Machine Learning Engineer, Recommendation Algorithm

SmartNews is a worldwide leader in the transformation of information and news discovery, committed to offering users precise and timely information and supporting high-quality journalism. We merge the strength of our unique machine learning technology with the knowledge of our top-notch editorial team to bring important news to millions of users from our over 3,000 global publishing partners. SmartNews was founded in Tokyo, Japan, in 2012 and now has offices in Tokyo, San Francisco, Palo Alto, New York, Shanghai, Beijing, and Singapore. The Team: The Recommendation Algorithm Team acts as the designer behind the groundbreaking algorithms and systems that drive the SmartNews Product. Central to our mission is the resolve to provide SmartNews users with an unmatched experience in discovering high-quality information. Using our complex algorithms, we curate and present content in a way that resonates with personalization, promoting engagement and, in turn, supporting crucial business metrics such as total time spent, daily active users (DAU), and revenue. Our team loves the challenge of converting extensive data into actionable insights. We consistently refashion and innovate on our algorithms to ensure that the information presented is not only relevant but is also delivered with precision, enhancing the user journey and boosting SmartNews' competitive advantage. Working in conjunction with cross-functional teams, we contribute to the seamless integration of our algorithms into different product aspects, each designed to enhance user interactions and overall satisfaction. By merging data science, engineering know-how, and a passion for innovation, our team is committed to molding SmartNews into a trusted and essential source of personalized content for millions of users worldwide. What You'll Do: This role is a hybrid of system engineering and machine learning: - Champion machine learning initiatives that drive business growth, conceptualizing and implementing comprehensive end-to-end machine learning frameworks and solutions to elevate our key performance indicators and metrics. - Innovate and implement machine learning algorithms, seamlessly integrating rule-based optimization strategies, resulting in tangible enhancements across product metrics for our diverse range of offerings such as feed, push notifications, and follow recommendations. - Design, develop, and iterate recommendation and ranking algorithms on predictive models for candidate generation and ranking, including but not limited to building real-time data pipelines, feature engineering, model optimization, and innovation. - Write robust and efficient server-side production code, contributing to applications that meet the highest standards of reliability and performance. - Pioneer the development of tools that empower our machine learning engineers, boosting their productivity and effectiveness in bringing our solutions to fruition. Requirements Minimum qualifications: - 1+ years (0 for new grads) of experience in designing and implementing machine learning algorithms, and applying them to real-world problems. - Solid background in Machine Learning and deep understanding of certain areas of machine learning techniques, especially in recommendation systems, natural language processing, and computer visions. - Strong software development skills with a proven record of shipping changes to production that improved product metrics with machine learning technologies. - Ability to have a deep end-to-end understanding of sophisticated ranking systems and can proactively detect problems and suggest improvements. - Good written and spoken communication skills, can work across functional teams. - Expert coding skills in multiple programming languages (e.g., Java, C++, Python, Scala). - MS or BS in computer science, mathematics, physics, or other quantitative fields. Nice to have experiences/skills: - Experience relevant to Search/Recommendation/Ads Ranking. - Experience with cloud-based architecture (e.g., Amazon Web Services). - A strong interest in news media and our mission. Benefits: Benefits available at the SmartNews Tokyo Office: - Daily lunch and snacks prepared in our on-site kitchen facility. - In-office coffee stand offering single-origin coffees, espresso-based drinks, teas, and other seasonal beverages. - SmartSelect, our support program for employee self-development, well-being, and productivity. - All healthcare and social insurance required by the Japanese labor law. Visa Sponsorship and Relocation Support: - Work visa sponsorship is available for candidates who meet eligibility requirements. - To support a smooth transition for candidates who are moving to Japan from overseas, SmartNews partners with a travel service provider.