Data Scientist

Ulta Beauty; Bolingbrook (IL); On-site; USD 103,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Life insurance

Disability benefits

Job summary

Ulta Beauty in Bolingbrook, IL is seeking a data scientist to design and productionize machine learning models that optimize guest experiences and operational tactics across our omnichannel platforms.

You will mine data from 1500+ stores and our e-commerce system, collaborate with AI engineering, and translate business needs into technical scope while maintaining data quality and governance.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of professional experience in data science, ML or analytics in production.
• Advanced degree in a quantitative field; equivalent experience considered.
• Strong knowledge of ML concepts (supervised/unsupervised, regression, inference).
• Proficiency in Python and scientific/ML libraries (SciPy, NumPy, scikit-learn).
• Experience building and maintaining ML pipelines and production models.

Responsibilities

• Design and deploy data science and ML models to optimize operations and guest experiences.
• Research new ML approaches to drive innovative retail solutions.
• Mine data across stores, e-commerce, and loyalty programs to enable data-driven decisions.
• Partner with AI engineering and architecture to provide DS perspective in cross-functional work.
• Translate business needs into a concrete technical scope and ensure data quality.

Skills

Python

Data science

Machine learning

Statistical inference

Multivariate regression

Communication skills

Education

Advanced degree in quantitative field

Tools

Databricks

GCP

CI/CD

MLflow

Git

Airflow

Jenkins

PySpark / Spark ML

TensorFlow / PyTorch

Job description

Overview

Live the

Overview

Live the experience. From professional empowerment to continual learning opportunities. From ongoing investment in new and emerging technologies to a career of self-determination. At Ulta Beauty, our tech team is critical to our scalability—and is recognized that way. We’ve been defined as a “mature start-up.” A place where interdepartmental exposure, open doors, and genuine collaboration is ubiquitous. Where challenges come fast and furious, requiring agility, mental dexterity, and creativity. Where our passion for better solutions drives us and is core to who we are. We’re engineering for the future of retail, and it’s no-holds-barred. But for those motivated by continual change and ambiguity, by superior leadership, by whip smart colleagues who will press you daily for your very best, you’ll find that virtually nothing’s impossible at Ulta Beauty.

THE IMPACT YOU CAN MAKE:

• Design and develop data science and machine learning models to optimize operational tactics, marketing messages, and guest experiences, while generating efficiencies across Ulta Beauty
• In addition to classical statistical methods, research and implement new machine learning approaches and techniques to drive innovative solutions that solve business problems
• Mine our rich, omnichannel, customer data assets across 1500+ stores, a leading e-commerce platform, and 46M+ Ultamate Rewards loyalty program members to construct analytical solutions that enable data-driven decisions
• Partner with the AI Engineering and Architecture peers, contributing the Data Science perspective in cross-functional discussions
• Engage with business and product stakeholders to refine requirements into a concrete, technical scope
• Explain and present complex analytical approaches and model results in a concise manner to drive alignment and outcomes from business partners
• Ensure data integrity and quality by leveraging proven methodologies, including data reconciliation, data integration and data audits
• Continue driving a data-driven culture and contribute to the creation of enterprise AI capabilities and platforms that power Ulta Beauty’s future

YOU'LL ACCOMPLISH THESE GOALS BY:

• 2+ years of professional experience in data science, machine learning, or analytics functions, with a track record of owning and delivering work in a production environment
• Advanced degree in a highly quantitative field such as Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Engineering, Economics, etc. Equivalent professional experience will be considered.
• In-depth knowledge and experience with data science and machine learning concepts (e.g., multivariate regression, statistical inference, supervised and unsupervised learning, etc.)
• Proficiency in Python and scientific related frameworks (e.g., Scikit-Learn, NumPy, SciPy etc.)
• Hands-on experience designing, deploying, and maintaining machine learning pipelines
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to communicate complex ideas to various audiences in both a technical and user-friendly language
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively both in a team environment and independently by handling multiple projects, meeting deadlines, prioritizing appropriately and responding to issues quickly and creatively with an open and positive attitude
• Energetic and self-motivated with a strong sense of curiosity - must be extremely organized and detail oriented with an ability to make proactive recommendations
• Passion for broadening your technical skills and diving into unknown problems

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Hands-on experience working in Databricks and enterprise cloud platforms, preferably GCP
• Practical experience with CI/CD and MLOps best practices and tools (Git, Airflow, MLflow, Jenkins, etc.)
• Experience with Apache Spark (PySpark, and Spark ML) and/or deep learning frameworks (e.g., Tensorflow, Torch, etc.)
• Understanding of causal and uplift models
• Prior work in retail, e-commerce, or consumer-facing technology environments

The pay range for this position is $102,900.00 - $130,000.00 / Year with the opportunity for eligible associates to earn additional compensation pursuant to the Company’s bonus plan. Exact pay will be based on factors including, but not limited to relevant education, qualifications, certifications, experience, level, shift, geographic location, and business and organizational needs.

Full-time positions are eligible for paid time off, health, dental, vision, life and disability benefits. Part-time positions are eligible for dental, vision, life, and disability benefits.

For additional information concerning our benefits, visit our Benefits and Career Development page: https://learn.bswift.com/ulta

About

At Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ: ULTA), the possibilities are beautiful. Ulta Beauty is the largest North American beauty retailer and the premier beauty destination for cosmetics, fragrance, skin care products, hair care products and salon services. We bring possibilities to life through the power of beauty each and every day in our stores and online with more than 25,000 products from approximately 500 well-established and emerging beauty brands across all categories and price points, including Ulta Beauty’s own private label. Ulta Beauty also offers a full-service salon in every store featuring—hair, skin, brow, and make-up services.

We will consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with arrest records, conviction records, or other criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of any applicable state and local laws, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the New York City Fair Chance Act.