Data Scientist, Digital Products and AI/ML

This job contributes to Starbucks success by aiding in the creation, innovation, and sustainment of our customer-facing digital recommender systems as well as guiding business decisions through providing thought leadership & analytics subject matter expertise to relevant business objectives. You will design & recommend appropriate analytics approaches to solve key business problems, developed in a cross-functional manner and consumed by business partners at all levels. There needs to be a focused attention on the creation of recommender systems in the digital space.

Models and acts in accordance with Starbucks guiding principles.

Summary Of Key Responsibilities

Responsibilities and essential job functions include but are not limited to the following:

1. Implementing and improving customer-facing recommender systems for product selection.
2. Build and develop scalable real-time Machine Learning applications and determination and grit to get new features from proof of concept to production. Independently investigate/troubleshoot issues related to model and data pipelines and refer to documentation, system architecture to identify root cause and resolution.
3. Analyzing customer behavior within app and web platforms to understand areas of opportunity to reduce friction.
4. Actively consult with stakeholders to identify pain points in customer or partner journey, ideate where analytics insights or data products may be useful, and co-create high-level solutions with a cross-functional working team.
5. Communicate technical insights from analytics & data science projects to business partners at various levels in the organization that enables understanding and drives actionability.
6. Lead discussions with business partners to define business questions and recommend appropriate methods to address business questions; translate unstructured strategic questions into structured analysis plans.
7. Create and understand technical documentation.
8. Understanding of revenue management techniques preferred including pricing and promotions and targeted offers.

Summary Of Experience

Minimum 1-year professional experience within data analysis field or discipline.

Basic Qualifications

1. Education: BA/BS w/ concentration in business or quantitative discipline - Stats, Math, Comp Sci, Engineering, Econ, or similar; Masters preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

1. Demonstrated experience with Recommender systems (Collaborative Filtering, Reinforcement Learning, and Multi-Armed Bandits).
2. Knowledge of statistics and scripting (Python, SQL).
3. High proficiency in developing key metrics for driving & maintaining healthy business performance.
4. Ability to handle and maintain the confidentiality of highly sensitive information.
5. Ability to write and maintain technical documentation.
6. Use of Azure Data Factory and Databricks Preferred.
7. Working knowledge of data systems design & data technologies.
8. Strong problem-solving skills with ability to influence leadership teams at different levels.
9. Retail, customer loyalty, marketing or eCommerce experience preferred.
10. Experience with Deep Learning (TensorFlow/Keras or Pytorch) preferred.
11. Experience with Distributed Big Data Processing (Spark/PySpark) preferred.

Core Competencies

Puts the Customer First: Has a relentless focus on the customer. Understands what the customer wants and how to best deliver the experience.

Works Well with Others: Listens and communicates well with others within and outside of Starbucks. Creates a team environment that is positive and productive.

Leads Courageously: Takes personal responsibility to do the right thing and persists in times of challenge or uncertainty. Adapts quickly to change and makes timely, thoughtful decisions.

Develops Continuously: Continuously seeks opportunities to improve self and others. Leads with trust, honesty, and commitment to hire, coach and develop partners to achieve their potential.

Achieves Results: Understands what drives overall business success and is accountable to prioritize and deliver quality results. Demonstrates knowledge of core products and processes to get results. Anticipates obstacles and takes action to prevent or minimize their impact.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

We are committed to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace that includes partners with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We believe that enables us to better meet our mission and values while serving customers throughout our global communities. People of color, women, LGBTQIA+, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal, state, and local ordinances. Starbucks Corporation is committed to offering reasonable accommodations to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at