# Principal Applied Data Scientist - Search and Browse (NLP, Vector Search, LLMs)

Hiring organization: [Target](https://career.thegoodapps.co/organizations/target)

Canonical page: https://career.thegoodapps.co/jobs/81aac289-515f-4c92-bc09-c5e36f403816

Listed on Target's own careers site. Applications go to them directly.

- Employment type: full time
- Seniority: Principal
- Salary: 168000 – 356000 USD per year

## Summary

A principal-level role leading the technical strategy for Target's search, retrieval, and discovery systems, including semantic search, vector databases, and LLM integration at billion-dollar scale. This suits experienced machine learning leaders with deep expertise in information retrieval and AI systems who can architect production solutions and guide organizational direction.

_Our summary, not Target's wording._

## Skills named

Experimentation, LLMs (Large Language Models), Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing, Python, Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)

## Required

- PhD or MS in Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Mathematics, Physics or related quantitative discipline
- 8+ years building and scaling ML systems for Search, Recommendation, Personalization, Ads or AI platforms
- Strong experience with semantic retrieval, vector search, RAG systems, conversational search or agentic AI
- Deep expertise in retrieval/ranking architectures, recommendation systems, semantic search and NLP/LLMs
- Python programming and technical ML problem-solving skills
- Demonstrated architecture definition and long-term strategy experience for large-scale production AI systems
- Experience operating large-scale online systems with strict latency, scalability and reliability requirements
- Strong understanding of retrieval/ranking system tradeoffs and experimentation strategy
- Track record driving measurable business impact through ML innovation
- Experience leading cross-functional initiatives spanning multiple teams
- Ability to influence executive stakeholders and drive technical direction

Apply on Target's site: https://target.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/targetcareers/job/100-Mathilda-PlaceSte-100-SunnyvaleCA-94086-6017/Principal-Applied-Data-Scientist---Search-and-Browse--NLP--Vector-Search--LLMs-_R0000438138