Amazon

DESCRIPTION

We’re seeking a Principal Applied Scientist to spearhead the next generation of AI-driven shopping experiences for Alexa.

As a key scientific advisor to our organization, you will pioneer breakthrough solutions in Generative AI, Agentic AI, and Large Language Models (LLMs) to revolutionize voice-driven commerce at unprecedented scale. This role offers a unique opportunity to tackle complex, open-research problems at the intersection of e-commerce, conversational AI, and machine learning. You will define and execute the scientific strategy of Alexa Shopping, collaborate with cross-functional teams, and set the standard for scientific excellence within our organization.

Key job responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the scientific vision for Alexa Shopping, bringing innovative research and industry insights to strategic decisions.
• Drive the exploration and adoption of emerging technologies, particularly in Generative AI and Agentic AI, to create novel shopping experiences.
• Develop new evaluation methodologies and metrics that align scientific advancements with business objectives and customer needs.

Technical Excellence

• Architect and oversee the implementation of innovative, scalable AI solutions that span multiple teams and impact millions of customers.
• Identify and solve grand challenges in voice-driven commerce, bridging the gap between research and practical applications.
• Conduct high-level scientific reviews and provide expert guidance on complex solutions within the organization.

Organizational Impact

• Initiate and lead cross-functional projects that push the boundaries of what's possible in AI-driven shopping.
• Foster collaboration between Alexa and Shopping teams to create synergies and drive innovation in AI-powered retail experiences.

People Development & External Leadership

• Mentor and nurture the next generation of scientists, actively participating in their career development and growth.
• Elevate Amazon's scientific reputation through keynote presentations, publications in top-tier conferences, and leadership in the broader AI community.

About the team

The Alexa Shopping team is pioneering the future of voice-enabled commerce across all Alexa devices, including smart speakers, screens, the Alexa App, and Fire TV. We’re at the forefront of integrating innovative Generative AI and LLMs to transform the entire shopping journey into a seamless voice and touch experience. Our mission spans the complete shopping lifecycle, from upper-funnel discovery and personalized recommendations to search optimization, purchasing, reordering, order tracking, and post-purchase support. We’re reinventing how customers discover and interact with millions of products through conversational AI, making shopping more intuitive, accessible, and delightful. As part of our team, you'll work alongside world-class scientists and engineers to shape the next generation of AI-driven shopping experiences that will impact millions of customers globally.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Ph.D. in Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, or a related field.
• 10+ years in a commercial environment leading AI/ML research and development.
• Proven track record of pioneering large-scale, customer-facing AI systems that have delivered significant business impact.
• Deep expertise in machine learning, particularly in areas critical to conversational AI and e-commerce such as NLP, recommendation systems, multi-modal learning, and experience with large-scale distributed systems.
• Substantial publication record in major conferences and journals, demonstrating thought leadership in the field.
• Exceptional communication skills, with the ability to translate complex technical concepts for diverse audiences, from engineers to executives.
• Demonstrated success in mentoring and developing world-class scientific talent.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Expertise in AI applications for e-commerce or retail, with a focus on personalization and user experience.
• Hands-on experience building and deploying applications using state-of-the-art LLMs.
• Deep understanding of voice-based user interfaces and natural language understanding in commercial applications.
• Proven innovation record, evidenced by patents, significant open-source contributions, or foundational research papers.
• Strong product sense and ability to balance long-term research objectives with immediate business needs in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and driving collaboration across organizational boundaries.
• Experience with A/B testing and experimental design at scale.
• Familiarity with Amazon-specific AI/ML technologies.

Amazon is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of protected veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.

Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Our inclusive culture empowers Amazonians to deliver the best results for our customers. If you have a disability and need a workplace accommodation or adjustment during the application and hiring process, including support for the interview or onboarding process, please visit https://amazon.jobs/content/en/how-we-hire/accommodations for more information. If the country/region you’re applying in isn’t listed, please contact your Recruiting Partner.

Our compensation reflects the cost of labor across several US geographic markets. The base pay for this position ranges from $179,000/year in our lowest geographic market up to $309,400/year in our highest geographic market. Pay is based on a number of factors including market location and may vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. Amazon is a total compensation company. Dependent on the position offered, equity, sign-on payments, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to a full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits. For more information, please visit https://www.aboutamazon.com/workplace/employee-benefits. This position will remain posted until filled. Applicants should apply via our internal or external career site.