Applied Machine Learning Scientist - AI Agents

As an Applied Machine Learning Scientist, you’ll partner closely with Product and Engineering teams to design, develop, and deploy ML-powered systems that strengthen Grainger’s customer relationships. This role is ideal for someone with foundational AI/ML experience who’s eager to work on real-world GenAI applications, including document intelligence, voice-based systems, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and agentic AI solutions.

You will report to Sr Manager, Applied Machine Learning and although a Chicago based position is preferred (8 days a month in office), we will consider highly qualified remote candidates who can visit the Chicago office for initial onboarding and quarterly meetings.

You Will:

• Design and Build: Develop scalable, high-performance ML components that power end-to-end generative and agentic workflows-such as knowledge curation, search, context management, and workflow orchestration.

• Apply Advanced Techniques: Work with Deep Learning, LLMs, VLMs, fine-tuning, and prompt optimization to enhance how Grainger manages and leverages complex content.

• Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Partner with Product, Engineering, and Business teams to align ML initiatives with Grainger’s customer-focused strategy.

• Drive ML Excellence: Contribute to best practices in model deployment, testing, CI/CD, and monitoring, ensuring robust, maintainable, and ethical AI solutions.

• Own the Lifecycle: Support the full ML lifecycle-from prototyping and deployment to evaluation, monitoring, and iterative improvement.

• Learn and Evolve: Stay current with emerging ML trends and research, introducing innovative techniques to improve performance and impact.

• A Bachelor’s degree in applied mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Economics, or 2 years of related industry work experience

• 1 year minimum of industry experience in Machine Learning/ GenAi

• Experience with deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch, Tensorflow, Huggingface

• Experience working with Generative AI or ML solutions such as finetuning, training, testing, validating.

• Experience deploying ML models using containerization and container orchestration technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes

• Ability to effectively communicate technical solutions to technical and business audiences, both verbally and in writing

• Experience with cloud providers such as AWS and Azure

Preferred:

• Advanced degree (PhD or Master’s) in Applied Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Economics, or related fields.

• Experience model quantization and deployment on model servers such as Triton

• Experience managing end-to-end software development life cycle (version control, CICD pipelines, Kubernetes clusters, testing, monitoring & alerting, production support, etc.)

• Familiarity with machine learning libraries like LangChain, LlamaIndex, Autogen or Crew.ai

• Experience deploying models into the cloud with tooling like Docker & Kubernetes

The anticipated base pay compensation range for this position is $102,300 - $170,500 for a remote position and $112,000- $188,100 for a Chicago based position. This role is eligible for an incentive target of up to 5%, based on the achievement of individual and company performance objectives in accordance with the current terms of the incentive program which are subject to change., With benefits starting on day one, our programs provide choice and flexibility to meet team members’ individual needs, including:

• Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment and 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support your emotional wellbeing.
• 18 paid time off (PTO) days annually for full-time employees (accrual prorated based on employment start date) and 6 company holidays per year.
• 6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no employee contribution 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.

For additional information and details regarding Grainger’s benefits, please click on the link below:

https://experience100.ehr.com/grainger/Home/Tools-Resources/Key-Resources/New-Hire

The pay range provided above is not a guarantee of compensation. The range reflects the potential base pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual base pay compensation will depend, in part, on factors such as geographic work location and relevant experience and skills.

The anticipated compensation range described above is subject to change and the compensation ultimately paid may be higher or lower than the range described above.

Grainger reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion at any time, consistent with applicable law.

W.W. Grainger, Inc., is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom. At Grainger, We Keep the World Working by serving more than 4.5 million customers worldwide with products and solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customer relationships. Known for its commitment to service and award-winning culture, the Company had 2024 revenue of $17.2 billion across its two business models. In the High-Touch Solutions segment, Grainger offers approximately 2 million maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products and services, including technical support and inventory management. In the Endless Assortment segment,Zoro.comoffers customers access to more than 14 million products, andMonotaRO.comoffers more than 24 million products. For more information, visitwww.grainger.com.