
The Data Science team at Penguin Random House is seeking an experienced Senior Machine Learning Scientist to drive the development of forecasting products and decision-support models. This role will focus on building and improving forecasting systems that support planning and operational decisions across the business.
As the world’s leading publishing house, Penguin Random House is AI-forward and continues to invest in modern machine learning to shape the future of our products and operations. With a commitment to quality and innovation, we leverage data science across forecasting, pricing, personalization, experimentation, and more. We actively evaluate emerging AI capabilities where they can create meaningful value, while maintaining a strong standard for rigor, reliability, and measurable impact.
This role is ideal for a senior practitioner who can lead end-to-end forecasting projects, partner closely with cross-functional stakeholders, and deliver models that are robust in production.
While hybrid NYC is strongly preferred, we will consider remote (US) candidates with the right skills/experience/interest.
Specific responsibilities include:
- Leads end-to-end forecasting initiatives from problem framing and modeling through deployment, monitoring, and iteration.
- Builds forecasting models using statistical and machine learning techniques; performs deep error analysis and back testing to understand performance trade-offs.
- Owns forecasting workflows across multiple time horizons and segments (for example channels, regions, formats, or business lines), improving both accuracy and usability for stakeholders.
- Partners with engineering and platform counterparts to productionize forecasting pipelines, including data pipelines, scheduled runs, monitoring, and refresh strategies.
- Defines and reports business impact of deployed forecasting solutions using rigorous measurement approaches; communicates risk, assumptions, and limitations clearly.
Please apply if you meet the following qualifications:
- 5+ years of professional experience in machine learning or applied data science, including delivering models into production or operational workflows
- Strong forecasting expertise, including time-series modeling, feature development, and rigorous evaluation/back testing
- Strong proficiency in Python and SQL; experience working with large, complex datasets
- Ability to communicate technical results clearly to non-technical audiences, including assumptions, limitations, and recommendations
- Be cutting edge. Use the latest AI tools to develop well-designed and robust software
Preferred Qualifications:
- PhD in a quantitative discipline (or equivalent practical experience)
- Experience with probabilistic forecasting, uncertainty quantification, and operationalizing forecasts for downstream decisions
- Experience integrating forecasting with optimization or decision science where appropriate
- Familiarity with cloud and modern data/ML tooling (AWS, Databricks, Docker, Kubernetes, Spark, or similar)
- Familiarity with modern MLOps practices and governance (monitoring, model versioning, explainability, observability)
Please be advised that candidates selected to advance to the 1st round of interviews will be required to show photo ID on camera, and final interviews for this role will be in person at a Penguin Random House location.
The salary range for this position is $160,000 - $210,000. All positions are currently eligible for an annual profit award or bonus, subject to company results.
Applications for this role will be accepted through February 10, 2026 or until the role is filled. We encourage you to apply early, as we review applications on a rolling basis. Please include your resume and cover letter for consideration. Before applying for any role at Penguin Random House, we recommend you review our applicant resources page and our FAQs page.
Penguin Random House job postings include a good faith compensation range for each open position. The salary range listed is specific to each particular open position and takes into account various factors including the specifics of the individual role, and candidate's relevant experience and qualifications.
Full-time employees are eligible for our comprehensive benefits program. Our range of benefits include, but are not limited to, Medical/Prescription drug insurance, Dental, Vision, Health Care/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, Health Savings Account, Pre-Tax and Roth 401(k), Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance, Life/AD&D Insurance, Commuter Benefits, Student Loan Repayment Program, Educational Assistance & generous paid time off.
Penguin Random House is the leading adult and children's publishing house in North America, the United Kingdom and many other regions around the world. In publishing the best books in every genre and subject for all ages, we are committed to quality, excellence in execution, and innovation throughout the entire publishing process: editorial, design, marketing, publicity, sales, production, and distribution. Our vibrant and diverse international community of nearly 300 publishing brands and imprints include Ballantine Bantam Dell, Berkley, Clarkson Potter, Crown, DK, Doubleday, Dutton, Grosset & Dunlap, Little Golden Books, Knopf, Modern Library, Pantheon, Penguin Books, Penguin Press, Penguin Random House Audio, Penguin Young Readers, Portfolio, Puffin, Putnam, Random House, Random House Children's Books, Riverhead, Ten Speed Press, Viking, and Vintage, among others. More information can be found at http://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/.
Penguin Random House values the array of talents and perspectives that a diverse workforce brings. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or protected veteran status.
Company: Penguin Random House LLC | Job ID: 285678