Lead Machine Learning Engineer – Merchandising AI

About the role

About The Company

Target is a leading retail company dedicated to helping families discover the joy of everyday life through a combination of innovative products, exceptional customer service, and a commitment to community engagement. With a rich history of delivering quality merchandise and a focus on customer satisfaction, Target has established itself as a trusted name in the retail industry. The company embraces a culture of inclusivity, innovation, and continuous improvement, leveraging technology and data-driven insights to enhance the shopping experience. Target's commitment to sustainability and social responsibility underscores its mission to make everyday life better for all stakeholders.

About The Role

The Lead Machine Learning Engineer – Merchandising AI at Target is a pivotal role within the Data Sciences team, responsible for developing and optimizing advanced machine learning models that drive merchandising strategies. This role involves designing scalable, robust, and efficient AI solutions that automate decision-making processes, improve product recommendations, and enhance overall customer engagement. You will collaborate closely with data scientists, software engineers, and product managers to translate business needs into innovative machine learning applications. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in end-to-end machine learning application development, including data pipelines, model deployment, and API integration. You will also play a key role in mentoring junior engineers, establishing best practices, and ensuring the maintainability and performance of AI systems across the organization.

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Quantitative disciplines such as Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) or equivalent industry experience

Master’s degree in Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Physics, or related fields

Minimum of 5 years of experience in end-to-end machine learning application development

Proficiency in Python programming

Experience with applied machine learning frameworks and distributed systems at scale

Strong understanding of CI/CD practices and ML Ops principles

Hands-on experience with Google Cloud’s Vertex AI and cloud-based ML ecosystems

Knowledge of testing frameworks, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and REST API development

Familiarity with Big Data technologies such as Hadoop, Spark, and Kafka

Proven ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams including data scientists, software engineers, and product managers

Excellent communication skills with the ability to present complex data insights effectively

Experience mentoring engineers and establishing engineering standards for AI/ML projects

Self-driven, results-oriented, and capable of working under tight deadlines

Motivated team player with a collaborative mindset in a global environment

Responsibilities

Design, develop, and optimize scalable machine learning models for merchandising applications

Create and maintain data pipelines, ensuring data quality and integrity for model training and inference

Implement and deploy machine learning solutions using cloud platforms, primarily Google Cloud Vertex AI

Develop APIs and microservices to integrate AI models into production systems

Conduct code reviews, enforce best practices, and ensure the maintainability of AI solutions

Lead the development of agentic AI solutions that connect data, tools, APIs, and business rules into decision workflows

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to understand business requirements and translate them into technical solutions

Participate in testing, validation, and monitoring of deployed models to ensure optimal performance

Mentor junior engineers and contribute to establishing engineering standards and best practices

Present technical work and insights to both technical and non-technical stakeholders

Stay updated on emerging AI/ML trends and incorporate innovative techniques into projects

Benefits

Competitive salary and performance-based incentives

Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans

Retirement savings plans with company match

Paid time off and holidays

Flexible work arrangements, including remote and hybrid options

Professional development opportunities and continuous learning programs

Employee discounts and wellness programs

Inclusive and diverse work environment that fosters innovation and growth

Equal Opportunity

Target is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to providing equal employment opportunities regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We believe that a diverse workforce enhances our ability to serve our customers and communities effectively.