Machine Learning Engineer - Search and Recommendation
At a glance
Mid-level Machine Learning Engineering role at Jd. GBR-London · full-time · no salary stated · we estimate £60,000–£97,524 across the United Kingdom.
Jd has not published a salary for this role. The figure below is our estimate, not theirs.
aimlroles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- Lead algorithm engineers through technical decisions, coaching, and career development
- Build and tune search and recommendation models to lift personalization, conversion, and user engagement
- Shape traffic allocation for new-product launches, seller growth, and best-seller development
- Run algorithm tests and evaluations, then guide scalable launches and ongoing performance gains
- Track advances in machine learning, NLP, and deep learning, and turn relevant methods into practical solutions
What you bring
- A master's or higher in computer science, mathematics, or a related area, focused on machine learning, NLP, or information retrieval
- At least six years in search, recommendations, or advertising systems, including two years leading or managing a team
- Working knowledge of machine learning, NLP, and deep learning methods, with hands-on TensorFlow or PyTorch use
- Strong Python, C++, or Java skills and a sound grasp of data structures and algorithms
- Fluent English and Chinese communication, including the ability to connect business and technical teams
Who this fits
This role suits a technically hands-on team lead who can guide engineers while partnering with product, engineering, and business teams. The position is based onsite in London.
From the employer
Who We Are
At JD.com, also known as JINGDONG, we are building one of the world’s most trusted technology and supply chain ecosystems. What started as a bold idea in China has evolved into a NASDAQ-listed, Fortune 44 global enterprise serving over 700 million active customers. Powered by advanced logistics, innovative technology, and a commitment to integrity, JD.com operates across retail, logistics, technology, property and more, creating solutions that make everyday life smarter, faster, and more connected.
Our Global Reach
JD.com is expanding its international footprint through a digitally intelligent, cross-border supply chain and world-class logistics network, supported by platforms such as Joybuy, which brings trusted products to customers worldwide. Today, our teams operate across China, the U.S., U.K., Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain, Brazil, Hungary, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, the UAE and beyond, reaching customers in every corner of the world.
Learn more about who we are and what we do: https://corporate.jd.com/
What We Offer
Joining JD.com means becoming part of a company where people, innovation, and impact go hand in hand. We offer a competitive salary, a great location, and a supportive, people-first culture where your growth truly matters. With access to global projects, learning opportunities, and an inclusive environment that values every voice, you’ll have the space to shape the future with us.
About The Team
You’ll be joining the JD.com team, which values collaboration, ownership, and a commitment to delivering high-quality results in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
We are seeking a Machine Learning Team Lead with strong expertise in search and recommendation systems. In this role, you will lead a team of algorithm engineers, driving the design and implementation of cutting-edge models to enhance user experience, optimize traffic efficiency, and support JD.com’s global e-commerce growth. You will balance hands-on technical contributions with strategic leadership, collaborating with product, engineering, and business teams to deliver scalable, high-impact solutions.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead and mentor a team of algorithm engineers, providing technical direction and career development support.
Design, develop, and optimize algorithms for search and recommendation systems, with a focus on improving personalization, conversion, and user engagement.
Oversee traffic distribution strategies in search and recommendation scenarios to meet diverse business needs, including new product cold start, seller growth, and best-seller creation.
Drive experimentation and evaluation of algorithms, ensuring scalable deployment and continuous performance improvements.
Stay current with academic and industry advances in machine learning, NLP, and deep learning, and guide the team in applying them to real-world challenges.
Work onsite in London.
Minimum Qualifications:
Master’s degree or higher in Computer Science, Mathematics, or a related field, with specialization in machine learning, NLP, or information retrieval.
6+ years of experience in search, recommendation, or advertising systems, including at least 2 years in a leadership or team management role.
Proficiency in machine learning, NLP, and deep learning algorithms, with experience using frameworks such as TensorFlow or PyTorch.
Strong programming skills in Python, C++, or Java, with solid understanding of data structures and algorithms.
Strong communication skills in English and Chinese, with the ability to bridge technical and business perspectives in a multicultural environment.
Preferred Qualifications:
Experience working in global e-commerce or large-scale consumer platforms preferred.
At JD.com, we’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and make all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
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