Research Manager | Translation Quality

DeepL is a global AI product and research company focused on building secure, intelligent solutions to complex business problems. Over 200,000 business customers and millions of individuals across 228 global markets trust our Language AI platform for human‑like translation, improved writing and real‑time voice translation.

What Sets Us Apart

Our blend of cutting‑edge AI technology, meaningful work and a culture where people truly thrive drives us. We are a team of innovators, researchers and creators working together to unlock human potential by simplifying, improving and connecting work.

Meet the Team Behind This Journey

You will lead the Translation Quality Research team, shaping and defending our core translation models. Our focus is on measurable quality and real‑world production impact, driving commercial success and B2B strategy with top‑tier baseline translation quality and strategic enterprise initiatives.

Your Responsibilities

• Drive the achievement and rigorous evaluation of DeepL's baseline translation quality to ensure market dominance.
• Shape and prioritise the research agenda, balancing clear product outcomes with bold, longer‑term bets.
• Define and communicate team strategic goals, roadmap and success metrics in collaboration with stakeholders across tech, product, sales enablement and customer success.
• Own the "estimation" aspect of our product pipeline, building models that determine when a translation requires human review.
• Inspire, develop, recruit and motivate a high‑performing team; build strong 1:1 relationships, set development plans and foster a candid, non‑retaliatory feedback culture.
• Act autonomously to make decisions, push for results and define the team's path forward without waiting for product or customers to guide the way.

Qualities We Look For

• You hold a (preferable PhD) degree in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics or a comparable subject, or possess a strong Machine Learning background with a PhD focused on a heavy research topic.
• You have a strong research background—ideally with specific experience in Language Research—enabling you to deeply understand complex tech challenges and participate in technical discussions.
• You have hands‑on experience in the following areas:
  • Software development, ideally in the context of data science, ML engineering, systems engineering, or distributed services.
  • Technical and people leadership.
  • Deep Learning.
• You have a proven track record of successfully leading Research teams, ideally in a global, high‑growth scale‑up, and research‑intensive environment. Newer leaders with a few years of management experience are welcome if you are deeply motivated by people leadership.
• You have a solution‑oriented mindset and can navigate ambiguity and change effectively.
• You have excellent communication skills and can closely collaborate with other teams across the organisation.
• You have a high level of English proficiency (knowledge of German and other languages is an advantage).

What We Offer

• Diverse and internationally distributed team: join a global community of over 90 nationalities across the UK, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, the US and Japan, with continued global expansion.
• Open communication and regular feedback: we value clear, honest communication and lead with empathy and a growth mindset.
• Hybrid work and flexible hours: a hybrid schedule with office visits twice a week and flexible working hours based on locations and time zones.
• Virtual Shares: every employee receives virtual shares that link contribution directly to DeepL’s growth.
• Regular in‑person team events and company‑wide gatherings.
• Monthly full‑day hacking sessions: Hack Fridays allow you to pursue projects you are passionate about and collaborate with other teams.
• 30 days of annual leave plus mental health resources to support your wellbeing.
• Competitive benefits tailored to the diversity of our team and individual locations.

Equal Opportunity Employer

You are welcome at DeepL for who you are. We value authenticity and inclusivity. Our product and workplace are for everyone. The more voices we have represented and amplified, the greater our impact on breaking down language barriers worldwide.