Amazon

Senior Data Scientist, Special Projects

Amazon$159K — $215K *
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience with SQL, Python, R, SAS, or Matlab
  • Master's degree in a STEM field or equivalent experience
  • Expertise in statistical models and automated analytical systems
  • PhD in a STEM field preferred
  • Knowledge of machine learning techniques and algorithms
  • Experience in a data science or ML role at a large tech company
  • Background in multi-team, cross-disciplinary project work

Responsibilities

  • Work with complex datasets to extract insights and explain model behavior
  • Design experiments and observational studies with rigorous statistical methods
  • Benchmark models and datasets with classical and modern techniques
  • Implement production-grade measurement and MLOps practices
  • Communicate findings and metrics to improve team decision-making
  • Investigate data anomalies and ensure data integrity across sources
  • Develop scalable analytics and modeling code in SQL and Python

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Generous paid time off and parental leave
  • Adoption and surrogacy reimbursement
  • Mental health support and employee assistance programs
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Sign-on payments and stock units
Full Job Description
Key job responsibilities

Work hands-on with complex, noisy datasets to derive actionable insights and explain/debug black-box models using interpretability and data-attribution methods (e.g., SHAP/TreeSHAP, Anchors, Integrated Gradients, counterfactuals, nearest-neighbor exemplars, influence/data attribution).

Design and analyze experiments and observational studies with rigorous statistical inference, including confidence intervals, power/sample-size estimation, variance reduction, and appropriate tests (e.g., two-sample tests, permutation tests, sequential testing, and multiple-comparison control such as FDR).

Benchmark models and datasets using classical and modern techniques; select ML methods based on data and operational constraints (e.g., clustering/KDE, tree ensembles, CNN/RNN/Transformers, representation learning), and evaluate with robust metrics and diagnostics (e.g., AUROC, AUPRG, proper scoring rules/losses, calibration/ECE, threshold/utility curves, slice-based evaluation, and error analysis).

Apply production-grade measurement and MLOps practices, including data quality monitoring, drift/shift detection (PSI, KS, MMD/embedding drift), and A/B test design and readouts with disciplined diagnosis of metric movement (e.g., instrumentation changes, seasonality, novelty effects, sample-ratio mismatch, guardrail tradeoffs).

Deliver end-to-end analyses that improve team execution and decision-making-define goal-driving metrics with stakeholders, build clear reporting (tables, dashboards, and visualizations), and communicate results that translate into concrete actions.

Investigate anomalies and data integrity issues across diverse data sources using structured root-cause analysis, correlation diagnostics, significance testing, and simulation across high- and low-fidelity datasets.

Partner closely with cross-functional domain experts to design experiments and interpret results, applying modern statistical methods to evaluate predictive and generative models as well as operational and process performance.

Develop production-quality analytics and modeling code-write well-tested, maintainable SQL/Python scripts and analysis workflows that can be promoted into production pipelines, and continuously adopt new statistical methods and best practices as the field evolves.

A day in the life

New data has just landed and promoted to our datalake. You load the data and verify it's overall integrity by visualizing variation across target subsets. You realize we may have made progress toward our goals and begin to test the validity of your nominal results. At midday you grab lunch with new coworkers and learn about their fields or weird interests (there are many). You generate visualizations for the entire dataset and perform significance tests that reinforce specific findings. You meet with peers in the afternoon to discuss your findings and breakdown the remaining tasks to finalize your group report!

