2K

Senior Applied Scientist - NBA 2K

Reposted 3 Hours Ago

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Novato CA USA

Hybrid

140K-173K Annually

Senior level

Gaming • Information Technology • Mobile • Software • Esports

2K develops and publishes interactive entertainment for video game consoles personal computers and mobile devices.

The Role

The Sr. Applied Scientist will develop machine learning models to enhance NBA 2K's gameplay focusing on matchmaking user personalization and in-game economies while collaborating with cross-functional teams.

Summary Generated by Built In

Who We Are

Our team of engineers marketers artists writers data scientists producers thinkers and doers are the professional publishing stewards of 2K’s portfolio currently includes several AAA sports and entertainment brands including global powerhouse NBA®️ 2K renowned BioShock®️ Borderlands®️ Mafia Sid Meier’s Civilization®️ and XCOM®️ brands; popular WWE®️ 2K and WWE®️ SuperCard franchises TopSpin 2K25 as well as the critically and commercially acclaimed PGA TOUR®️ 2K.

At 2K we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive work environment which means encouraging our teams to Come as You Are and do your best work! We encourage ALL applicants to explore our global positions even if they don’t meet every requirement
for the role. If you're interested in the job and think you have what it takes to work at 2K we encourage you to apply!

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 $140000 - $173000 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.

#LI-Hybrid

Top Skills

Python

PyTorch

Scikit-Learn

Spark

SQL

TensorFlow

What the Team is Saying

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The Company

HQ: Novato CA

3505 Employees

Year Founded: 2005

What We Do

2K is headquartered in Novato California and is a wholly owned label of Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO). Founded in 2005 2K Games is a global video game company publishing titles developed by some of the most influential game development studios in the world. Our studios responsible for developing 2K’s portfolio of world-class games across multiple platforms include Visual Concepts Firaxis Hangar 13 CatDaddy Cloud Chamber 31st Union and HB Studios. Our portfolio of titles is expanding due to our global strategic plan building and acquiring exciting studios whose content continues to inspire all of us! 2K publishes titles in today’s most popular gaming genres including sports shooters action role-playing strategy casual and family entertainment. Our team of engineers marketers artists writers data scientists producers thinkers and doers are the professional publishing stewards of our growing library of critically-acclaimed franchises such as NBA 2K 2K PGA Battleborn BioShock Borderlands The Quarry The Darkness Mafia Sid Meier’s Civilization Marvel’s Midnight Suns WWE 2K and XCOM. At 2K we pride ourselves on creating an inclusive work environment which means encouraging our teams to Come as You Are and do your best work! We encourage ALL applicants to explore our global positions even if they don’t meet every requirement for the role. If you're interested in the job and think you have what it takes to work at 2K we encourage you to apply!

Why Work With Us

We pride ourselves on creating an inclusive work environment which means encouraging our teams to Come as You Are and do your best work! We push ourselves creatively to do the best work of our careers. We’re direct open and you’ll probably meet some new best friends – along with their dogs – sitting nearby. In short it’s kinda awesome.