Machine Learning Tech Lead - Post-Training for AI Characters
Review the role details and submit your application.
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Overview
About the Role
At Starley, we’re creating Cotomo-a voice-based AI platform where users can form emotional bonds with anime and manga-inspired characters, including those voiced by real Japanese seiyuu in official collaborations.
Cotomo is already one of Japan’s largest platforms of its kind, with over 1 million downloads. As we prepare to expand globally, we’re looking for a Team Lead in Machine Learning to help shape the core intelligence behind our characters.
Responsibilities
- Lead post-training and alignment efforts for Cotomo’s LLM and voice models.
- Design systems that ensure personality, memory, and emotional depth.
- Collaborate across teams to turn research into production-ready features.
- Stay current with LLM/ASR/TTS research and apply advances meaningfully.
- Fluency in Japanese for daily communication
- Key Qualifications
- Hands-on experience with LLM post-training (SFT, LoRA, DPO, etc.).
- Strong coding skills in Python and ML frameworks like PyTorch.
- Experience leading or mentoring in ML teams.
- Product-focused mindset-ship fast, learn fast.
Preferred Skills
- Deep interest in anime, manga, or games.
- Open-source or published work in ML/LLM/Voice.
- Background in persona modeling or interactive agents.
- Experience in fast-moving startups or R&D teams.
- Work Environment
- Based in our Akasaka, Tokyo office
- Primarily in-office with some remote flexibility
- Visa sponsorship
- Compensation & Benefits
- From ¥9,000,000 JPY/year, depending on experience
- Performance-based stock options
About Starley
At Starley, we’re creating Cotomo-a voice-based AI platform where users can form emotional bonds with anime and manga-inspired characters, including those voiced by real Japanese seiyuu in official collaborations.
Cotomo is already one of Japan’s largest platforms of its kind, with over 1 million downloads. As we prepare to expand globally, we’re looking for a Team Lead in Machine Learning to help shape the core intelligence behind our characters.
You’ll guide a small ML team and work across voice, character, and product to ensure Cotomo’s AI is expressive, consistent, and emotionally resonant.
If you love anime, manga, or games-and want to bring that passion into your work-this is your chance.
Quick Facts
Submit your application for this role at Starley.