> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/1982949-lead-applied-data-scientist-search-ranking-applied-ml-llms-nlp](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/1982949-lead-applied-data-scientist-search-ranking-applied-ml-llms-nlp). Every page supports `.md` or `Accept: text/markdown`. Links point to the HTML versions so they work for humans too. Agent guide: [/agents.md](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/agents.md). --- # Lead Applied Data Scientist - Search Ranking (applied ML, LLMs, NLP) - **Company:** Target Brands, Inc. - **Location:** Santa Clara, CA, United States - **Experience:** Expert - **Salary:** $132,000.0 - $286,000.0 - **Contract:** Permanent contract - **Skills:** Java (Programming Language), Agile Methodology, Data Analysis, Big Data, Content Analysis, Information Retrieval, Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Recommender Systems, Software Engineering, SQL Databases, Systems Integration, Test-Driven Development (TDD), Large Language Models, Deep Learning, Indexer, Information Technology, Search Engines, Machine Learning Operations, Multiaccess Edge Computing, Data Pipelines - **Published:** August 8, 2026 - **Apply:** https://target.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/targetcareers/job/100-Mathilda-PlaceSte-100-SunnyvaleCA-94086-6017/Lead-Applied-Data-Scientist---Search-Ranking--applied-ML--LLMs--NLP-_R0000446050-1/apply ## About the Role * PhD or MS in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Physics or equivalent work or industry experience * Research or industry experiences in search indexing, information retrieval or ranking * Demonstrated experience in NLP, LLMs, agentic systems or recommendation systems at scale * 5+ years of experience in deploying machine learning algorithms into production environments with good ML Ops experience * Proficient in Python or Java with excellent coding and problem-solving skills * Exceptional hands-on modeling skills using Python * Extensive experience implementing and integrating ML models in production in high traffic/scale * Experience querying large databases with SQL, HQL, or some variation * Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills for partnering with global teams * Self-driven and results-oriented, with strong ownership, sound judgment and the ability to move quickly while maintaining high technical standard * Collaborative team player with a commitment to continuous learning, knowledge sharing, and building reliable AI systems that create business value ## Description The Search and Browse Applied Data Sciences team builds the core relevance engine and Data Science products that power Target's Digital experience. As a Lead Data Scientist on this product - you'll work with business partners to provide solutions for business problems in a fast-paced and global environment. You'll have the opportunity to design quality, flexible and performant Data Science systems and services at scale. You'll also architect Data Science solutions that capture, process and mine huge datasets in the retail industry. We'll also promote innovative thinking as well as the opportunity to use cutting-edge machine learning algorithms and NLP techniques to improve our Mobile and Web Search systems! As a Lead Applied Data Scientist - Search and Browse you'll: * Develop and deploy scalable deep learning models to improve the search experience of guests * Use LLM and agentic technologies to improve ecommerce search experience * Architect and implement large-scale AI systems using test-driven development practices * Build NLP technology for query and document analysis, processing, and understanding * Create data pipelines for feature/label extraction and generation * Conduct data analysis to identify opportunities and improve models * Conduct research to advance the state-of-the-art ML, LLM, and NLP technologies * Contributing to the operations/building of AI pipelines * Adopting Target's infrastructural platforms and operationalize tools and systems around them * Mentor and partner with other engineers to develop software that meets business needs * Collaborate effectively with product and business partners to define and scope solutions * Follow agile methodology for software development and technical documentation * Innovate constantly and keep systems up to date with current technologies Core responsibilities of this job are described within this job description. Job duties may change at any time due to business needs., This position will operate as a Hybrid/Flex for Your Day work arrangement based on Target's needs. A Hybrid/Flex for Your Day work arrangement means the team member's core role will need to be performed both onsite at the Target HQ Sunnyvale, CA or MN location the role is assigned to and virtually, depending upon what your role, team and tasks require for that day. Work duties cannot be performed outside of the country of the primary work location, unless otherwise prescribed by Target. Target will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the San Francisco and City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Ordinances. Benefits Eligibility Please paste this url into your preferred browser to learn about benefits eligibility for this role: https://tgt.biz/BenefitsForYou_E ## Related Videos - [Data Science in Retail](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/586-data-science-in-retail) - [Alibaba Big Data and Machine Learning Technology](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/37-alibaba-big-data-and-machine-learning-technology) - [Optimizing Discovery: PostgreSQL's Role in Transforming GetYourGuide's Search](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1647-optimizing-discovery-postgresql-s-role-in-transforming-getyourguide-s-search) - [The Innovation Formula: Fast Prototyping, Data Analysis, and Real User Insights](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/1421-the-innovation-formula-fast-prototyping-data-analysis-and-real-user-insights) - [OLAP for AI Applications and why you should care](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100212-olap-for-ai-applications-and-why-you-should-care) - [Dynamic Entities in .NET: Building Low-Code Systems on Top of Entity Framework Core](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/videos/100218-dynamic-entities-in-net-building-low-code-systems-on-top-of-entity-framework-core) ## Related Articles - [How to Become an AI Engineer](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/331-how-to-become-an-ai-engineer) - [The Biggest German Tech Companies](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/424-the-biggest-german-tech-companies) - [What Are Large Language Models?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/304-what-are-large-language-models) - [Highest Paying Tech Companies for Developers](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/220-highest-paying-tech-companies-for-developers) - [What Industries Outside of AI Are Hiring The Most AI Experts?](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/98-what-industries-outside-of-ai-are-hiring-the-most-ai-experts) - [Navigating the AI Shift](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/magazine/629-navigating-the-ai-shift)