Machine Learning Engineer - Search and Recommendation

Jingdong International Middle East FZE; Greater London; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

JD.com in London seeks a Machine Learning Team Lead with deep expertise in search and recommendation systems. You will balance hands-on model work with strategic leadership, guiding a team of engineers to deliver scalable, high-impact solutions.

You will collaborate with product, engineering, and business teams to improve personalization, optimize traffic, and support global e-commerce growth, while mentoring peers and advancing state-of-the-art ML techniques.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or higher in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field, with ML/NLP/IR specialization.
• 6+ years in search, recommendation, or advertising systems; at least 2 years in leadership.
• Proficiency in ML, NLP, and deep learning with TensorFlow or PyTorch.
• Strong programming in Python, C++, or Java; solid data structures knowledge.
• Strong English and Chinese communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of algorithm engineers, providing technical direction and career development support.
• Design, develop, and optimize algorithms for search and recommendation systems, with a focus on personalization.
• Oversee traffic distribution strategies in search and recommendation scenarios to meet diverse business needs.
• Drive experimentation and evaluation of algorithms with scalable deployment and improvements.
• Stay current with advances in ML, NLP, and DL and apply them to real-world challenges.
• Work onsite in London.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Search algorithms

Recommendation systems

Python

C++/Java

NLP

English & Chinese

Education

Master's degree or higher in CS/Math/IR related field

Tools

TensorFlow

PyTorch

Job description

Who We Are

At JD.com, also known as JINGDONG, we are building one of the world's most trusted technology and supply chain ecosystems. What started as a bold idea in China has evolved into a NASDAQ-listed, Fortune 44 global enterprise serving over 700 million active customers. Powered by advanced logistics, innovative technology, and a commitment to integrity, JD.com operates across retail, logistics, technology, property and more, creating solutions that make everyday life smarter, faster, and more connected.

Learn more about who we are and what we do: https://corporate.jd.com/

Our Global Reach

JD.com is expanding its international footprint through a digitally intelligent, cross-border supply chain and world-class logistics network, supported by platforms such as Joybuy, which brings trusted products to customers worldwide. Today, our teams operate across China, the U.S., U.K., Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain, Brazil, Hungary, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and beyond, reaching customers in every corner of the world.

What We Offer

Joining JD.com means becoming part of a company where people, innovation, and impact go hand in hand. We offer a competitive salary, a great location, and a supportive, people-first culture where your growth truly matters. With access to global projects, learning opportunities, and an inclusive environment that values every voice, you'll have the space to shape the future with us.

About The Team

You'll be joining the JD.com team, which values collaboration, ownership, and a commitment to delivering high-quality results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

We are seeking a Machine Learning Team Lead with strong expertise in search and recommendation systems. In this role, you will lead a team of algorithm engineers, driving the design and implementation of cutting-edge models to enhance user experience, optimize traffic efficiency, and support JD.com's global e-commerce growth. You will balance hands-on technical contributions with strategic leadership, collaborating with product, engineering, and business teams to deliver scalable, high-impact solutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and mentor a team of algorithm engineers, providing technical direction and career development support.

• Design, develop, and optimize algorithms for search and recommendation systems, with a focus on improving personalization, conversion, and user engagement.

• Oversee traffic distribution strategies in search and recommendation scenarios to meet diverse business needs, including new product cold start, seller growth, and best-seller creation.

• Drive experimentation and evaluation of algorithms, ensuring scalable deployment and continuous performance improvements.

• Stay current with academic and industry advances in machine learning, NLP, and deep learning, and guide the team in applying them to real-world challenges.

• Work onsite in London.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master's degree or higher in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field, with specialization in machine learning, NLP, or information retrieval.

• 6+ years of experience in search, recommendation, or advertising systems, including at least 2 years in a leadership or team management role.

• Proficiency in machine learning, NLP, and deep learning algorithms, with experience using frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch.

• Strong programming skills in Python, C++, or Java, with solid understanding of data structures and algorithms.

• Strong communication skills in English and Chinese, with the ability to bridge technical and business perspectives in a multicultural environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working in global e-commerce or large-scale consumer platforms preferred.

At JD.com, we're committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We're proud to be an equal opportunity employer and make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.