Staff Machine Learning Engineer

PayPal; San Jose (CA); Hybrid; USD 228,000 - 301,000; Full time

Job summary

PayPal, Inc. seeks a Staff Machine Learning Engineer in San Jose, CA to design and deploy scalable risk analytics solutions and generative AI models that enhance the PayPal customer experience.

You will lead and collaborate with data scientists and engineers to solve complex ML problems, drive architecture decisions, and advance AI capabilities across the platform. This role offers a balanced hybrid work model and opportunities for mentor and growth.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or foreign equivalent in Computer Science, Engineering, or closely related field +5 years experience in ML/AI roles.
• Bachelor's degree or foreign equivalent +8 years experience accepted as alternative.

Responsibilities

• Design and deploy scalable risk analytics solutions and generative AI models.
• Lead collaboration with data scientists and system engineers to solve ML problems.
• Define technical standards and ensure high code quality and reliability through testing and reviews.
• Research and incorporate state-of-the-art ML techniques and frameworks.
• Lead architecture design across cross-functional groups and drive outcomes.
• Mentor senior/junior team members and foster collaboration and learning.

Skills

Python

Java

Generative AI

LangChain

LlamaIndex

Big data processing

Spark

Hadoop

Flink

Cloud platforms

Docker

Kubernetes

Airflow

MLflow

MLOps

Risk analytics

Anomaly detection

CI/CD

Git

Team leadership

Education

Master's degree in CS/Engineering

Bachelor's degree in CS/Engineering

Tools

Spark

Hadoop

Flink

LangChain

LlamaIndex

Docker

Kubernetes

Airflow

MLflow

Git

Job description

The CompanyPayPal has been revolutionizing commerce globally for more than 25 years. Creating innovative experiences that make moving money, selling, and shopping simple, personalized, and secure, PayPal empowers consumers and businesses in approximately 200 markets to join and thrive in the global economy.We operate a global, two-sided network at scale that connects hundreds of millions of merchants and consumers. We help merchants and consumers connect, transact, and complete payments, whether they are online or in person. PayPal is more than a connection to third-party payment networks. We provide proprietary payment solutions accepted by merchants that enable the completion of payments on our platform on behalf of our customers.We offer our customers the flexibility to use their accounts to purchase and receive payments for goods and services, as well as the ability to transfer and withdraw funds. We enable consumers to exchange funds more safely with merchants using a variety of funding sources, which may include a bank account, a PayPal or Venmo account balance, PayPal and Venmo branded credit products, a credit card, a debit card, certain cryptocurrencies, or other stored value products such as gift cards, and eligible credit card rewards. Our PayPal, Venmo, and Xoom products also make it safer and simpler for friends and family to transfer funds to each other. We offer merchants an end-to-end payments solution that provides authorization and settlement capabilities, as well as instant access to funds and payouts. We also help merchants connect with their customers, process exchanges and returns, and manage risk. We enable consumers to engage in cross-border shopping and merchants to extend their global reach while reducing the complexity and friction involved in enabling cross-border trade.Our beliefs are the foundation for how we conduct business every day. We live each day guided by our core values of Inclusion, Innovation, Collaboration, and Wellness. Together, our values ensure that we work together as one global team with our customers at the center of everything we do – and they push us to ensure we take care of ourselves, each other, and our communities.Job Summary:Job Description:PayPal, Inc. seeks Staff Machine Learning Engineer in San Jose, CAJob Duties: Design and deploy scalable Risk analytical solutions and generative AI solutions and productize Machine Learning models that enhance PayPal's ability to provide a seamless customer experience. Lead and collaborate with data scientists and system engineers to solve complex problems with machine learning and AI capabilities. Define technical standards and ensure high code quality, performance, and reliability through rigorous testing, code reviews, and adherence to software development best practices. Drive innovation by researching and incorporating state-of-the-art machine learning techniques, tools, and frameworks into the platform. Lead architecture design and technical decision-making across cross-functional groups and deliver results in matrix organizations. Develop different AI agents to automate workflow, detect live issues and provide fix suggestions. Mentor senior and junior team members, provide technical guidance and strategic direction, and foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning. Partial telecommuting permitted from a commutable distance.Minimum Requirements: Master’s degree, or foreign equivalent, in Computer Science, Engineering, or