Senior Applied Machine Learning Scientist

W.W. Grainger - Chicago, IL

Full-time - Mid Level

Remote - Chicago, IL

Merchant Wholesalers, Durable Goods

About the position

Grainger's Product Discovery team is seeking a Senior Applied Machine Learning (ML) Scientist to spearhead the development of innovative machine learning solutions focused on Product Matching. This role is pivotal in enhancing the customer experience by enabling them to discover products that meet their needs at competitive market prices. As part of a team dedicated to Grainger's mission, "We Keep the World Working," you will be responsible for designing, building, deploying, and maintaining advanced machine learning models that are scalable, efficient, and impactful. In this position, you will utilize a diverse range of technologies, including Natural Language Processing (NLP), Large Language Models (LLMs), and computer vision, to improve Grainger's product discovery capabilities. Collaboration is key, as you will work closely with other ML scientists, engineers, and product managers to integrate your models into Grainger's platforms. Staying updated with the latest advancements in machine learning and related technologies is essential, as you will apply cutting-edge research and methodologies to your work. Your role will also involve working backward from customer use cases to implement ML models that effectively address these needs at scale. You will be expected to articulate complex concepts and create visual representations of your work and its impact. Additionally, sharing your knowledge and expertise with team members will foster a culture of learning and growth within the Product Discovery team.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, deploy, and maintain advanced machine learning models ensuring they are scalable, efficient, and impactful.
• Utilize a broad array of technologies including NLP, LLMs, and computer vision to enhance Grainger's product discovery experience.
• Work closely with other ML scientists, engineers, and product managers to integrate your models into Grainger's platforms.
• Keep abreast of the latest developments in machine learning and related technologies, applying cutting-edge research and methodologies to your work.
• Work backward from customer use cases, engender implementation of ML models that solves the use cases at scale.
• Articulate concepts and generate visual representations of your work and the impact it creates.
• Share your knowledge and expertise with team members, fostering an environment of learning and growth within the Product Discovery team.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of industry experience delivering ML solutions.
• Bachelor's degree in computer science, applied math, physics, or a related field.
• Proficient in Python and SQL.
• Experience with text analytics and natural language processing (NLP).
• Experience with deep learning and transformer-based modeling methods.
• Experience deploying ML models using containerization and container orchestration technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes.
• Experience with machine learning libraries and tools for developing models and deploying them as API endpoints.
• Experience with Git, and Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD).
• Ability to effectively communicate technical solutions to both technical and business audiences, both verbally and in writing.

Nice-to-haves

• Master's or PhD degree.
• Experience in computer vision.
• Understanding of LLMs, including their development and application in processing and understanding natural language.
• Experience working in an Agile environment such as in Scrum or Kanban.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, life, and pet insurance plans.
• 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support emotional wellbeing.
• Paid time off (PTO) and 6 company holidays per year.
• 6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no match required.
• Employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing, and free access to financial counseling, education, and tools.
• Maternity support programs, nursing benefits, and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents and up to 4 weeks paid leave for non-birth parents.