Senior Data Scientist, Search and Recommendations

CarMax

Senior Data Scientist developing ML models and algorithms for personalized customer experiences at CarMax. Analyzing data to optimize performance and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Posted 4/29/2026full-timeRichmond • Texas, Virginia • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

PythonSparkSQL

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Design, develop, deploy, and maintain ML products that create personalized experiences for our customers
Analyze large-scale behavioral data (search queries, click-through rates, purchase patterns, inventory turnover) to surface insights about customer preferences and system performance
Design, execute, and interpret statistical tests (A/B tests, holdout experiments, pre/post analyses) to measure the impact of algorithm changes and new features
Partner with ML engineers on model deployment and ML product development (API’s, data services, etc.)
Translate complex data and ML findings into clear narratives for technical and non-technical stakeholders alike
Partner closely with cross functional teams in Product, Strategy, Technology, and Operations
Stay current on research and best practices in recommender systems and search; bring new ideas to the team

Requirements

What you’ll need

3+ years of experience in a data science role, preferably in e-commerce, marketplace, or a data-rich environment
Degree in quantitative discipline field such as math, data science, statistics, computer science
Advanced degree (Master’s/Ph.D.) is preferred
Strong Python skills and experience with SQL for data manipulation, analysis, and model development, as well as foundational software development experience
Solid foundation in statistics, including hypothesis testing, confidence intervals, and experimental design
Experience working with large datasets using tools like Spark, Databricks, or similar
Experience with recommender systems, search/ranking algorithms, or embeddings is a plus—but if you haven't worked on these yet and are eager to learn, we'll get you there
Comfort with ambiguity and ability to drive clarity when requirements are fuzzy
Collaborative mindset—you enjoy working with engineers, PMs, and analysts, not just other data scientists

Benefits

Comp & perks

Hybrid work arrangement
Commitment to training and diversity

ATS Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

machine learningdata analysisstatistical testingPythonSQLstatisticsexperimental designrecommender systemssearch algorithmsdata manipulation

Soft Skills

communicationcollaborationproblem-solvingadaptabilityanalytical thinkingnarrative translationcross-functional teamworkclarity in ambiguitystakeholder engagementcreativity

Certifications

Master's degreePh.D.data science certificationstatistics certificationmachine learning certificationPython certificationSQL certificationproject management certificationdata analysis certificationbig data certification