Applied Scientist II, Search Query Understanding

Amazon is the 4th most popular site in the US. Our product search engine one of the most heavily used services in the world indexes billions of products and serves hundreds of millions of customers world-wide. The Search Query Understanding team is at the forefront of revolutionizing the online shopping experience through the Amazon search page. Our ambition is to transform the search engine into a shopping engine. Leveraging advances in Large Language Models (LLMs) we aim to deeply understanding our users shopping missions preferences and goals. By developing responsive and scalable solutions we not only accomplish the shopping mission but also foster unparalleled trust among our customers. Through our advanced technology we generate valuable insights ensuring a comprehensive and holistic shopping experience. Our dedication to continuous improvement through constant measurement and enhancement of the shopper experience is crucial as we strategically navigate the balance between immediate results and long-term business growth.

We are seeking an Applied Scientist who is not just adept in the theoretical aspects of Machine Learning (ML) Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Large Language Models (LLMs) but also possesses a pragmatic hands-on approach to navigating the complexities of innovation. The ideal candidate should have a profound expertise in one or more areas including but not limited to Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) post-training of foundation models and LLM inference optimizations. You will take the lead in conceptualizing building and launching innovative models that significantly improve our understanding of search missions and capabilities in enhancing the search experience. A successful applicant will display a comprehensive skill set across machine learning model development implementation and optimization. This includes a strong foundation in data management software engineering best practices and awareness of the latest developments in model lifecycle management. We are looking for individuals who are analytically rigorous passionate about applied sciences creative and possess strong logical reasoning abilities.

Join the Search Query Understanding team a group of pioneering ML scientists and engineers dedicated to building core ML models and developing the infrastructure for model innovation. As part of Amazon Search you will experience the dynamic innovative culture of a startup backed by the extensive resources of (AMZN) a global leader in internet services. Our collaborative customer-centric work environment spans across our offices in Palo Alto CA and Seattle WA offering a unique blend of opportunities for professional growth and innovation.

Key job responsibilities
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify requirements for ML model development focusing on enhancing mission understanding through innovative AI techniques including retrieval-Augmented Generation or LLM in general.

Design and implement scalable ML models capable of processing and analyzing large datasets to improve search and shopping experiences. Must have a strong background in machine learning AI or computational sciences.

Lead the management and experiments of ML models at scale applying advanced ML techniques to optimize science solution.

Serve as a technical lead and liaison for ML projects facilitating collaboration across teams and addressing technical challenges. Requires strong leadership and communication skills with a PhD in Computer Science Machine Learning or a related field.

- PhD or Masters degree and 4 years of CS CE ML or related field experience
- Experience programming in Java C Python or related language
- Experience in any of the following areas: algorithms and data structures parsing numerical optimization data mining parallel and distributed computing high-performance computing

- Experience using Unix/Linux
- Experience in professional software development

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status disability or other legally protected status.

Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees supervisors and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees supervisors and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal state and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct adverse and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies exercise sound judgment effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism and safeguard business operations and the Companys reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process including support for the interview or onboarding process please visit for more information. If the country/region youre applying in isnt listed please contact your Recruiting Partner.

The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience qualifications and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical dental vision prescription Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans EAP Mental Health Support Medical Advice Line Flexible Spending Accounts Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage) 401(k) matching paid time off and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at CA Irvine - 142800.00 - 193200.00 USD annually