I'm an ML specialist with deep expertise in AI systems, including large language models, reinforcement learning, and applied ML at scale. With over a decade of international experience at globally recognized tech-driven organizations, I bring a rare combination of academic rigor, product sense, leadership, and hands-on engineering skills. I've built and led ML teams, delivered production-grade LLM and RAG applications, and developed sophisticated systems. I thrive at the intersection of research and engineering, with a pragmatic, impact-driven approach and a can-do attitude.

Ivan Rivera

I'm an ML specialist with deep expertise in AI systems, including large language models, reinforcement learning, and applied ML at scale. With over a decade of international experience at globally recognized tech-driven organizations, I bring a rare combination of academic rigor, product sense, leadership, and hands-on engineering skills. I've built and led ML teams, delivered production-grade LLM and RAG applications, and developed sophisticated systems. I thrive at the intersection of research and engineering, with a pragmatic, impact-driven approach and a can-do attitude.

Available to hire

I’m an ML specialist with deep expertise in AI systems, including large language models, reinforcement learning, and applied ML at scale. With over a decade of international experience at globally recognized tech-driven organizations, I bring a rare combination of academic rigor, product sense, leadership, and hands-on engineering skills.
I’ve built and led ML teams, delivered production-grade LLM and RAG applications, and developed sophisticated systems. I thrive at the intersection of research and engineering, with a pragmatic, impact-driven approach and a can-do attitude.

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Experience Level

Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert
Expert

Language

Javanese
Advanced
Afar
Advanced
Bashkir
Advanced

Work Experience

Lead AI Engineer at Bid One World's leading e-commerce platform for food services
September 1, 2024 - December 1, 2025
Built a new ML team, developed a roadmap and recruited members; drove adoption of LLMs; implemented a RAG-based LLM voice AI assistant to support sales staff; delivered several production-grade ML services.
Machine Learning Engineer at Spotify
November 1, 2020 - January 31, 2022
Built and maintained ML messaging multi-armed bandit services; conducted A/B testing; contributed to product development; participated in interviews and mentored junior team members.
Machine Learning Engineer at Spotify
February 1, 2023 - September 30, 2024
Led ranking algorithm developments; built a RAG-based LLM for internal data Q&A; designed and implemented a fraud detection service; supported subscriptions-related initiatives.
Senior Data Scientist at Zalando
June 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019
Applied Scientist focused on ML in fashion e-commerce; contributed to A/B testing, microservices integration, and product development.
Applied Scientist at Zalando
June 1, 2019 - July 31, 2020
Developed transformer-based outfit generation and supporting data pipelines; conducted experimentation to improve recommendations and user experience.
Senior Data Scientist at Spark Ventures
December 1, 2016 - May 31, 2018
Led ML initiatives, built NLP/messaging services, and drove data strategy for portfolio projects; mentored junior members.
Data Scientist at Spark Ventures
May 1, 2015 - December 31, 2016
Worked on geospatial data and location analytics; developed SaaS solutions for analytics and decision support.
Senior Data Scientist at Spark Ventures
January 1, 2013 - December 31, 2014
Early senior data scientist role focusing on bidding algorithms, A/B testing, and product development.
Credit Risk Modeller at Bank of New Zealand
January 1, 2014 - December 31, 2015
Developed and validated credit risk models; performed data analysis to inform risk strategies.

Education

MSc in Statistics, 1st Class at University of Auckland
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2016
BSc (Honours) in Statistics at University of Auckland
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2014
BCom in Marketing at University of Auckland
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2012
Secondary Education NCEA Level 1-3 at Glendowie College
January 11, 2030 - January 1, 2007

Qualifications

Tableau Fundamentals & Advanced
January 11, 2030 - March 26, 2026
Hadoop Developer Training
January 11, 2030 - March 26, 2026
Agile Fundamentals
January 11, 2030 - March 26, 2026
Snowflake Fundamentals
January 11, 2030 - March 26, 2026
Various courses covering LLM, ML, Infra, Web, iOS & Android Development
January 11, 2030 - March 26, 2026

Industry Experience

Software & Internet, Financial Services, Media & Entertainment, Travel & Hospitality, Professional Services