Principal Data Scientist: AI Search & Discovery (Hybrid)

Target; Sunnyvale (CA); Hybrid; USD 168,000 - 356,000; Full time

Job summary

Target is seeking a Principal Data Scientist for Search and Browse to shape the long-term AI vision and build scalable search and discovery systems. You will lead architecture for large-scale retrieval and ranking, drive innovations in GenAI, and mentor senior scientists across the organization.

The role blends research excellence with practical product impact, in a hybrid work setup. The ideal candidate has 8+ years in ML systems, strong NLP/LLMs expertise, and a track record of influencing

Qualifications

• PhD or MS in Computer Science or related quantitative field.
• 8+ years of industry ML systems experience.
• Strong experience with semantic retrieval, vector search, and RAG.
• Experience with NLP/LLMs and experimentation.
• Proven Python programming and ML problem-solving skills.
• Ability to influence executive stakeholders and drive direction.
• Experience leading cross-functional initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Define long-term technical vision and roadmap for Search, Browse, and AI discovery.
• Lead architecture for large-scale retrieval, ranking, and GenAI systems.
• Drive innovation across transformers, LLMs, RAG, and multi-stage ranking.
• Architect search systems for external LLM and agentic search ecosystem integration.
• Mentor scientists and lead teams across organization.

Skills

PhD or MS in Computer Science, Stats,/

8+ years ML systems

Semantic retrieval, vector search, RAG

NLP/LLMs, experimentation

Python programming

Large-scale AI architecture

Cross-functional leadership

Executive stakeholder influence

Mentoring & leadership

Education

PhD or MS in Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Physics or related quantitative discipline

Tools

VertexAI

Job description

Target is seeking a Principal Data Scientist for Search and Browse to shape the long-term AI vision and build scalable search and discovery systems. You will lead architecture for large-scale retrieval and ranking, drive innovations in GenAI, and mentor senior scientists across the organization.

The role blends research excellence with practical product impact, in a hybrid work setup. The ideal candidate has 8+ years in ML systems, strong NLP/LLMs expertise, and a track record of influencing