Sr AI Machine Learning Engineer

Petco; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Petco is seeking a Machine Learning Engineer in San Diego to bridge Data Science and Software Engineering. You will build smart features powering personalized recommendations, demand forecasting, and price optimization, while ensuring scalable, production-grade code for web and mobile platforms.

You will deploy/monitor ML models in production, automate data pipelines, and collaborate with software and mobile teams to plug AI features into Petco’s experiences.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of ML engineering, MLOps, or AI-focused software.
• Strong Python and clean code practices with CI/CD.
• Experience deploying and monitoring ML in production.
• Cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, or Azure) and SQL proficiency.
• Hands-on API or microservices development for real-time predictions.

Responsibilities

• Model development for core AI features powering the Petco experience.
• Build and maintain robust data/ML pipelines with automated retraining.
• Collaborate with Software Engineering and Mobile teams to integrate AI features.
• Experiment with Generative AI/LLMs to drive revenue and automation.
• Mentor junior engineers to improve code practices and delivery.

Skills

Python

MLOps

CI/CD

REST APIs

SQL

Git

Unit testing

Tools

MLflow

Airflow

Kubeflow

Docker

Kubernetes

Job description

At Petco, we are bridging the gap between cutting-edge AI research and real-world software applications. We are looking for a Machine Learning Engineer who acts as the bridge between Data Science and Software Engineering.

In this role, you will build the "smart" features that power the Petco experience—from personalized product recommendations and demand forecasting to automated price optimization. You won't just train models; you will write the scalable, production-grade code that ensures those AI models run smoothly and reliably on our website and mobile app without breaking.

What You’ll Do (Day-to-Day)

• Model Development: Build the core AI models and algorithms that solve critical retail and e-commerce challenges (e.g., matching the right product recommendations to individual shoppers).
• MLOps & Automated Pipelines: Build and maintain robust data/ML pipelines. You will automate model re-training with daily data, monitor performance metrics in production, and ensure 24/7 reliability.
• Cross-Functional Integration: Partner closely with core Software Engineering and Mobile teams to seamlessly plug AI features directly into Petco’s web and mobile platforms.
• R&D & Tech Innovation: Experiment with emerging technologies (e.g., Generative AI, LLMs) to discover new ways to drive revenue, automate processes, and enhance customer experience.
• Mentorship: Serve as a coach and technical guide for junior engineers, helping level up team practices and code quality.

What We’re Looking For

• Experience: 3+ years of experience in Machine Learning Engineering, MLOps, or Software Engineering with an AI focus.
• Software Engineering Fundamentals: High proficiency in Python and standard engineering practices (clean code, OOP, CI/CD pipelines, Git, unit testing).
• Production MLOps: Proven track record of deploying and monitoring ML models in production (e.g., using MLflow, Airflow, Kubeflow, or cloud-native tooling).
• Cloud & Data Ecosystem: Strong experience with Cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, or Azure) and advanced SQL.
• API & Systems Integration: Hands-on experience developing and consuming REST APIs or microservices to serve model predictions in real time.

Nice-to-Haves

• Practical experience or strong interest in Generative AI and LLM integration.
• Experience in E-commerce, Retail, or Supply Chain analytics.
• Strong communication skills with an ability to translate complex technical ideas into business value.