Expedia Group · 9 hours ago
Principal Machine Learning Scientist – Generative AI & Customer Experience
Seattle, WA
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff
$224K/yr - $314K/yrExpedia Group is a leading online travel company, and they are seeking a Principal Machine Learning Scientist to enhance customer experience through advanced machine learning and Generative AI solutions. The role involves developing algorithms for post-booking recommendations and customer service, while tackling complex technical challenges in a dynamic environment.
CommunitiesInternetReservationsTask ManagementTechnical SupportTicketingTourismTransportationTravel
Responsibilities
Configure, maintain, and optimize storage and processing environments (cloud, on-premises, cluster management, etc.)
Build production-grade data and machine learning pipelines that support batch and streaming applications
Advocate for software design best practices and demonstrate your ability to construct robust data and machine learning pipelines
Perform applied research to consistently achieve desired solution performance and improve organizational capabilities
Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of all aspects of learning theory
Support leaders in setting up frameworks for the machine learning development lifecycle and devise machine learning strategies
Advise business leaders in complex settings to create and enable robust machine learning solutions with high impact, at an expert level
Lead and mentor others in all machine learning activities
Deep expertise in LLM fine-tuning and prompt engineering (e.g., OpenAI APIs, Hugging Face, Anthropic Claude, Google Gemini)
Strong experience with AI orchestration tools (e.g., LangChain, LlamaIndex, vector databases for retrieval augmentation)
Hands-on knowledge of function calling and API-based reasoning models (e.g., using structured outputs to drive automated workflows)
Proficiency in Python and AI development frameworks for building scalable AI applications
Understanding of multi-agent architectures and best practices in agentic AI design
Experience with real-world AI evaluation techniques, including golden sets, synthetic data generation, and interactive testing
Leverage a solid theoretical foundation and apply advanced statistical methods to a broad range of problems
Demonstrate experience in advanced experimental design (e.g., adaptive designs)
Read relevant publications in the field and implement described methods to business problems
Act as a technical mentor for junior profiles
Design end-to-end models based on a detailed understanding of business requirements, including general approach, choice of algorithm, and data sources
Ensure model output reflects a deep understanding of business requirements, adhering to standard methodologies, academic research, and experience
Exhibit expert knowledge of complex model design, incorporating the latest academic and published research, including neural networks, transformers, and reinforcement learning domains
Display advanced domain knowledge (e.g., travel, online retail), business acumen, and critical reasoning skills
Demonstrate a critical understanding of business processes and challenges to recommend and develop solutions that meet unique business needs and achieve objectives
Embed visualizations from tools utilizing basic techniques (e.g., iframes)
Demonstrate proficiency in visualization tools and create complex calculations using advanced features
Apply data visualization principles consistently, resulting in clear and consistent outcomes
Build complex charts with limited supervision
Effectively use color palettes, considering double encoding and end-user fatigue, and create clear and consistent visualizations with expert use of typography
Demonstrate familiarity with UX and UI concepts, such as padding, framing, chart placement, white space balance, and hierarchy of elements
Create complex calculations using advanced features in Expedia Group's visualization tooling capabilities
Be a persuasive storyteller, using influencing techniques that build trust with teams and partners, and establish long-term relationships
Contribute ideas and participate in industry events and forums, recognized as an inspiring leader outside the company
Drive a culture of constructive critique, challenging others to bring fresh and creative perspectives to differentiating functional technical communications
Creatively develop tools, visual aids, and original content to support the understanding and education of sophisticated and technical information (e.g., legal, operational risk, and regulatory data)
Make recommendations for business process improvement, sponsor and stage workshops/knowledge sessions to improve the organization's functional knowledge and acuity, and leverage insights and subject matter experts to overcome challenges
Expertly solve the most complex questions and challenges, showcasing analytical mastery externally
Mentor and train others on analytical problem-solving, project management, and influencing for business impact
Manage stakeholders with frequent communication and expectation management, meeting deadlines and minimizing surprises
Manage the backlog effectively, including across large cross-functional teams, delivering projects to maximize business impact in sync with business timing
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's, Master's, or Ph.D. degree in a technical field or equivalent related professional experience
Expertise in more than one major ML programming language (Python, R, Scala, etc.) and familiarity with others
Experience leading large data science technical programs, delivering successful outcomes typically involving cross-functional teams of 10+
Demonstrated ability to regularly contribute to the data science and technology community through blog posts, tech talks, major data science or technology domain conferences/events, etc
Experience defining data science best practices at a team/capability level
Expertise in configuring, maintaining, and optimizing storage and processing environments (cloud, on-premises, cluster management, etc.)
In-depth understanding of all aspects of machine learning theory
Strong experience in application in an industrial setting and crafting robust solutions relatively quickly
Solid theoretical foundation applies advanced statistical methods to a broad range of problems
Experience with advanced methods such as Stochastic Processes, Bayesian Neural Networks, Markov Models, Discriminant and Factor Analysis, and applies them while considering underlying assumptions and limitations
Continuous learning and adaptability to stay ahead of rapidly evolving technologies and techniques in machine learning and data science
Strong communication and storytelling skills to effectively convey complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders
Collaborative mindset and ability to lead cross-functional teams in delivering innovative solutions
Strategic thinking and business acumen to align machine learning initiatives with organizational goals and drive measurable impact
Ethical and responsible AI practices to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in machine learning model development and deployment
Preferred
Advanced experimental design (e.g., adaptive designs)
Expert knowledge of HTML/CSS/JavaScript
Strong knowledge and experience in new and developed charting packages and libraries
Benefits
Medical/dental/vision
Paid time off
Employee Assistance Program
Wellness & travel reimbursement
Travel discounts
International Airlines Travel Agent (IATAN) membership
Company
Expedia Group
At Expedia Group (NASDAQ: EXPE), we believe travel is a force for good – it opens minds, builds connections, and bridges divides.
Founded in 1996
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
Expedia Group has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (519)
2024 (410)
2023 (382)
2022 (629)
2021 (483)
2020 (366)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$4.25BKey Investors
TCV
2025-02-21Post Ipo Debt· $985M
2020-04-23Post Ipo Equity· $1.2B
2020-04-23Post Ipo Debt· $2B
Leadership Team
Ariane Gorin
Chief Executive Officer
Ramana Thumu
Chief Technology Officer
Recent News
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2026-01-07
2026-01-07
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