Principal Applied Scientist | Principal Applied Scientist - ZMS (all genders)

Job Summary

As a Principal Applied Scientist at Zalando Marketing Services (ZMS), you will lead the scientific vision and execution for real-time bidding and allocation engines. This high-impact role involves processing tens of thousands of requests per second, where you will optimize complex ad tech systems using auction theory, mechanism design, and machine learning. You will be responsible for developing algorithms that balance advertiser ROI with premium customer experiences, working at the intersection of high-load, low-latency engineering and multi-objective optimization. Beyond technical leadership, you will mentor senior team members and collaborate with cross-functional partners to translate business constraints into mathematical functions. This position is ideal for a research-driven expert who thrives in large-scale distributed environments and wants to shape the future of a pan-European e-commerce ecosystem. The role offers a hybrid working model, attractive employee discounts, and a culture focused on diversity and technical excellence.