About the team

Innovators wanted! Are you an entrepreneur? A builder? A dreamer? This role is part of an Amazon Special Projects team that takes the company's Think Big leadership principle to the limits. We focus on creating entirely new products and services with a goal of positively impacting the lives of our customers. No industries or subject areas are out of bounds. If you're interested in innovating at scale to address big challenges in the world, this is the team for you.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

- 5+ years of data querying languages (e.g. SQL), scripting languages (e.g. Python) or statistical/mathematical software (e.g. R, SAS, Matlab, etc.) experience

- Master's degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM), or experience working in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM)

- Experience in applying statistical models for large-scale application and building automated analytical systems

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

- PhD in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM)

- Knowledge of machine learning approaches and algorithms

- Experience in a ML or data scientist role with a large technology company

- 5+ years of working with Data & AI related technologies, including, but not limited to, AI/ML, GenAI, Analytics, Database, and/or Storage experience

- Experience working on multi-team, cross-disciplinary projects

- Experience applying quantitative analysis to solve business problems and making data-driven business decisions

- Experience effectively communicating complex concepts through written and verbal communication

The base salary range for this position is listed below. Your Amazon package will include sign-on payments and restricted stock units (RSUs). Final compensation will be determined based on factors including experience, qualifications, and location. Amazon also offers comprehensive benefits including health insurance (medical, dental, vision, prescription, Basic Life & AD&D insurance and option for Supplemental life plans, EAP, Mental Health Support, Medical Advice Line, Flexible Spending Accounts, Adoption and Surrogacy Reimbursement coverage), 401(k) matching, paid time off, and parental leave. Learn more about our benefits at https://amazon.jobs/en/benefits.

USA, WA, Seattle - 159,200.00 - 215,300.00 USD annually

About Amazon

Audible is a provider of spoken audio information and entertainment , on the Internet. They provide premium spoken audio content, such as audio versions of books and newspapers and radio programs, that is delivered over the Internet and played back on personal computers and hand-held electronic devices. The Audible service allows consumers to purchase and download their content from their Website, store it in digital files and play it back on personal computers and electronic devices. More than 15,000 hours of audio content are available on their Web site, including audio versions of books, periodicals and radio programs. Several manufacturers have agreed to support and promote the playback of their content on their hand-held audio-enabled electronic devices.

Amazon Careers

Joining Amazon presents an unparalleled opportunity to become part of a vibrant team pushing the boundaries of innovation and growth in the global marketplace. As a leader in e-commerce, technology, and logistics, Amazon offers a variety of job opportunities that cater to a range of skills and professional interests. Work You’ll Do At Amazon, every day is an opportunity to collaborate with the brightest minds in technology and business to redefine what’s possible. Whether you’re interested in software development, marketing, human resources, or customer service, Amazon has a position waiting for you. Transform the way the world shops and innovates with our diverse and inclusive team. Amazon is not just a company; it’s a community where you can drive real change and contribute to projects impacting millions globally. Lead with Innovation and Leadership Amazon is the perfect place to enhance your leadership and innovation skills. Our culture encourages pushing the envelope and imagining the unimaginable. Here, you will lead projects that challenge the status quo and define new industry standards. Work with a team that values diversity and is committed to creating an inclusive environment. Our leadership is focused on harnessing the collective power of unique perspectives to foster growth and innovation. Explore Amazon’s Employment Benefits Amazon’s commitment to its employees extends beyond just career growth. We offer competitive benefits, including health care, parental leave, and diversity training, ensuring that our team not only excels professionally but also enjoys well-being and security. Internship and Networking Opportunities Start your career with an Amazon internship and gain hands-on experience that matters. Our internships provide a gateway to full-time employment and an opportunity to network with professionals across various sectors of the company. Future-Proof Your Career With Amazon, your career path is filled with numerous opportunities for advancement. Our learning and development programs are designed to nurture your professional growth and keep you at the forefront of industry trends. Stay Connected Join Our Team Discover the job opportunities at Amazon that match your skills and interests. We are constantly on the lookout for passionate, curious, and innovative team players ready to make a difference. Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts, the latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Explore the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at Amazon. Amazon is more than just a company—it’s a platform for building a promising future. Whether you’re starting or looking to advance your career, Amazon offers the resources, support, and network you need to succeed. Join us, and be a part of our continuing mission to be Earth's most customer-centric company.
Learn more about Amazon
Size
1,608 employees
Market Cap
$832.6 billion
Industry
Net Income
$21.3 billion
Founded
1994
5 Year Trend
+28.1%
Revenue
$386 billion
NASDAQ

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