# Staff Applied Scientist

**Company:** [Lyft](https://hotfix.jobs/companies/lyft)
**Location:** San Francisco, CA
**Role:** ML Engineering
**Salary:** $194k – $242k/yr
**Experience:** 7+ years
**Skills:** Machine Learning, operations research, Python, optimization, Data Analysis, Statistics, computer science, Algorithms, production code, metrics
**Posted:** 2026-07-26

> Develop and productionalize ML and optimization models for Lyft's pricing and ETA systems. Requires advanced degree, production ML/algorithms experience, and Python proficiency to solve large-scale marketplace problems.

## Job Description

## Responsibilities
- Partner with Data Scientists, Engineers, Product Managers, and Business Partners to frame problems mathematically and within the business context
- Write production quality code. Design, build and deploy production-grade ML and Optimization models. Able to build custom methods and tooling beyond off-the-shelf libraries.
- Perform data analysis and build proof-of-concepts to explore and propose ML and Optimization solutions to both new and existing problems.
- Evaluate machine learning systems against business goals. Collaborate with Engineers to implement algorithms in live systems and ensure the robustness of the systems
- Establish metrics and development measurement methodologies to monitor the health of our products, as well as the impacts on user and marketplace outcomes
- Drive collaboration and coordination with cross-functional teams

## Requirements
- M.S. or Ph.D. in Machine Learning, Operations Research, Statistics, Computer Science or other quantitative fields
- 2+ years of algorithms experience in a technology company setting
- Proficiency with Python and working in a production coding environment
- Passion for solving unstructured and non-standard mathematical problems and building impactful machine learning models leveraging expertise in one or multiple fields.
- Strong understanding of machine learning methodologies, with proven experience with building and evaluating optimization or machine learning models
- Strong verbal and written communication skills with a good track record of collaborating with others to solve a problem

## Benefits
- Great medical, dental, and vision insurance options with additional programs available when enrolled
- Mental health benefits
- Family building benefits
- Child care and pet benefits
- 401(k) plan with company match to help save for your future
- In addition to 12 observed holidays, salaried team members have discretionary paid time off, hourly team members have 15 days paid time off
- 18 weeks of paid parental leave. Biological, adoptive, and foster parents are all eligible
- Subsidized commuter benefits
- Monthly Lyft credits and complimentary Lyft Pink membership

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