[Remote] Staff Software Engineer, Machine Learning at Discord

San Francisco, California, United States

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Not SpecifiedCompensation

Senior (5 to 8 years)Experience Level

Full TimeJob Type

UnknownVisa

Biotechnology, SoftwareIndustries

Requirements

8+ years of experience in applied Machine Learning
Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field
Deep expertise in mainstream RecSys model architecture (e.g. two-tower, transformer-based model, multi-task learning, wide and deep etc.)
Strong proficiency in Python and ML frameworks such as PyTorch, JAX, or TensorFlow
Extensive experience building performant machine learning systems at scale and have driven execution from ideation to production implementation
Strong product intuition and a passion for building ML applications grounded in user feedback and real-world impact
Excellent communication and collaboration skills—able to lead complex, cross-functional technical initiatives and keep stakeholders aligned through clear updates and problem-solving
The ability to thrive in ambiguous environments, and are energized by tackling open-ended, technically challenging problems

Responsibilities

Raise the technical bar for the team by setting architectural direction, tackling systemic challenges, and identifying opportunities for innovation and efficiency
Design, build and scale robust, high-throughput, low latency recommender systems that power product features used by tens of millions of users every day
Build and deploy advanced ML models, leveraging deep learning, reinforcement learning, and optimization to drive engagement and enhance user experience
Collaborate cross-functionally to shape ML-driven product roadmaps, balancing speed of iteration with long-term system complexity and scalability

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

Machine LearningDeep LearningReinforcement LearningRecommender SystemsPythonPyTorchJAXTensorFlowSystem DesignArchitectural DirectionScalabilityOptimizationCross-functional Collaboration

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

Is this position remote-friendly?

This is a US-based position that can be remote.

What experience level is required for this role?

Candidates need 8+ years of experience in applied Machine Learning, including a Ph.D. or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, or a related field.

What technical skills are essential for this Staff Software Engineer role?

Key skills include deep expertise in mainstream RecSys model architectures like two-tower and transformer-based models, strong proficiency in Python and ML frameworks such as PyTorch, JAX, or TensorFlow, and extensive experience building performant ML systems at scale.

What salary or compensation does this position offer?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What makes a strong candidate for this Machine Learning Engineer role?

Strong candidates have 8+ years in applied ML, deep RecSys expertise, proficiency in Python and frameworks like PyTorch, experience scaling ML systems to production, strong product intuition, excellent communication skills, and the ability to thrive in ambiguous environments.

Discord

Voice, video, and text communication platform

About Discord

Discord is a communication platform that allows users to connect through voice, video, and text. It serves as a space for friends and communities to gather and share their interests, catering to a wide range of groups such as artists, activists, study groups, and hobbyists. Users can join various communities, known as servers, which host discussions and activities related to their interests. Unlike many other platforms, Discord does not rely on advertising or selling user data; instead, it offers a premium subscription service called Nitro, which provides additional features like enhanced streaming quality and customization options. The goal of Discord is to create a welcoming environment where people can build connections and foster a sense of belonging.

San Francisco, CaliforniaHeadquarters

2015Year Founded

$952.6MTotal Funding

SERIES_HCompany Stage

Consumer Software, Social ImpactIndustries

1,001-5,000Employees

Benefits

Stay healthy - We take care of our team with comprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision plans.

Parental perks - Spend some quality time with the next generation with parental leave, fertility, adoption, and surrogacy benefits.

Kick back - Stay refreshed with over 19 paid holidays, use-what-you-need sick days, and four weeks of PTO.

Commute easy - In a non-COVID world, get up to $270 per month for your commuting and parking needs.

The loadout - When we’re back in the office, enjoy daily catered lunches and snacks, a desk fund to make your space yours, and whatever you need for your computer setup, including a headphone allowance.

Wellness on us - Take advantage of a quarterly wellness allowance for your gym membership or other wellness activities. Virtual yoga every week!

Transgender benefits - Discord will reimburse up to $20,000 for any procedure related to transition.

Discord HQ - Our office is located in Potrero Hill, a little neighborhood in San Francisco near awesome coffee and food.

Relocation - Excellent relocation bonuses for new hires moving to San Francisco (once it’s safe to return).

Risks

Discord's revenue growth slowed in 2022, indicating potential market saturation.

Integrating Gas may alienate existing users if not managed carefully.

Decentralized platforms like SINOVATE pose a competitive threat to Discord's model.

Differentiation

Discord offers a unique ad-free communication platform with a premium subscription model.

It supports diverse communities, from gamers to artists, enhancing its user base diversity.

Discord's acquisition of Gas expands its reach to a younger, teen-focused audience.

Upsides

Discord's revenue grew 44% in 2022, showcasing resilience in a challenging market.

Integration with AI moderation tools can enhance user experience and safety.

Collaborations with educational platforms position Discord as a key remote learning tool.

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