Job description

The opportunity We are looking for a Senior Machine Learning Engineer to join our Vector Bidding Science team. In this role, you will define the technical vision and architect the next generation of scalable real-time bidding systems powered by cutting-edge AI, marketplace intelligence, and advanced optimization frameworks. As a key member of the Vector AI org, you will play a pivotal role in advancing Unity’s high-scale ads engine. By harnessing massive datasets and rich signals, you will develop state-of-the-art bidding and pacing algorithms that automatically maximize advertisers’ returns. What you’ll be doing Design, implement, and optimize core bidding algorithms and auction mechanisms Architect and scale bid landscape forecasting capabilities Analyze large-scale marketplace dynamics to uncover deep insights and deliver algorithmic improvements Drive offline evaluations and online A/B experiments to validate model performance and deliver measurable business impact Collaborate cross-functionally with product, infrastructure, and engineering teams What we’re looking for Hands-on experience in state-of-the-art machine learning, reinforcement learning, and control theory to complex, real-world bidding or pricing problems Strong software engineering skills in Python and experience with deep learning frameworks, preferably PyTorch Solid understanding of metric design, online experimentation frameworks (A/B testing), and large-scale data analysis Proven ability to lead projects end-to-end and deliver measurable business impact in an ambiguous technical landscape You might also have Experience working with large datasets and distributed computing frameworks (e.g., Spark, Ray, BigQuery, Flink) Experience building real-time ad systems, specifically in DSP (Demand-Side Platform) bidding logic, survival analysis for market price estimation, or game-theoretic modeling Experience leveraging AI tools (such as Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, and Cursor) to accelerate development Additional information Zone A: $188,200 - $244,600 USD Zone B: $167,200 - $217,300 USD Zone C: $148,700 - $193,300 USD This range reflects the anticipated base salary for this position. Beyond base salary, this role may be eligible for equity awards and participation in our company incentive plans (such as annual discretionary bonuses or sales commissions). The final offer amount will depend on several factors, including geographic location and the candidate’s relevant experience, professional background, and skill set. Benefits At Unity, we want our team members to thrive. We offer a wide range of benefits designed to support well-being and work-life balance. Please note: Benefits eligibility, specific offerings, and coverage vary based on the country and employment status. While specific benefits vary, here are some of the ways we strive to take care of our eligible team members globally: Comprehensive health, life, and disability insurance | Commute subsidy | Employee stock ownership | Competitive retirement/pension plans | Generous vacation and personal days | Support for new parents through leave and family-care programs | Office food snacks | Mental Health and Wellbeing programs and support | Employee Resource Groups | Global Employee Assistance Program | Training and development programs | Volunteering and donation matching program Life at Unity Unity [NYSE: U] is the world’s leading game engine, powering play for more than 3 billion consumers each month. The top mobile games in the world, the most played PC indie titles, the most innovative console games, and virtually all of the top XR and Web Games are developed, deployed, and grown in Unity. Unity also enables teams across industries like automotive, manufacturing, and healthcare to design, simulate, and collaborate in 3D — closing the gap between ideas and reality. For more information, please visit www.unity.com . Unity is a proud equal opportunity employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative environment and celebrate our employees across age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other protected status in accordance with applicable law. Our differences are strengths that enable us to support the growing and evolving needs of our customers, partners, and collaborators. If you have a disability that means there are preparations or accommodations we can make to help ensure you have a comfortable and positive interview experience, please fill out this form to let us know. This position requires the incumbent to have a sufficient knowledge of English to have professional verbal and written exchanges in this language since the performance of the duties related to this position requires frequent and regular communication with colleagues and partners located worldwide and whose common language is English. This posting is intended to fill an existing vacancy, and we are committed to providing applicants with updates throughout the hiring process in accordance with applicable law. Headhunters and recruitment agencies may not submit resumes/CVs through this website or directly to managers. Unity does not accept unsolicited headhunter and agency resumes. Unity will not pay fees to any third-party agency or company that does not have a signed agreement with Unity. Your privacy is important to us. Please take a moment to review our Prospect and Applicant Privacy Policies. Should you have any concerns about your privacy, please contact us at DPO unity.com.

Requirements

Must-haves

What you’ll be doing
Design, implement, and optimize core bidding algorithms and auction mechanisms
Architect and scale bid landscape forecasting capabilities
Analyze large-scale marketplace dynamics to uncover deep insights and deliver algorithmic improvements
Drive offline evaluations and online A/B experiments to validate model performance and deliver measurable business impact
Collaborate cross-functionally with product, infrastructure, and engineering teams
What we’re looking for
Hands-on experience in state-of-the-art machine learning, reinforcement learning, and control theory to complex, real-world bidding or pricing problems
Strong software engineering skills in Python and experience with deep learning frameworks, preferably PyTorch
Solid understanding of metric design, online experimentation frameworks (A/B testing), and large-scale data analysis
Proven ability to lead projects end-to-end and deliver measurable business impact in an ambiguous technical landscape
You might also have
Experience working with large datasets and distributed computing frameworks (e.g., Spark, Ray, BigQuery, Flink)
Experience building real-time ad systems, specifically in DSP (Demand-Side Platform) bidding logic, survival analysis for market price estimation, or game-theoretic modeling
Experience leveraging AI tools (such as Claude Code, GitHub Copilot, and Cursor) to accelerate development
Additional information
Zone A: $188,200 - $244,600 USD
Zone B: $167,200 - $217,300 USD
Zone C: $148,700 - $193,300 USD

Nice-to-haves

None flagged.

Application prep

Use the role’s language and application details while tailoring your materials.

Keywords to mirror

machine learningaipython

Platform: workday
Effort: long

Benefits

Benefits detected in the listing.

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