Senior Applied Scientist - NBA 2K

What We Need

The Applied AI Team within 2K’s Product Organization is seeking a Sr. Applied Scientist to contribute to the continued innovation behind our flagship title, NBA 2K. This team builds production-grade algorithmic systems that directly shape the player experience. Our work spans core areas such as:

• Matchmaking
• In-game experience personalization
• Player engagement
• In-game economy
• Content optimization
• Fraud detection

We combine techniques from machine learning, statistics, operations research, and economics, and partner closely with engineering, game design, and LiveOps to bring AI-driven decisioning to life across the game.

What You'll Do

• Research, build, and deploy advanced machine learning and optimization models to improve gameplay and player engagement.
• Work across areas like matchmaking, ranking systems, personalization, and in-game economy modeling.
• Collaborate with game development, LiveOps, tech and data engineers, and product managers to scope high-impact problems and deliver solutions.
• Lead technical discussions, advocate for best practices in model development and deployment, and ensure scientific rigor.
• Stay informed on state-of-the-art techniques, evaluate their applicability, and lead efforts to integrate promising methods into our systems.

What Will Make You a Great Fit

We are seeking a hands-on senior scientist who combines deep technical expertise in machine learning with strong product sense and a track record of delivering high-impact, production-ready solutions. You are comfortable leading projects independently and thrive in a collaborative, fast-moving environment.

Requirements:

• Master’s or Ph.D. in a quantitative field such as Computer Science, Statistics, Applied Math, Physics, Operations Research, or a related discipline.
• 4+ years of experience in applied science, machine learning, or data science roles, including experience deploying ML models in production environments.
• Strong background in machine learning (traditional and/or deep learning), statistical modeling, and experimentation.
• Proficiency in Python and SQL; experience with distributed computing (e.g., Spark).
• Working knowledge of ML frameworks like scikit-learn, PyTorch, TensorFlow, and pipeline tools for model training and deployment.
• Demonstrated ability to own projects end-to-end and deliver measurable business value.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex ideas to both technical and non-technical audiences.

Preferred Qualifications (Helpful, but Not Required):

• Experience with discrete optimization, reinforcement learning, recommender systems, and simulation-based modeling.
• Familiarity with production ML infrastructure, including cloud services (AWS), containerization, and model orchestration/serving.
• Knowledge of the gaming industry and experience working with game-related AI solutions.
• Interest in basketball and a willingness to engage with video games as products.

As an equal opportunity employer, we are committed to ensuring that qualified individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform their essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us if you need reasonable accommodation.

Please note that 2K Games and its studios never uses instant messaging apps or personal email accounts to contact prospective employees or conduct interviews and when emailing, only use 2K.com accounts.

The pay range for this position in California at the start of employment is expected to be between $140,000 - $173,000 per Year. However, base pay offered is based on market location, and may vary further depending on individualized factors for job candidates, such as job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and other objective business considerations. Subject to those same considerations, the total compensation package for this position may also include other elements, including a bonus and/or equity awards and eligibility to participate in our 401(K) plan and Employee Stock Purchase Program. Regular, full-time employees are also eligible for a range of benefits at the Company, including: medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance coverage; 14 paid holidays per calendar year; paid vacation time per calendar year (ranging from 15 to 25 days) or eligibility to participate in the Company’s discretionary time off program; up to 10 paid sick days per calendar year; paid parental and compassionate leave; wellbeing programs for mental health and other wellness support; family planning support through Maven; commuter benefits; and reimbursements for fitness-related expenses.

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