> Markdown version of [/jobs/ext/3086998-sr-applied-data-scientist-search-ranking-applied-ml-nlp-llms](https://www.wearedevelopers.com/jobs/ext/3086998-sr-applied-data-scientist-search-ranking-applied-ml-nlp-llms). 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).

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# Sr Applied Data Scientist - Search Ranking (Applied ML, NLP, LLMs))

- **Company:** Target Brands, Inc.
- **Location:** Santa Clara, CA, United States
- **Experience:** Expert
- **Salary:** $98,000.0 - $211,000.0
- **Contract:** Permanent contract
- **Skills:** Artificial Intelligence, Data Analysis, Distributed Computing Environment, Python (Programming Language), Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Search Technologies, SQL Databases, Large Language Models, Information Technology, Low Latency, Machine Learning Operations, Software Coding
- **Published:** September 26, 2026
- **Apply:** https://target.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/targetcareers/job/100-Mathilda-PlaceSte-100-SunnyvaleCA-94086-6017/Sr-Applied-Data-Scientist---Search-Ranking--Applied-ML--NLP--LLMs--_R0000454524/apply

## About the Role

* PhD or MS in Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Physics or related quantitative discipline
 * 3+ years of industry experience in Machine Learning, Data Science, Search, NLP, Personalization or related ML systems
 * Exceptional experience and understanding with retrieval/ranking systems, semantic search, NLP, vector search, or related ML domains
 * Strong demonstrated coding skills in Python and SQL with experience in distributed data processing ecosystems
 * Demonstrated experience building and deploying end to end production ML systems
 * Strong understanding of production ML system tradeoffs including latency, scalability, reliability, and operational excellence
 * Experience with modern ML approaches such as embeddings, transformers, semantic retrieval, RAG systems, or GenAI technologies
 * Experience designing experiments and interpreting online/offline metrics
 * Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to independently drive projects in moderately ambiguous environments
 * Very good communication and cross-functional collaboration skills
 * Constant learner mentality who stays current with new and evolving AI technologies via formal training and self-directed education

## Description

* Develop and deploy scalable ML models for search ranking, browse personalization, semantic retrieval, and query understanding systems
 * Design and execute offline and online experiments to improve relevance, engagement, conversion, and customer satisfaction
 * Build scalable feature pipelines, evaluation frameworks, and ML workflows for production systems
 * Apply modern ML techniques including embeddings, retrieval/ranking models, transformers, NLP, vector search, and GenAI/RAG systems
 * Improve query understanding, catalog understanding, semantic retrieval, and long-tail search relevance across large retail catalogs
 * Partner closely with Product, Engineering, and Infrastructure teams to align technical solutions with business priorities and operational requirements
 * Drive data-informed decision making through deep analysis, experimentation, and business impact measurement
 * Balance model quality with latency, scalability, reliability, and infrastructure efficiency in large-scale production systems
 * Contribute to best practices in experimentation, ML engineering, and operational excellence
 * Mentor junior scientists and collaborate across teams to improve Search and Browse experiences

Core responsibilities of this job are articulated 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 in 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. Click here if you are curious to learn more about Minnesota.
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_D


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