Machine Learning Engineer

About The Company

Airbnb was founded in 2007 when two hosts welcomed three guests to their San Francisco home. Since then, it has grown exponentially to become a global community of over 5 million hosts who have welcomed more than 2 billion guest arrivals across nearly every country in the world. Airbnb offers unique stays and experiences that enable guests to connect authentically with local communities, fostering a sense of belonging anywhere. The company is committed to creating a platform that promotes inclusivity, innovation, and exceptional hospitality, making travel and hosting accessible and meaningful for all.

About The Role

The Machine Learning Engineer, Relevance and Personalization at Airbnb is a pivotal role focused on enhancing search and recommendation systems across the company's digital platform. This position involves developing and deploying advanced end-to-end ranking algorithms that optimize multiple business objectives, including user engagement, marketplace health, and personalized experiences. The successful candidate will work within a dynamic team dedicated to building innovative AI technologies that leverage diverse data signals such as structured data, sequential data, images, and text. Collaboration with cross-functional teams including software engineers, product managers, and data scientists is essential to identify opportunities, refine requirements, and deliver impactful machine learning solutions. The role offers an exciting opportunity to work on large-scale data pipelines, real-time and batch processing, and cutting-edge ML models that directly influence the user experience and marketplace dynamics at Airbnb.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. in Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, or related field with a focus on applied ML/AI, or a minimum of 2 years industry experience with a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree.
• Proficiency in programming languages such as Python, Scala, Java, C++, or equivalent.
• Strong data engineering skills and experience working with large-scale data systems.
• Deep understanding of machine learning best practices, including feature engineering, model training and serving, A/B testing, and bias minimization.
• Knowledge of advanced algorithms such as neural networks, deep learning, and optimization techniques.
• Experience with domains like natural language processing, computer vision, personalization, search, recommendation systems, and marketplace optimization.
• Exposure to technologies such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, Kubernetes, Spark, Airflow, Kafka, and data warehouses like Hive.
• Familiarity with architectural patterns for high-scale software applications, including API design and data pipeline architecture.
• Ability to select appropriate ML methods to solve complex problems while balancing exploration and exploitation of techniques.
• Strong leadership skills to build impactful solutions and coordinate across multiple teams and projects.

Responsibilities

• Design, develop, and optimize machine learning models for search ranking, recommendation, and personalization at scale.
• Work with large, diverse datasets to build models that improve user experience and marketplace health.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for business impact and refine project requirements.
• Implement production-ready ML pipelines, including both batch and real-time data processing systems.
• Leverage internal and third-party ML tools and infrastructure to accelerate model development and deployment.
• Continuously monitor, evaluate, and improve model performance, ensuring high accuracy and low latency.
• Contribute to research publications and share insights with the broader team to foster innovation.
• Ensure adherence to ethical standards and best practices in AI development and deployment.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package aligned with industry standards.
• Performance-based bonuses and equity options.
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
• Generous paid time off and holiday leave policies.
• Flexible work arrangements, including remote work options.
• Professional development opportunities, including training and conferences.
• Employee travel credits and wellness programs.
• Inclusive and diverse work environment committed to employee well-being and growth.

Equal Opportunity

Airbnb is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive environment for all employees. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to creating a workplace that respects and values individual differences. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. If you require reasonable accommodations during the application or interview process due to a disability, please contact reasonableaccommodations@airbnb.com with your full name, the role you are applying for, and the necessary accommodations.