Payroll Specialist

In 2012, Lambda started with a crew of AI engineers publishing research at top machine-learning conferences. We began as an AI company built by AI engineers. That hasn't changed. Today, we're on a mission to be the world's top AI computing platform. We equip engineers with the tools to deploy AI that is fast, secure, affordable, and built to scale. Whether they need powerhouse GPU hardware on-site or the flexibility of cloud-based solutions, we've got the horsepower to make it happen. Lambda’s AI Cloud has been adopted by the world’s leading companies and research institutions including Anyscale, Rakuten, The AI Institute, and multiple enterprises with over a trillion dollars of market capitalization. Our goal is to make computation as effortless and ubiquitous as electricity.

If you'd like to build the world's best deep learning cloud, join us. 

*Note: This position requires presence in our San Francisco office location 4 days per week; Lambda’s designated work from home day is currently Tuesday.

We’re looking for a Payroll Specialist to join our growing team at Lambda. You’ll play a vital role in ensuring the accuracy, compliance, and timely execution of our U.S. and global payroll operations. From managing multi-state payroll to supporting international employees via EORs like Rippling and Remote, you’ll help us create a seamless payroll experience that supports our employees and scales with our business.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, has a sharp eye for detail, and brings both technical payroll knowledge and a service-driven mindset to the table.

What You’ll Do

• Process bi-weekly and semi-monthly payroll for U.S.based employees across multiple locations

• Manage payroll operations with global EOR providers like Rippling and Remote to support international employees

• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local wage, hour, and payroll laws and best practices

• Maintain and update employee payroll records, including tax information, direct deposit, and garnishments

• Process and submit employee equity transactions and ensure proper tax withholding

• Perform benefits reconciliation and ensure accurate deduction processing and enrollments

• Coordinate with HR and Finance teams to support compensation updates, bonuses, and benefit deductions

• Prepare and file payroll-related reports, including tax filings, W-2s, and year-end documentation

• Conduct audits and ensure payroll processes align with SOX compliance and company policy

• Manage time and attendance workflows, ensuring timely, accurate data collection

• Investigate and resolve payroll discrepancies quickly and professionally

• Identify opportunities to streamline and improve payroll processes for efficiency and accuracy

• Stay current on payroll-related laws, tax updates, and compliance requirements

• Assist with new state payroll tax registrations and ensure that Payroll is in compliance with federal, state, and local tax regulations, wage and hour laws and company policies.

• Resolves payroll employee service request cases in JIRA

• Work on payroll projects and duties as needed

You Have

• 3–4 years of experience managing end-to-end payroll, including multi-state and international payroll

• Proven background as a Payroll Specialist, Payroll Administrator, or similar role

• Hands-on experience with salaried, salaried non-exempt, and hourly payroll

• Familiarity with equity processing, tax withholding and W-2 generation

• Strong knowledge of payroll compliance requirements

• Experience processing payroll for 300+ employees

• Excellent attention to detail, data accuracy, and handling of sensitive information

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively in a deadline-driven environment

Nice to Have

• Experience working in a start-up or high-growth environment

• Familiarity with Rippling (or similar platforms like Workday, ADP, Gusto)

• Exposure to global payroll operations and EOR providers

• Prior experience with payroll-related audits and SOX compliance

**Salary Range Information 

Based on market data and other factors, the annual salary range for this position is $105,000-$150,000. However, a salary higher or lower than this range may be appropriate for a candidate whose qualifications differ meaningfully from those listed in the job description.

About Lambda

• Founded in 2012, ~350 employees (2024) and growing fast

• We offer generous cash & equity compensation

• Our investors include Andra Capital, SGW, Andrej Karpathy, ARK Invest, Fincadia Advisors, G Squared, In-Q-Tel (IQT), KHK & Partners, NVIDIA, Pegatron, Supermicro, Wistron, Wiwynn, US Innovative Technology, Gradient Ventures, Mercato Partners, SVB, 1517, Crescent Cove.

• We are experiencing extremely high demand for our systems, with quarter over quarter, year over year profitability

• Our research papers have been accepted into top machine learning and graphics conferences, including NeurIPS, ICCV, SIGGRAPH, and TOG

• Health, dental, and vision coverage for you and your dependents

• Commuter/Work from home stipends for select roles

• 401k Plan with 2% company match (USA employees)

• Flexible Paid Time Off Plan that we all actually use

A Final Note:

You do not need to match all of the listed expectations to apply for this position. We are committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, experiences, and skills.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Lambda is an Equal Opportunity employer. Applicants are considered without regard to race, color, religion, creed, national origin, age, sex, gender, marital status, sexual orientation and identity, genetic information, veteran status, citizenship, or any other factors prohibited by local, state, or federal law.