Machine Learning Scientist (L5) - Core Ads Algorithms

Netflix • New York, NY

1d • $466,000 - $750,000

About The Position

At Netflix, our mission is to entertain the world. Together, we are writing the next episode - pushing the boundaries of storytelling, global fandom and making the unimaginable a reality. We are a dream team obsessed with the uncomfortable excitement of discovering what happens when you merge creativity, intuition and cutting-edge technology. Come be a part of what’s next.
We launched a new ad-supported tier in November 2022 and are building an in-house world-class ad tech ecosystem to offer our members more choices in consuming their content. Our new tier allows us to attract new members at a lower price point while also creating a compelling path for advertisers to reach deeply engaged audiences.
The Core Ads Algorithms team is the engine behind the intelligence that powers ad personalization at Netflix. Our mission is to develop innovative, data-driven solutions that deliver highly relevant ad experiences to our members and drive impactful results for advertisers—all while maintaining the exceptional quality and personalization that define the Netflix experience.

Requirements

• Advanced degree (PhD or Master's) in Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, or related quantitative field
• Deep expertise in applying linear programming and optimization techniques to business problems
• Proficiency with optimization software (Gurobi, CPLEX, FICO Xpress, OR-Tools) and Python, R, or similar languages for data analysis and optimization modeling
• Strong business acumen with ability to translate business requirements into mathematical constraints
• Experience working with large-scale data systems and production ML pipelines
• Understanding of A/B testing methodologies and statistical analysis

Nice To Haves

• Proficiency in distributed systems programming (preferably Python or Scala)
• Experience with large-scale optimization problems and dual decomposition techniques
• Knowledge of first-order optimization methods (gradient descent variants, proximal methods)
• Experience building production optimization systems handling a large number of variables
• Strong mathematical background in linear algebra, convex analysis, and optimization theory

Responsibilities

• Formulate complex business problems in budget allocation, marketplace matching as multi-objective optimization problems
• Design and implement scalable optimization algorithms for marketplace applications that balance competing business objectives (revenue, advertiser outcome, user satisfaction)
• Integrate machine learning model predictions with optimization formulations for personalized decision-making
• A/B test and monitor performance for optimization-driven features
• Translate complex model outputs into actionable metrics and KPIs for non-technical stakeholders, ensuring clarity and business alignment.
• Serve as a strategic thought partner to product managers and business stakeholders, directly influencing product direction and improving user experience.
• Effectively communicate findings and insights to both technical and non-technical audiences, driving adoption and understanding of ML-driven solutions.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level