principal machine learning Applied Scientist tech_leadership 8+ yrs Master's · Posted Jun 22, 2026
$228,700 – $309,400
USD per year

About this role

Amazon is hiring a principal-level Applied Scientist in the machine learning function based in Palo Alto, CA. The posting calls out experience with Machine Learning, A/B Testing, Data Analytics and roughly 8+ years of relevant work. Listed education preference: a master's degree or equivalent. Compensation is listed at $228,700–$309,400 per year.

Role
Applied Scientist
Function
machine learning
Level
principal
Track
Tech leadership
Employment
Full-time
Location
Palo Alto, CA
Experience
8+ years
Education
Master's degree
Department
Machine Learning Science
Posted
Jun 22, 2026
AI Summary
Principal Applied Scientist developing optimization strategies and foundational AI technologies for Amazon's Full-Funnel Ads Campaigns. Partner with engineers and product managers to build large-scale advertising solutions. Requires MS/PhD in Computer Science or Statistics with 8+ years deploying ML solutions to customer-facing products.

Job description

from Amazon careers
Amazon is building a world class advertising business and defining and delivering a collection of self-service performance advertising products that drive discovery and sales of merchandise. Our products are strategically important to our Retail and Marketplace businesses, driving long-term growth. Sponsored Ads helps merchants, retail vendors, and brand owners grows incremental sales of their products sold on Amazon through native advertising. Sponsored Ads achieves this by using a combination of machine learning, big data analytics, ultra-low latency high-volume engineering systems, and quantitative product focus.

If you are looking to make an impact, this is the team for you. You will join a newly-founded team with a broad mandate to experiment and innovate, which will give you the flexibility to develop systems and services from the ground up. As a Principal Applied Scientist in FAIM, you will help build new foundational AI technologies from the ground up and create and launch features for advertisers globally. You will partner with engineers, product managers, TPMs, and senior management to help create these world-class solutions. Most importantly, you will have an opportunity to grow and broaden your technical and scientific skills as you work in an environment that thrives on creativity, experimentation, and collaboration.

Key job responsibilities
Develop optimization strategies for Full-Funnel Ads Campaigns at Amazon

Work with the leadership team on long-range AI/ML plans for Full Funnel Ads Campaigns

Help the team adopt the latest SOTA technologies for large scale advertising

Basic Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Computer Science, Statistics or related field
• 8+ years of applied ML experience in deploying ML solutions to customer facing products.

Preferred Qualifications

• Track record of delivering large-scale and high-quality ML solutions.
• Experience in shipping large recommender systems.
• Experience partnering with engineering teams to ensure AI/ML solutions meet latency requirements. • Experience in influencing product strategy through product innovation and research.
• Evidence of producing internal or external publications that motivate new lines of research.
• Excellent verbal and written communication.

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.



USA, CA, Palo Alto - 228,700.00 - 309,400.00 USD annually
USA, NY, New York - 218,800.00 - 295,900.00 USD annually
USA, WA, SEATTLE - 198,900.00 - 269,000.00 USD annually

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