Full job description
FreeWheel, a Comcast company, seeks a Sr Principal Scientist of Research & Optimization Sciences to lead a global team of research scientists and machine learning experts. The role involves defining scientific vision, research agenda, and technical strategy for large-scale advertising and marketing platforms. Responsibilities include leading research in machine learning, optimization, economics, and experimentation; developing large-scale ML systems for prediction, targeting, and campaign optimization; innovating DSP optimization and marketplace systems; recruiting and mentoring scientific talent; and translating research into production systems impacting revenue and platform efficiency. Requirements include a Ph.D. in a quantitative field, 15+ years developing ML and optimization systems, 10+ years leadership experience, expertise in machine learning, optimization, operations research, auction design, and experience managing global teams. The position offers a salary range of $288,594.24 to $384,792.31 USD in California with hybrid remote work options.
What you'll do
- Define and execute long-term research strategy for optimization, targeting, bidding, forecasting, and marketplace systems
- Lead a global team of research scientists and applied researchers across multiple geographies
- Identify emerging opportunities in machine learning, AI, optimization, and computational economics
- Foster a culture of scientific rigor, innovation, experimentation, and measurable business impact
- Drive development of large-scale machine learning systems for prediction, recommendation, targeting, and campaign optimization
- Advance state-of-the-art approaches in predictive modeling, reinforcement learning, causal inference, auction theory, multi-objective optimization, control systems, and operations research
- Oversee research from problem formulation through experimentation, deployment, and production monitoring
- Lead innovation across DSP optimization, campaign delivery, supply optimization, and audience targeting systems
- Partner with Product and Engineering leaders to align research investments with strategic business objectives
- Develop frameworks that improve advertiser outcomes, platform efficiency, and marketplace health
- Recruit, mentor, and retain top-tier scientific talent
- Establish technical standards, research processes, and career development frameworks
- Build collaborations across research, engineering, product, and commercial organizations
- Represent the company externally through publications, patents, industry conferences, and academic partnerships
- Translate advanced research into measurable improvements in revenue, efficiency, customer performance, and platform scalability
- Drive data-driven decision-making through experimentation and causal measurement frameworks
- Evaluate strategic technology investments and emerging opportunities
Requirements
- Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Operations Research, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Economics, or related quantitative field
- 15+ years of experience developing machine learning and optimization systems
- 10+ years of leadership experience managing research scientists and technical organizations
- Demonstrated success deploying research innovations into production environments at scale
- Deep expertise in machine learning, optimization, operations research, control theory, economics and auction design, statistical modeling, large-scale experimentation
- Track record of publications, patents, or significant scientific contributions
- Exceptional communication and executive stakeholder management skills
- Experience leading research organizations within digital advertising, marketing technology, marketplaces, or internet-scale platforms
- Expertise in demand-side platforms (DSPs), bidding systems, targeting technologies, or advertising optimization
- Experience managing globally distributed teams
- Strong record of academic and industry thought leadership
- Consistent exercise of independent judgment and discretion in matters of significance
- Regular, consistent and punctual attendance; must be able to work nights and weekends, variable schedule(s) as necessary
Tech stack
machine learningoptimizationreinforcement learningcausal inferenceauction theorymulti-objective optimizationcontrol systemsoperations researchpredictive modelingstatistical modelinglarge-scale experimentationdemand-side platforms (DSPs)bidding systemstargeting technologiesadvertising optimization
Benefits
Base pay within $288,594.24 - $384,792.31 USD range in CaliforniaBonus eligibility for non-sales positionsCommission eligibility for sales positionsComprehensive benefits supporting physical, financial, and emotional well-beingPersonalized support through expert guidance and always-on tools