Manager, Senior Technical Recruiter - AI / ML & Data Science (IC)

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.

McLean, VA: $151,900 - $173,400 for Recruiting Manager

Richmond, VA: $138,100 - $157,700 for Recruiting Manager