The Research Engineer role at Netflix focuses on leading the technical vision for reward modeling, utility estimation, and multi-objective optimization within the Algo Core team. This team is responsible for developing shared capabilities that enhance Netflix's recommendation and personalization systems. The position involves driving cross-functional partnerships and integrating AI/ML capabilities with business priorities. The engineer will also design experiments to validate the impact of new systems on business metrics.

• 6+ years of experience applying machine learning in an industry setting.
• Experience driving successful partnerships with both technical and nontechnical stakeholders.
• Master's or PhD in a computational field such as computer science, statistics, math, operations research, or physics.
• Deep expertise in ML and optimization algorithms and frameworks.
• Experience with reward modeling, utility estimation, or constrained-optimization and auction-based allocation systems.
• Strong software engineering skills in Python, plus experience with Scala or Java.
• Strong 80/20 mindset with the ability to scope the right problem and ship pragmatically.

• Drive the team’s technical vision and roadmap for reward modeling and optimization approaches.
• Drive cross-functional partnerships with various teams to align AI/ML capabilities with business priorities.
• Partner with the Personalization Foundations team to integrate utility layers and reward signals.
• Design and run rigorous offline experiments and A/B tests to validate new systems.
• Contribute to the team’s technical culture through mentorship and code review.

• Employees at Netflix are often offered flexible, people-first benefits—unlimited time away, generous parental leave, global family-forming support, mental-health programs (mindfulness, free counseling/coaching), and health coverage tailored by country. Financially, Netflix pays at personal top-of-market and lets employees choose their mix of cash vs. fully-vested 10-year stock options, alongside donation and volunteer matching. Convenience perks can include trust-based travel/expense policies, relocation support, and “Work, Not Drive” rideshare flexibility.