Applied Machine Learning Scientist

<p><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><strong> </strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><span style="color:indianred"><strong>Work Location Type: </strong></span><span style="color:indianred"><strong><strong><strong><strong>Remote</strong></strong></strong></strong></span><span style="color:indianred">  </span></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10.0pt;color:indianred;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif">Req Number  330953</span></p> <p><span style="color:indianred;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><strong>About Grainger</strong></span></p> <p><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif">W.W. Grainger, Inc., is a leading broad line distributor with operations primarily in North America, Japan and the United Kingdom. At Grainger, We Keep the World Working® by serving more than 4.5 million customers worldwide with products and solutions delivered through innovative technology and deep customer relationships. Known for its commitment to service and award-winning culture, the Company had 2024 revenue of $17.2 billion across its two business models. In the High-Touch Solutions segment, Grainger offers approximately 2 million maintenance, repair and operating (MRO) products and services, including technical support and inventory management. In the Endless Assortment segment,<a href="http://Zoro.com"> Zoro.com</a> offers customers access to more than 14 million products, and<a href="http://MonotaRO.com"> MonotaRO.com</a> offers more than 24 million products. For more information, visit<a href="http://www.grainger.com"> www.grainger.com.  </a></span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="color:#b22222;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt"><strong><span style="color:indianred">Compensation</span></strong></span></p> <p style="margin:0.0in 0.0in 8.0pt;line-height:115%;font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Aptos, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;line-height:115%;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif">The anticipated base pay compensation range for this position is $102,300 - $170,500 for a remote position and $112,000- $188,100 for a Chicago based position. This role is eligible for an incentive target of up to 5%, based on the achievement of individual and company performance objectives in accordance with the current terms of the incentive program which are subject to change.</span></p> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt"><span style="color:indianred"><strong>Sponsorship</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt">This position is not eligible for any form of sponsorship now or in the future.  Individuals requiring sponsorship (e.g. OPT or H1B visa status) should not apply. Only individuals authorized to work in the United States now and for the foreseeable future will be considered for this position.</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom:11.0px;text-align:justify"><span style="color:indianred;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><strong>Rewards and Benefits</strong></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom:11.0px;text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif">With benefits starting on day one, our programs provide choice and flexibility to meet team members' individual needs, including:</span></p> <ul style="margin-bottom:11.0px"> <li style="text-align:justify;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif">Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance plans with coverage starting on day one of employment and 6 free sessions each year with a licensed therapist to support your emotional wellbeing.</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif">18 paid time off (PTO) days annually for full-time employees (accrual prorated based on employment start date) and 6 company holidays per year.</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif">6% company contribution to a 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan each pay period, no employee contribution required.</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif">Employee discounts, tuition reimbursement, student loan refinancing and free access to financial counseling, education, and tools.</span></li> <li style="text-align:justify;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif">Maternity support programs, nursing benefits, and up to 14 weeks paid leave for birth parents and up to 4 weeks paid leave for non-birth parents.</span></li> </ul> <p style="margin-bottom:11.0px;text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif">For additional information and details regarding Grainger’s benefits, please click on the link below:</span></p> <p style="margin-bottom:11.0px;text-align:justify"> </p> <p style="margin-bottom:11.0px;text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><a style="color:#467886;text-decoration:underline" href="https://experience100.ehr.com/grainger/Home/Tools-Resources/Key-Resources/New-Hire">https://experience100.ehr.com/grainger/Home/Tools-Resources/Key-Resources/New-Hire</a></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom:11.0px;text-align:justify"> </p> <p style="margin-bottom:11.0px;text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif">The pay range provided above is not a guarantee of compensation.  The range reflects the potential base pay for this role at the time of this posting based on the job grade for this position. Individual base pay compensation will depend, in part, on factors such as geographic work location and relevant experience and skills.   </span></p> <p style="margin-bottom:11.0px;text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif">The anticipated compensation range described above is subject to change and the compensation ultimately paid may be higher or lower than the range described above. </span></p> <p style="margin-bottom:11.0px;text-align:justify"><span style="font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif">Grainger reserves the right to amend, modify, or terminate its compensation and benefit programs in its sole discretion at any time, consistent with applicable law.