Associate Director, Core Algorithms (Sensor Intelligence Group)

At WHOOP, we’re on a mission to unlock human performance and healthspan. WHOOP empowers members to perform at a higher level and live longer through a deeper understanding of their bodies and daily lives.

We are seeking an Associate Director of Engineering, Core Algorithms to define and lead WHOOP’s strategy for transforming physiological sensor data into real-time, production-grade intelligence. This role owns the technical vision and execution for core algorithm systems that power member-facing experiences across generations of WHOOP devices.

You will operate at the intersection of machine learning, signal processing, and embedded systems, defining multi-year technical direction, scaling high-performing teams, and shaping how WHOOP delivers differentiated edge intelligence at scale. You will lead teams driving innovation in on-device intelligence, translating complex physiological data into scalable, high-quality insights while navigating tradeoffs across accuracy, latency, and efficiency. Your leadership will directly influence how WHOOP delivers meaningful, member-centric experiences across product generations.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead and scale high-performing teams of machine learning and signal processing engineers, including senior ICs and tech leads

• Define and drive the roadmap for core algorithm systems and on-device intelligence

• Guide key architectural and technical tradeoffs across accuracy, latency, power, and system constraints

• Deliver end-to-end sensor-driven features from research through production deployment

• Drive cross-functional execution across Firmware, WHOOP Labs, and Product; align stakeholders and manage complex dependencies
  Establish best practices for algorithm development, validation, integration, and lifecycle management

• Balance long-term innovation with near-term product delivery

• Develop technical leaders and foster a culture of execution excellence

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Proven experience leading engineering teams in machine learning, signal processing, or embedded systems, including managing senior ICs or tech leads

• Strong track record of delivering sensor-driven algorithms or systems into production environments

• Experience working across hardware, firmware, and data science boundaries, with a systems-level mindset

• Demonstrated ability to define and communicate technical strategy and guide teams through ambiguity

• Experience driving cross-functional programs, aligning stakeholders, and influencing without direct authority

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts to diverse audiences

• Passion for building teams, developing talent, and scaling engineering organizations

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with physiological sensing (e.g., PPG, IMU, ECG) or wearable technologies

• Experience optimizing models for edge deployment (e.g., quantization, latency, power constraints)

• Background in health, fitness, or consumer hardware products

• Experience balancing long-term innovation vs. near-term product delivery

Learn more about our Software Org and how to be successful in your engineering career at WHOOP via our Career Framework.

This role is based in the WHOOP office located in Boston, MA. The successful candidate must be prepared to relocate if necessary to work out of the Boston, MA office.

Interested in the role, but don’t meet every qualification? We encourage you to still apply! At WHOOP, we believe there is much more to a candidate than what is written on paper, and we value character as much as experience. As we continue to build a diverse and inclusive environment, we encourage anyone who is interested in this role to apply.

WHOOP is an Equal Opportunity Employer and participates in E-verify to determine employment eligibility.  It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.

The WHOOP compensation philosophy is designed to attract, motivate, and retain exceptional talent by offering competitive base salaries, meaningful equity, and consistent pay practices that reflect our mission and core values.

At WHOOP, we view total compensation as the combination of base salary, equity, and benefits, with equity serving as a key differentiator that aligns our employees with the long-term success of the company and allows every member of our corporate team to own part of WHOOP and share in the company’s long-term growth and success.

The U.S. base salary range for this full-time position is $200,000 - $245,000. Salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within each range, individual pay is based on factors such as job-related skills, experience, performance, and relevant education or training. 

In addition to the base salary, the successful candidate will also receive benefits and a generous equity package.

These ranges may be modified in the future to reflect evolving market conditions and organizational needs. While most offers will typically fall toward the starting point of the range, total compensation will depend on the candidate’s specific qualifications, expertise, and alignment with the role’s requirements.