Senior Software Engineer, Machine Learning

Roku; Bengaluru; Hybrid; INR 4,200,000 - 8,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work model

Job summary

Roku seeks a senior ML leader to rebuild our relevance stack for the next decade, blending traditional IR with generative AI. You will spearhead ML and search ranking initiatives across large-scale platforms and collaborate with global engineering teams.

Bring 6+ years applying ML to large-scale problems in search/recommendation/ad domains, with strong CS fundamentals and hands-on coding in Java/Scala/Python. A PhD is preferred and curiosity about Gen AI is encouraged.

Qualifications

• Strong CS fundamentals with ability to translate ideas into code
• Deep understanding of machine learning concepts including classification and neural nets
• Experience with NLP stack and multi-modal representation learning is a plus
• Proficiency in Java, Scala, or Python and big data tech stack
• Experience with large-scale systems architecture and data pipelines

Responsibilities

• Apply ML techniques to search using DL, bandits, transformers, LLMs, causal inference and optimizations
• Run online AB tests and analyze KPI impact
• Collaborate with US engineering and cross-functional teams to translate business needs into specs
• Nurture ML ecosystem for scale and developer velocity
• Provide technical leadership for search ranking and monetization roadmaps
• Assist in recruiting; interview, train, and mentor new engineers

Skills

CS fundamentals

Programming in Java/Scala/Python

ML fundamentals

NLP & multi-modal

Big data systems (Spark/S3/Airflow)

System architecture

Gen AI curiosity

Education

M.S. in CS or Statistics

Ph.D. preferred in CS or related field

Tools

Spark

S3

Airflow

Job description

Teamwork makes the stream work. Roku is changing how the world watches TV

Roku is the #1 TV streaming platform in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, and we've set our sights on powering every television in the world. Roku pioneered streaming to the TV. Our mission is to be the TV streaming platform that connects the entire TV ecosystem. We connect consumers to the content they love, enable content publishers to build and monetize large audiences, and provide advertisers unique capabilities to engage consumers.

From your first day at Roku, you'll make a valuable – and valued – contribution. We're a fast-growing public company where no one is a bystander. We offer you the opportunity to delight millions of TV streamers around the world while gaining meaningful experience across a variety of disciplines.

About the role

Roku’s footprint has more than quadrupled in the past five years, and user expectations have leaped just as fast—think LLM-based query understanding, vector-DB retrieval, on-device models, and multimodal search (voice, text, image). We’re now rebuilding our relevance stack for the next decade, blending classic IR with generative‑AI techniques. You will be a technical leader spearheading that transformation.

Responsibilities

• Apply state of the art ML on search using techniques in deep learning, bandits, transformers, LLMs, causal inference, and optimizations to make our users more delighted and engaged on the platform
• Run online AB tests and analyze them against the critical business KPIs
• Collaborate with US engineering teams as well as cross‑functional teams to translate business requirements into technical specifications
• Nurture our ML ecosystem to make it withstand scale, developer velocity and future business shifts
• Provide technical leadership to drive technical and ML roadmap for search ranking and monetization
• Help recruiting new engineers. Interview, train, and mentor new team members

Qualifications

• 6+ years of experience (or PhD with 5 years of experience) applying Machine Learning to concrete problems at large-scale in domains such as recommendation or search or ads
• Strong CS fundamentals. Should be able covert ideas to code with ease
• Good understanding of machine learning fundamentals like classification, deep neural nets, and sequence-based models. Familiarity with modern NLP stack and multi‑modal representation learning is a plus
• We'd love to see that you've worked with big data systems (Spark, S3, and Airflow) and can program (Java, Scala, or Python)
• Good understanding of system architecture
• Experience in big data technologies and streaming architecture, data pipelines, etc.
• MS in Computer Science, Statistics, or related field, but a Ph.D. in CS or related fields is preferred
• AI literacy and curiosity. You have either tried Gen AI in your previous work or outside of work or are curious about Gen AI and have explored it

Our Hybrid Work Approach

Roku fosters an inclusive and collaborative environment where teams generally work in the office Monday through Thursday. Fridays are generally flexible for remote work, except for employees whose specific roles or assigned office location require five days' a week attendance.

Benefits

Roku is committed to offering a diverse range of benefits as part of our compensation package to support our employees and their families. Our comprehensive benefits include global access to mental health and financial wellness support and resources. Local benefits include statutory and voluntary benefits which may include healthcare (medical, dental, and vision), life, accident, disability, commuter, and retirement options (401(k)/pension). Employees are supported in taking time off, in accordance with local leave policies and other personal needs to support their evolving work and life needs. It's important to note that not every benefit is available in all locations or for every role. For details specific to your location, please consult with your recruiter.

Accommodations

Roku welcomes applicants of all backgrounds and provides reasonable accommodations and adjustments in accordance with applicable law. If you require reasonable accommodation at any point in the hiring process, please direct your inquiries to [e-mail].