Senior Machine Learning Engineer, Search & Recommendations

Minimum Qualifications

• 4+ years applying ML at scale with a Master’s degree, or 2+ years for PhD, with a proven track record improving ranking or recommendation systems in production.
• Demonstrated success in applying multi-objective or constrained optimization to balance relevance, revenue, margin, and user experience; experience with online testing and attribution beyond CTR.
• Strong coding (Python) and data fluency (SQL/Pandas), with expertise in classic ML techniques (e.g., XGBoost) and deep learning frameworks (TensorFlow/PyTorch).
• Excellent analytical skills and strong cross-functional communication abilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Expertise in multi-task learning architectures (e.g., MMOE/PLE, shared encoders), calibration, counterfactual evaluation, uplift/causal modeling, and/or contextual bandits for exploration.
• Experience building low-latency ranking services, including feature stores, caching, vector + lexical retrieval, re-ranking, and A/B testing infrastructure, with expertise in constraint-aware inference.
• Hands-on experience with LLMs as feature/recall enhancers (e.g., embeddings, adapter tuning) while maintaining clarity on when the ranker should arbitrate.

Instacart provides highly market-competitive compensation and benefits in each location where our employees work. This role is remote and the base pay range for a successful candidate is dependent on their permanent work location. Please review our Flex First remote work policy here. Currently, we are only hiring in the following provinces: Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia.

Offers may vary based on many factors, such as candidate experience and skills required for the role. Additionally, this role is eligible for a new hire equity grant as well as annual refresh grants. Please read more about our benefits offerings here.…