Senior Software Engineer - Machine Learning (Marketplace Dynamics)

Overview

At Yelp, our engineering culture thrives on core values of collaboration, individual authenticity, and creative problem-solving. Our engineers quickly contribute by deploying functional code within their first week, with strong support from leadership and peers to maximize impact, all while enjoying a cooperative and dynamic workspace.

We possess vast data assets including hundreds of millions of user-generated content pieces, millions of users and business listings, and numerous advertising clients. The challenge lies in deciphering patterns, identifying relationships, and understanding interactions within this ever-expanding data landscape, which in turn drives significant business outcomes.

The Lead Optimization team is committed to enhancing user experiences by connecting them with the right service professionals—whether plumbers, contractors, or electricians—through smarter matching and optimized pricing within Yelp's Services marketplace. This approach fosters stronger engagement among business owners and users, critical to Yelp’s business model.

We are seeking a motivated, entrepreneurial machine learning scientist to innovate optimization solutions. The role involves applying advanced ML methodologies such as Gradient Boosted Decision Trees (GBDT), ensemble techniques, and embeddings to build scalable and industrial-grade systems. Collaborating with skilled software and ML engineers, you will have a tremendous opportunity to create meaningful impact for our users and partners.

Position Location

This is a remote role requiring the candidate to be based in the Republic of Ireland.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify complex challenges, develop testable hypotheses, and drive initiatives that materially influence business results.
• Lead experimental design and analysis, including causal inference and predictive modeling to validate ideas.
• Work closely with product and engineering teams to implement system changes and communicate findings effectively to both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Stay abreast of the latest machine learning and statistical developments through continuous learning, conferences, and community engagement.
• Develop robust and automated model pipelines integrated within Python services for production deployment.

Required Qualifications and Skills

• Proficiency in data analysis and statistical tools such as Python (with pandas, statsmodels, scikit-learn), or R.
• Experience with predictive modeling, machine learning techniques, forecasting, or causal inference methodologies.
• Comfortable working in Unix/Linux operating systems.
• Strong software engineering capabilities to collaborate efficiently with engineering teams.
• Demonstrated aptitude for original research, curiosity to explore novel solutions, and perseverance to complete innovative projects.
• Drive to acquire deep product and business insights and the ability to translate abstract modeling tasks into tangible business benefits.

Benefits and Perks

• Ownership of projects from the start within a supportive, collaborative, and dynamic team environment.
• Competitive compensation package including salary, pension plan, and participation in an employee stock purchase program.
• 25 days of paid vacation increasing to 29 days with tenure, plus an additional floating holiday.
• €150 monthly stipend to offset costs of working remotely.
• €86 monthly caregiver reimbursement to support dependent care needs for families.
• Private health coverage encompassing dental and vision care.
• Flexible working hours featuring meeting-free Wednesdays.
• Frequent 3-day hackathons, biweekly learning sessions, and budget for professional development.
• Access to conferences and digital industry events.
• €86 monthly allowance toward qualifying wellness-related expenses.
• Quarterly team retreats and offsite gatherings.

Additional Notes

Yelp is committed to diversity and inclusion, hiring qualified candidates without discrimination on any protected grounds.

Candidates residing in Northern Ireland will undergo a basic criminal background check via AccessNI as part of the employment process. Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar employment; decisions consider context and details of disclosures.

Please note that agency submissions are not accepted. Yelp does not assume responsibility for fees related to unsolicited resumes.