</span></p> <p> </p><div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt"><span style="color:indianred;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><strong>About the position:</strong></span></span></p> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt">We’re looking for an Applied Machine Learning Scientist to help shape the future of intelligent, customer-centered solutions within our Sales Hub or Customer Service ecosystem.</span></p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt">As an Applied Machine Learning Scientist, you’ll partner closely with Product and Engineering teams to design, develop, and deploy ML-powered systems that strengthen Grainger’s customer relationships. This role is ideal for someone with foundational AI/ML experience who’s eager to work on real-world GenAI applications, including document intelligence, voice-based systems, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and agentic AI solutions. </span></p> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt">You will report to Sr Manager, Applied Machine Learning and although a Chicago based position is preferred (8 days a month in office), we will consider highly qualified remote candidates who can visit the Chicago office for initial onboarding and quarterly meetings.</span></p> </div> <div> <p><span style="color:indianred;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><strong>You Will: </strong></span></p> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt">Design and Build: Develop scalable, high-performance ML components that power end-to-end generative and agentic workflows—such as knowledge curation, search, context management, and workflow orchestration. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt">Apply Advanced Techniques: Work with Deep Learning, LLMs, VLMs, fine-tuning, and prompt optimization to enhance how Grainger manages and leverages complex content. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt">Collaborate Cross-Functionally: Partner with Product, Engineering, and Business teams to align ML initiatives with Grainger’s customer-focused strategy. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt">Drive ML Excellence: Contribute to best practices in model deployment, testing, CI/CD, and monitoring, ensuring robust, maintainable, and ethical AI solutions. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt">Own the Lifecycle: Support the full ML lifecycle—from prototyping and deployment to evaluation, monitoring, and iterative improvement. </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt">Learn and Evolve: Stay current with emerging ML trends and research, introducing innovative techniques to improve performance and impact.   </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <p><span style="color:indianred;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><strong>You Have: </strong></span></p> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt">A Bachelor's degree in applied mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Economics, or 2 years of related industry work experience </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt">1 year minimum of industry experience in Machine Learning/ GenAi </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt">Experience with deep learning frameworks such as PyTorch, Tensorflow, Huggingface </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt">Experience working with Generative AI or ML solutions such as finetuning, training, testing, validating.   </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt">Experience deploying ML models using containerization and container orchestration technologies such as Docker and Kubernetes </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt">Ability to effectively communicate technical solutions to technical and business audiences, both verbally and in writing </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt">Experience with cloud providers such as AWS and Azure </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> </div> <div> <div> <p><span style="color:indianred;font-size:10.0pt;font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif"><strong>Preferred:</strong></span></p> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt">Advanced degree (PhD or Master’s) in Applied Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Economics, or related fields.  </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt">Experience model quantization and deployment on model servers such as Triton  </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt">Experience managing end-to-end software development life cycle (version control, CICD pipelines, Kubernetes clusters, testing, monitoring &amp; alerting, production support, etc.) </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt">Familiarity with machine learning libraries like LangChain, LlamaIndex, Autogen or Crew.ai  </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <ul style="list-style-type:disc"> <li style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt"> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt">Experience deploying models into the cloud with tooling like Docker &amp; Kubernetes  </span></p> </li> </ul> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-family:verdana, geneva, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt">  </span></p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-size:10.0pt">  </span></p> </div> <div> <p><span style="font-size:10.0pt"> </span></p> </div> </div><p> </p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt"><em>We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or expression, protected veteran status or any other protected characteristic under federal, state, or local law. We are proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.</em></span></p> <p style="margin-bottom:12.0px;margin-top:12.0px"> </p> <p><span style="font-family:arial, helvetica, sans-serif;font-size:10.0pt"><em>We are committed to fostering an inclusive, accessible work environment that includes both providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during the application and hiring process as well as throughout the course of one’s employment, should you need a reasonable accommodation during the application and selection process, including, but not limited to use of our website, any part of the application, interview or hiring process, please advise us so that we can provide appropriate assistance.</em></span></p>