Research Engineer

As a Research Engineer at AppLovin, you will primarily focus on developing end-to-end services that enhance ad personalization. Responsibilities include engineering features based on user data to refine machine learning models, designing and developing scalable backend services, and researching innovative HCI and UX product designs to improve ad effectiveness. You will leverage AI technologies to optimize campaign performance, making a significant impact on both advertisers and users.

To qualify for the Research Engineer position at AppLovin, candidates are typically expected to have between 0 to 4 years of industry experience in software engineering, data engineering, or a related field. Strong backend engineering design skills, a deep curiosity for problem-solving, and a passion for data-driven engineering are essential. While experience with machine learning is a plus, it is not required, making this opportunity suitable for both recent graduates and experienced professionals.

At AppLovin, we prioritize growth and ongoing learning for our Research Engineers. The company encourages a culture of experimentation and innovation, allowing team members to pursue their curiosity and take on new challenges. Employees have access to various training programs, workshops, and resources to enhance their skills in AI technologies and software engineering, making sure you stay at the forefront of industry trends.

While having experience in AI can be advantageous for a Research Engineer role at AppLovin, it is not a strict requirement. We value candidates who demonstrate technical versatility, strong problem-solving abilities, and a willingness to learn. If you have a solid foundation in software or data engineering and an eagerness to explore AI applications, we encourage you to apply!

AppLovin boasts a vibrant and inclusive company culture that values diversity and teamwork among employees. As a Research Engineer, you will be part of a collaborative environment where innovation thrives. The company is recognized as one of the Best Workplaces in the Bay Area, promoting a sense of belonging and support for individual and team achievements. Expect to join a community dedicated to pushing boundaries and embracing new ideas.

When addressing this question, aim to provide specific examples of your previous experience with user journey data analysis. Talk about methods you’ve used to gather and interpret data, how you applied your findings in developing features or refining models, and the positive outcomes that resulted from your work. Highlight your analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.

To effectively answer this, discuss the techniques you employ to gather user feedback and how you integrate this information to enhance machine learning models. Mention the importance of data in driving decisions, the processes for continuous model improvement, and any specific tools or methodologies you have applied, such as A/B testing or cross-validation.

In responding to this question, articulate your design process for scalable backend services. Discuss the principles of scalability, such as load balancing and microservices, and provide an example of a project where you successfully implemented these strategies. Highlight your technical skills and any technologies or frameworks you're comfortable with.

Answer this by explaining the fundamental purpose of AI in ad personalization, which is to enhance relevance to each user. Discuss how AI can analyze large datasets, recognize patterns, and adapt ad content dynamically based on user behavior. You can reference examples of successful ad campaigns that utilized AI to illustrate your understanding.

To effectively answer, outline your strategies for staying current with software engineering trends. This could include attending workshops, participating in online courses, reading relevant industry publications and blogs, or engaging with professional communities. Mention how this ongoing education contributes to your work as a Research Engineer.

When responding, pick a specific challenge you faced and describe the context, your approach to problem-solving, and the eventual outcome. Emphasize your analytical skills, creativity, and teamwork, if applicable. Make sure to detail what you've learned from this experience that helps you handle future challenges.

In your response, provide insights into your understanding of Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and how it impacts product design. Share any hands-on experience you've had in applying HCI principles to design effective user interfaces. Discuss how you prioritize user experience, usability testing, and iterative design in your projects.

When answering this question, be specific about the software tools and programming languages you have experience with. Highlight the ones that are particularly relevant to the role of a Research Engineer, such as Python, SQL, or any ML frameworks. You may also want to mention any projects where you've successfully utilized these tools.

In your response, focus on your time management and organizational skills. Describe techniques you use to prioritize tasks, whether it’s through agile methodologies or project management tools. Highlight your commitment to quality assurance and how you balance speed without sacrificing project integrity.

Here, share your genuine passion for research engineering and why ad tech excites you. Discuss your interest in technology, data analysis, and how you enjoy the challenge of improving user experiences through innovative solutions. This is your chance to convey your enthusiasm for the field.