In the fast-paced and ever-evolving realm of AI and machine learning, few leaders shine as brightly as our Machine Learning and AI Experience Team Lead, Faezeh Tafazzoli.
We sat down with Faezeh to give you a behind-the-scenes look and learn about her inspiring career journey and her team.
Generative AI and its Applications at Mercedes-Benz
Q: What would you say is the biggest challenge your team has faced so far?
Staying ahead of the curve of AI is a thrilling job for many. We want to be at the forefront of advanced technology adoption while ensuring our solutions are reliable, secure, and ethically sound which requires constant attention, learning and adaptability.
One specific challenge has been managing the diverse aspects of AI-driven projects, from data privacy and infrastructure reliability to user experience and personalization. Ensuring that our AI systems enhance user experience without compromising privacy or operational efficiency is a complex balancing act. Additionally, standardizing machine learning practices across a multidisciplinary team and creating reusable assets to improve productivity and quality has been demanding but crucial.
Q: What do you see as the future of AI at Mercedes-Benz?
The future is incredibly exciting. We’re already working towards releasing the next Beta features and how we can continue to enhance their capabilities. Beyond that, we are also working on enabling multi-modal large language models in the vehicle. This advancement will enable more generative AI use cases, bringing richer, more intuitive interactions to our users. The potential is limitless, and I’m thrilled to be a part of the team that’s at the forefront of this revolution.
Q: Arguably, no other technology has attracted so much attention quite like AI in the past decade. I mean, even my grandma knows what it is, and that’s a big deal. How do you see the future of AI/ML evolving, and what excites you most about it?
What excites me most is AI’s potential to address complex global challenges such as climate change, resource management, and sustainable development. The convergence of AI with other emerging technologies, such as quantum computing and neuroscience, will further amplify its impact, driving progress and innovation at an unprecedented pace. It’s an exciting time to be part of this field, and I look forward to the transformative advancements ahead.
Journey to Leadership
Over an impressive seven-year tenure at MBRDNA, Faezeh has made remarkable contributions to MBRDNA and to the field of AI. “It is an incredibly dynamic and rewarding role,” Faezeh said. “Leading this excellent team lets me drive innovation, stay inspired by the fast past of AI, and help mentor the next generation of AI professionals.”
Q: Can you tell us a bit about your journey to becoming a machine learning team lead? What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
It has been a wonderful journey, and I’m grateful for all the opportunities and experiences I’ve had here.
From the start, I was drawn to the challenge of studying human intelligence – how we think, learn, and solve problems. This fascination led me to pursue a PhD in Computer Science with a focus on AI and machine learning. During my graduate studies, I dove into everything from gait and face biometrics for surveillance and medical applications to recognizing vehicle makes and models for road traffic monitoring and self-driving systems.
In 2017, I joined MBRDNA as a Machine Learning Engineer in Autonomous Driving. The projects I worked on in sensor fusion and perception were thrilling – each one a step closer to making autonomous vehicles a reality. By 2021, I had transitioned to Connected Vehicles, where I took over the Machine Learning team. Here, we use AI to transform the in-vehicle user experience, making it more intuitive and seamless.
What drives me in AI and ML is the blend of curiosity and practicality. I’m fascinated by how our brains work, how we learn and adapt, and how machine learning mirrors these processes to push the boundaries of what’s possible. AI isn’t just about building complex models; it’s about capturing the essence of human thought and applying it to solve real-world problems in ways that were once unimaginable.
Q: What is it like to lead such an innovative team?
It’s an incredibly dynamic and rewarding role. Leading a team of top-notch ML Engineers and Data Scientists, we work together on projects that push the boundaries of AI-driven in-vehicle experiences. Our strength comes from a collaborative environment that lets us experiment with cutting-edge AI techniques to drive innovation, enhance personalization, and boost user engagement.
The challenges are big, but the way our team works together turns them into opportunities to make real, impactful changes. It’s exciting to see how our efforts are shaping the future of AI in the automotive industry.
MBRDNA’s collaborative culture also has allowed my team to bring diverse perspectives and expertise to the table, leverage each other’s strengths and drive innovative solutions in Data and AI.
Q: What advice would you give to fellow female engineers aspiring to pursue a career in machine learning or a similar field? And what advice would you give to your younger self?
To my fellow female engineers: “If you are analytical and have a curious bent of mind, then you will surely enjoy working in AI. Machine learning and AI are evolving fields at an ever-increasing pace. Stay curious and committed to continuous learning. Focus on developing a solid understanding of the fundamentals i.e. math and statistics. A solid foundation will pave the way to understanding and tackling complex problems more effectively. Be confident in your abilities and advocate for your ideas and career aspirations. Don’t be afraid to speak up, seek out challenging assignments, and negotiate for what you deserve.”
To my younger self, I would say take the time to celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem. Acknowledge your progress and be proud of your accomplishments.
Q: One last question, are you hiring currently? How can candidates apply to your team?
Always!
We are seeking talented individuals who are passionate about AI and eager to contribute to our innovative projects. Candidates can apply by visiting our internal job postings or LinkedIn, where we have detailed job listings and application instructions. Or check our website for job openings: https://jobs.lever.co/MBRDNA We are currently looking for a Staff Machine Learning Engineer, based in Sunnyvale, CA. As we wrap up our conversation with Faezeh, it’s evident that the success of her team is a testament to her leadership and the incredible team behind her. We can’t wait to see what they come up with next!