Data Scientist

Who you are

• Strong technical foundations in statistics, machine learning, and programming, backed by a track record of solving complex, real-world data science problems. Demonstrated capability matters more than academic credentials
• Hands-on experience developing ML models in business or production environments, with the ability to clearly explain the problems addressed, your specific contributions, and the resulting impact
• Ownership, sound judgment, and analytical thinking, with the ability to navigate technical trade-offs, work independently, and recognize when to seek guidance
• Fluency with AI-assisted workflows, leveraging modern tools to improve productivity and quality while critically evaluating their outputs and limitations
• Curiosity, humility, and a collaborative mindset, with a commitment to continuous learning, sharing knowledge, and improving together
• Hands-on experience with technologies relevant to KAYAK’s stack, such as PyTorch, Polars, CometML, Arize, Docker, Airflow, Trino and Git/Github
• Familiarity with Agile ways of working, such as sprint planning and team ceremonies

What the job involves

• KAYAK is looking for a mid-level Data Scientist to build recommendation systems that improve how travelers discover and choose travel options
• You’ll translate product and business questions into measurable modeling problems, develop and test solutions with data and experimentation, and partner with researchers, engineers, and cross-functional teams to bring promising work into production.
• Your work will improve the traveler experience and key business metrics across KAYAK
• Translate product and business challenges into well-defined modeling problems, hypotheses, and measurable objectives
• Ship production-ready, scalable Machine Learning solutions with real-world impact on user experience and key business metrics
• Design and evaluate experiments, building rapid prototypes, assessing results rigorously, and iterating on promising ideas
• Collaborate across Data Science, Product, and Engineering, communicating findings, recommendations, and trade-offs clearly and concisely to both technical and non-technical audiences

Benefits

• Work flexibly: Our global flexible work policy lets our teams decide if they head into one of our offices or work from anywhere else
• Team-wide time off: Most of our team disconnects at the same time each year to recharge and reconnect
• Global volunteer week: Take VTO (Volunteer Time Off) to support the organizations and charitable efforts you believe in
• Wellness: We take care of each other - providing opportunities and spaces to live that work-life balance
• Resource groups: Our five ERGs are employee-led groups for underrepresented communities and their allies
• Career growth: We provide opportunities for our team to develop their skills – or learn new ones – on their own terms