidate experience for highly sought-after researchers and engineers.
Network Builder: Possesses an established network within key East Coast and national AI hubs and top PhD programs.
Basic Qualifications
Bachelor's Degree or Military Experience
At least 7 years of full lifecycle technical recruiting experience
At least 2 years of dedicated experience sourcing and recruiting specialized talent in Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Applied Research, or Advanced Data Science.
At least 2 years of experience negotiating complex offer packages (including base, performance bonuses, and equity structures) within high-tech or financial services sectors.
Preferred Qualifications
5+ years of technical recruiting experience in high-growth enterprise, Big Tech, or specialized executive search environments.
Proven track record using advanced sourcing methods (GitHub, arXiv, Google Scholar, conference rosters) to engage non-passive AI practitioners.
Demonstrated history of achieving high offer acceptance rates (60%+) in competitive, low-yield technical talent pools.
Deep familiarity with NYC and East Coast technology and research talent ecosystems.
This role is designated as a hybrid position. You are expected to adhere to Capital One's hybrid policy regarding required on-site presence at your designated office location.
At this time, Capital One will not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization, or offer any immigration related support for this position (e.g. H1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-3, and O-1, or any other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).
The minimum and maximum full-time annual salaries for this role are listed below, by location. Please note that this salary information is solely for candidates hired to perform work within one of these locations, and refers to the amount Capital One is willing to pay at the time of this posting. Salaries for part-time roles will be prorated based upon the agreed upon number of hours to be regularly worked.
McLean, VA: $151,900 - $173,400 for Recruiting Manager
Richmond, VA: $138,100 - $157,700 for Recruiting Manager
Candidates hired to work in other locations will be subject to the pay range associated with that location, and the actual annualized salary amount offered to any candidate at the time of hire will be reflected solely in the candidate's offer letter.
This role is also eligible to earn performance based incentive compensation, which may include cash bonus(es) and/or long term incentives (LTI). Incentives could be discretionary or non discretionary depending on the plan.
Capital One offers a comprehensive, competitive, and inclusive set of health, financial and other benefits that support your total well-being. Learn more at the Capital One Careers website (https://www.capitalonecareers.com/benefits) . Eligibility varies based on full or part-time status, exempt or non-exempt status, and management level.
This role is expected to accept applications for a minimum of 5 business days.
No agencies please. Capital One is an equal opportunity employer (EOE, including disability/vet) committed to non-discrimination in compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. Capital One promotes a drug-free workplace. Capital One will consider for employment qualified applicants with a criminal history in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable laws regarding criminal background inquiries, including, to the extent applicable, Article 23-A of the New York Correction Law; San Francisco, California Police Code Article 49, Sections 4901-4920; New York City's Fair Chance Act; Philadelphia's Fair Criminal Records Screening Act; and other applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations regarding criminal background inquiries.
If you have visited our website in search of information on employment opportunities or to apply for a position, and you require an accommodation, please contact Capital One Recruiting at 1-800-304-9102 or via email at RecruitingAccommodation@capitalone.com . All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.
For technical support or questions about Capital One's recruiting process, please send an email to Careers@capitalone.com
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Capital One Financial is made up of several different entities. Please note that any position posted in Canada is for Capital One Canada, any position posted in the United Kingdom is for Capital One Europe and any position posted in the Philippines is for Capital One Philippines Service Corp. (COPSSC).
