Principal Engineer, YouTube Recommendations Infrastructure

Minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, similar technical field of study, or equivalent practical experience
• 15 years of software engineering experience, including technical leadership
• Engineering experience in machine learning with a focus in ML systems and recommendations, software development, and implementation

Preferred qualifications:

• Master’s degree or PhD in Computer Science or related field
• 15 years of professional experience in engineering
• Experience with full-stack backend software development and implementation of sustainable, well-designed systems and data pipelines, with production launch/impact
• Deep technical expertise in building large-scale machine learning systems, and knowledge of ML models/algorithm design/implementation, and their application to real-world problems
• Ability to communicate and collaborate effectively to create a shared sense of vision or purpose
• Demonstrated track record of technical innovation with large-scale user facing products

About the job

We are looking for a visionary and influential Principal Engineer to help build the next generation of our Machine Learning (ML) Systems that enable new models at YouTube, including new paradigms, higher efficiency, and faster scaling. This will directly support a technological push for YouTube to build the next generation ML systems and models for recommendations. This role will involve partnering closely with ML/Product Engineers/Product Managers to build better experiences for our viewers; with Google Research to understand, create, or adapt new technology for YouTube’s products; and with Infrastructure teams to build the next generation scalable solutions. This role also requires being a trusted partner to provide feedback and help in upleveling ML infrastructure and models for recommendations as a whole. Your work will help us scale these solutions for Responsible Recommendations in the YouTube Home, WatchNext, Shorts, Notifications, and other viewer experiences.

This is an extremely exciting opportunity to pioneer areas at YouTube that will help improve our content recommendations and content understanding across the board.

At YouTube, we believe that everyone deserves to have a voice, and that the world is a better place when we listen, share, and build community through our stories. We work together to give everyone the power to share their story, explore what they love, and connect with one another in the process. Working at the intersection of cutting-edge technology and boundless creativity, we move at the speed of culture with a shared goal to show people the world. We explore new ideas, solve real problems, and have fun — and we do it all together.

The US base salary range for this full-time position is $294,000-$414,000 + bonus + equity + benefits. Our salary ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Please note that the compensation details listed in US role postings reflect the base salary only, and do not include bonus, equity, or benefits. Learn more about benefits at Google.

Responsibilities

• Provide the technical vision and strategy for machine learning systems and models for recommendations. 
• Design and lead a multi-year technical roadmap, balancing short and long-term technology investments.
• Develop a vision for recommendation technologies with engineers, researchers, and other cross-functional partners.
• Drive and coordinate collaboration with Google Research/DeepMind, Quality Product, and Infrastructure teams. 
• Review technical design from the team and guide technical discussions.