Machine Learning Engineer II

About The CompanyInstacart is revolutionizing the grocery industry by providing a seamless platform that connects customers with their favorite local stores for fast and reliable delivery of groceries and household essentials. Our mission is to make food accessible to everyone and to offer flexible earning opportunities for our Personal Shoppers. We are committed to transforming the way people access and enjoy food, fostering community, and creating an inclusive environment where innovation thrives. With a focus on safety, convenience, and community engagement, Instacart continues to grow as a trusted lifeline for millions of users across various regions.About The RoleWe are seeking a highly skilled Machine Learning Engineer to join our Fraud & Identity team. In this role, you will be instrumental in shaping the technical vision and strategy for leveraging machine learning to detect and prevent abuse across critical workflows such as identity verification, payments, and customer interactions. The ideal candidate will lead high-impact projects, influence cross-functional roadmaps, and mentor fellow engineers while implementing advanced machine learning technologies, including large language models (LLMs), in a dynamic and fast-paced environment. Your work will directly contribute to maintaining the security and integrity of the Instacart platform, ensuring a safe experience for all users.The Fraud & Identity team at Instacart is dedicated to protecting our customers, shoppers, and retailers from fraud, abuse, and malicious activities. We develop and operate real-time systems, signals pipelines, and internal tools designed to identify and mitigate threats swiftly. As our platform continues to expand, so do the challenges associated with emerging attack vectors. Join us to stay ahead of fraudsters and innovate in the realm of security and risk management.QualificationsMinimum of 2+ years of professional experience in software engineering, with a focus on machine learning modeling development and leadership.Proven ability to design, develop, and operate complex ML models at scale, ensuring both technical robustness and organizational impact.Strong leadership skills with the ability to mentor peers, foster collaboration, and communicate technical trade-offs effectively with stakeholders.Deep interest and expertise in fraud detection, risk management, security, real-time decisioning, or related domains.Experience with machine learning frameworks, deployment pipelines, and scalable systems architecture.Preferred: Experience with large language models (LLMs) and their application in real-world scenarios.ResponsibilitiesDesign, develop, and deploy machine learning models that enhance fraud detection and prevention capabilities at scale.Architect and implement robust, scalable solutions for real-time fraud decisioning systems to ensure rapid and accurate detection.Collaborate closely with data scientists, risk managers, product teams, and other stakeholders to define strategies and improve fraud protection measures.Independently solve ambiguous technical and business challenges, taking full ownership of project outcomes.Mentor and guide junior engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and technical excellence.Stay updated with the latest advancements in machine learning, security, and fraud detection to continuously innovate and improve existing systems.BenefitsCompetitive salary aligned with market standards and geographic location.Eligible for equity grants and annual refresh grants based on performance and tenure.Flexible remote work policy, allowing employees to choose their preferred work environment.Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.Paid time off, holidays, and wellness programs to support work-life balance.Opportunities for professional growth and development through ongoing training and mentorship.Equal OpportunityInstacart is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.