a closely related field plus five years of experience in the job offered or a related occupation. Employer will accept a Bachelor’s degree, or foreign equivalent, in Computer Science, Engineering or a closely related field plus eight years of progressively responsible experience in the job offered or a related occupation.Special Skill Requirements:(1) Experience designing and deploying scalable machine learning models and pipelines in production environments using Python and Java (4 years)(2) Experience developing and productizing Generative AI solutions, including LLMs, RAG pipelines, or AI agents (e.g., LangChain, LlamaIndex, or similar frameworks) (2 years)(3) Experience with big data technologies and distributed computing frameworks such as Spark, Hadoop, or Flink for large-scale data processing (3 years)(4) Experience designing and developing large-scale software applications using Object-Oriented Design in Java or Python (4 years)(5) Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, or Azure) for deploying and managing ML/AI workloads, including containerization with Docker and Kubernetes (2 years)(6) Experience building and maintaining data pipelines and ML feature engineering systems using tools such as Airflow, MLflow, or similar MLOps platforms (2 years)(7) Experience in risk analytics or fraud detection domains, including model development for anomaly detection, payment risk, or transaction monitoring (2 years)(8) Experience developing AI agents or workflow automation systems using agentic frameworks for issue detection, root cause analysis, or automated remediation (1 year)(9) Experience with software engineering best practices including code reviews, unit/integration testing, CI/CD pipelines, and version control (e.g., Git) (4 years)(10) Experience leading cross-functional teams of data scientists, product managers, and system engineers to deliver end-to-end ML/AI solutions in a matrix organization (3 years)Additional Responsibilities & Preferred Qualifications:EOE, including disability/vets.The base pay for this role will depend on where you work and the relevant experience and expertise you bring. The expected range of pay for this role by location is:Primary Location | Pay Range:San Jose, California | Salary: $227,639.00-300,500.00 per annum. 40 hours per week; M-F, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.Additional compensation for this role may include an annual performance bonus, equity, or other incentive compensation, as applicable.Must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. without sponsorship.Subsidiary:PayPalTravel Percent:0PayPal does not charge candidates any fees for courses, applications, resume reviews, interviews, background checks, or onboarding. When making an application directly, we will never ask you to share passwords, one-time passcodes (OTP), or verification codes. Any such request is a red flag and likely part of a scam. All communication regarding your application will come from official PayPal email domains. If you suspect fraudulent activity, please report it immediately. To learn more about how to identify and avoid recruitment fraud please visit https://careers.pypl.com/contact-us.For the majority of employees, PayPal's balanced hybrid work model offers 3 days in the office for effective in-person collaboration and 2 days at your choice of either the PayPal office or your home workspace, ensuring that you equally have the benefits and conveniences of both locations.Our Benefits:At PayPal, we’re committed to building an equitable and inclusive global economy. And we can’t do this without our most important asset-you. That’s why we offer comprehensive, choice-based programs, to support all aspects of personal wellbeing—physical, emotional, and financial—delivering meaningful value where it matters most. We strive to create a flexible, balanced work culture with a holistic approach to benefits, including generous paid time off, healthcare coverage for you and your family, and resources to create financial security and support your mental health.Who We Are:Commitment to Diversity and InclusionPayPal provides equal employment opportunity (EEO) to all persons regardless of age, color, national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. In addition, PayPal will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities. If you are unable to submit an application because of incompatible assistive technology or a disability, please contact us at [e-mail] at PayPal:Our employees are central to advancing our mission, and we strive to create an environment where everyone can do their best work with a sense of purpose and belonging. Belonging at PayPal means creating a workplace with a sense of acceptance and security where all employees feel included and valued. We are proud to have a diverse workforce reflective of the merchants, consumers, and communities that we serve, and we continue to take tangible actions to cultivate inclusivity and belonging at PayPal.Any general requests for consideration of your skills, please Join our Talent Community.We know the confidence gap and imposter syndrome can get in the way of meeting spectacular candidates. Please don’t hesitate to apply.