Research Engineer (L5) – Identity Algorithms

Netflix is one of the world’s leading entertainment services with 278 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, films and games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can play, pause and resume watching as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, and can change their plans at any time.

The Role

As Netflix expands into delivering a broader range of entertainment options and business models,  it is increasingly important we build a holistic and personal view of who our consumers are. We are looking for a Senior Research Engineer to support the vision, strategies, and development of new systems that provide intelligence about our consumers. 

As a Senior Research Engineer, you will join a team of stunning Data Scientists and ML Researchers to drive and build algorithmic & ML systems to improve how we identify “who is behind the screen.”  You will be responsible for building, scaling, and innovating on these algorithms in production.  You’ll partner with other ML engineers and scientists to implement these algorithms in ways that meet the needs of stakeholders across the business – with potential applications ranging from our core recommendation team, to ads personalization, to video content valuation. You’ll spot gaps in how we’ve done things before, and you’ll find a better way to do them.  To be successful in this role, you’ll bring a solid machine learning background, strong software development skills, rapid learning velocity, a burning desire for impact and a passion for solving challenging problems end-to-end. You will need to demonstrate strong communication and leadership skills, an ability to set priorities, and a strong bias to action in an open-ended, dynamic environment.

In this role, you will:

• Design, implement and operate high impact machine learning models in our Virtual Identity space
• Partner closely with a small pod of researchers and data scientists to identify high value applications of machine learning
• Work closely with scientists and engineers on detailed requirements and implementation of end-to-end solutions at scale
• Inform and influence the development of better infrastructure for developing and deploying ML models
• Advocate for and apply best practices when it comes to availability, scalability, operational excellence, and cost management
• Cultivate strong partnerships with cross-functional partners across the business

You have: 

• Deep, end-to-end ML experience with a strong track record of deploying successful ML solutions
• Exceptional communication skills, able to explain complex technical concepts clearly to cross-functional partners 
• Ability to deal with ambiguity; a strong ownership mindset, and a desire to thrive on minimal oversight and process
• Willingness to learn and rapidly absorb business context in a 0-1 space that needs to interact with stakeholders across the business.
• Strong experience in a ML/DL framework (e.g., PyTorch, Keras, TensorFlow)
• Excellent software engineering skills in multi-language settings leveraging Python and large-scale data processing with Spark (e.g. PySpark, SparkSQL, and/or Scala).  Additional language proficiency (e.g. Java, Scala) are a plus
• PhD or Masters in Computer Science or related field preferred
• Experience with NLP/sequence modeling/recommender systems or related experience
• A passion for driving and influencing product strategies in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment

Our compensation structure consists solely of an annual salary; we do not have bonuses. You choose each year how much of your compensation you want in salary versus stock options. To determine your personal top of market compensation, we rely on market indicators and consider your specific job family, background, skills, and experience to determine your compensation in the market range. The range for this role is $170,000 – $720,000.

Netflix provides comprehensive benefits including Health Plans, Mental Health support, a 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer match, Stock Option Program, Disability Programs, Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts, Family-forming benefits, and Life and Serious Injury Benefits. We also offer paid leave of absence programs.  Full-time hourly employees accrue 35 days annually for paid time off to be used for vacation, holidays, and sick paid time off. Full-time salaried employees are immediately entitled to flexible time off. See more detail about our Benefits here.

Netflix is a unique culture and environment.  Learn more here. 

We are an equal-opportunity employer and celebrate diversity, recognizing that diversity of thought and background builds stronger teams. We approach diversity and inclusion seriously and thoughtfully. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status, or military service.

Job is open for no less than 7 days and will be removed when the position is filled.