Principal Machine Learning Engineer, Ads Quality

Instacart·Remote(United States)
AI & Machine Learning

WFA Digital Insight

The demand for machine learning specialists in the digital advertising space has skyrocketed, with a 25% increase in job postings in the last year alone. As the grocery industry continues to evolve, Instacart is at the forefront, leveraging AI and ML to deliver innovative solutions. With a strong focus on remote work, Instacart offers a unique opportunity for engineers to work flexibly and collaborate with a talented team. Before applying, candidates should be aware of the company's emphasis on principled engineering culture and its commitment to fostering a community-driven approach to problem-solving. With the industry's growth expected to continue, this role presents an exciting chance to be part of a team that's shaping the future of grocery delivery.

Job Description

About the Role

As a Principal Machine Learning Engineer on the Ads Quality team at Instacart, you will play a crucial role in developing and designing innovative AI-powered systems that address a wide range of ads quality challenges. This involves collaborating with cross-functional teams, including engineering, product, and design, to deliver solutions that balance the needs of users, advertisers, and retailers. Your work will have a direct impact on the company's growth and revenue, making this a high-visibility role that requires strong technical leadership and communication skills.

The Ads Engineering team is responsible for building end-to-end, full-stack systems that power Instacart's industry-leading ads innovations in digital ads' top-growing channel, Retail Media. As a fast-growing and critical piece of Instacart's overall business, the team strives to meet and support advertiser partners' needs while challenging the status quo to push forward next-generation technologies.

You will work closely with the engineering leadership team to define and own the Ads Quality technical strategy and roadmap, balancing short-term needs with long-term sustainability. This involves demonstrating the ability to architect and design complex AI/quality components, considering scalability and performance.

What You Will Do

  • Develop and design innovative AI-powered systems addressing ads quality challenges, such as optimizing ads pacing/bidding, retrieval, and auction processes
  • Identify and build gen AI solutions to revolutionize all aspects of the quality stack
  • Build advanced generative AI and recommendation frameworks to revolutionize advertiser experience and campaign efficacy
  • Construct systems and frameworks to provide intelligent recommendations and assistance to advertisers
  • Collaborate with data scientists to establish metrics and methodologies for tracking, optimization, and goaling purposes
  • Define and own the Ads Quality technical strategy and roadmap, balancing short-term needs with long-term sustainability
  • Demonstrate the ability to architect and design complex AI/quality components, considering scalability and performance
  • Mentor and grow engineers, contributing to shaping the engineering culture not only for Ads but for all of Instacart
  • Partner with engineering and product leadership to prioritize and support all product needs
  • Develop company-defining collaborations with other engineering pillars across Instacart

What We Are Looking For

  • 8+ years of experience in machine learning, with a focus on AI-powered systems and ads quality
  • Strong technical leadership and communication skills, with experience in mentoring and growing engineers
  • Experience in designing and developing complex AI/quality components, considering scalability and performance
  • Strong understanding of ads quality challenges and the ability to develop innovative solutions
  • Experience in collaborating with cross-functional teams, including engineering, product, and design
  • Strong programming skills in languages such as Python, Java, or C++
  • Experience with machine learning frameworks and tools, such as TensorFlow or PyTorch
  • Strong understanding of data structures and algorithms

Nice to Have

  • Experience in working with large datasets and distributed computing systems
  • Knowledge of cloud-based technologies, such as AWS or Google Cloud
  • Experience in working with agile development methodologies and version control systems
  • Strong understanding of software engineering principles and patterns

Benefits and Perks

  • Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options
  • Competitive salary and equity package
  • Comprehensive health insurance and benefits package
  • Paid time off and holidays
  • Access to cutting-edge technologies and tools
  • Opportunities for professional growth and development
  • Collaborative and dynamic work environment
  • Recognition and reward programs for outstanding performance

How to Stand Out

  • Develop a strong understanding of ads quality challenges and the ability to develop innovative solutions using machine learning and AI.
  • Highlight your technical leadership skills, including experience in mentoring and growing engineers, and strong communication skills.
  • Showcase your ability to work with large datasets and distributed computing systems, as well as your knowledge of cloud-based technologies.
  • Be prepared to discuss your experience with machine learning frameworks and tools, such as TensorFlow or PyTorch, and your understanding of data structures and algorithms.
  • Research the company culture and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to shaping the engineering culture at Instacart.
  • Emphasize your ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, including engineering, product, and design, and your experience in working with agile development methodologies.
  • Be prepared to provide examples of your experience in designing and developing complex AI/quality components, considering scalability and performance.

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