Sr Manager, Machine Learning Engineering Careers at McDonald's - Chicago, IL | Apply Now!

Are you a seasoned Machine Learning Engineering leader ready to drive innovation at one of the world's most iconic brands? McDonald's is hiring a Sr Manager, Machine Learning Engineering to revolutionize how 70 million daily customers experience our global brand through cutting-edge AI and ML solutions. This senior-level role offers the chance to lead transformative projects in a company committed to digital innovation and positive global impact.

Why Join McDonald's Machine Learning Engineering Team?

McDonald's isn't just the world's leading quick-service restaurant—it's a digital powerhouse serving 70 million customers across 100+ countries daily. Our Enterprise Data, Analytics, and AI (EDAA) organization is at the forefront of scaling data capabilities to deliver smarter operations, personalized customer experiences, and unprecedented business growth. As Sr Manager, Machine Learning Engineering, you'll architect scalable ML platforms that power everything from demand forecasting to hyper-personalized recommendations.

Our culture emphasizes inclusivity, service, integrity, community, and family. We support Ronald McDonald House Charities, youth opportunity initiatives, and sustainability efforts. Plus, enjoy exceptional benefits like sabbaticals, tuition assistance, and flexible work arrangements that prioritize work-life balance.

Key Responsibilities: Lead ML Innovation at Scale

In this pivotal role, you'll partner with business leaders to translate complex challenges into ML solutions. Conduct deep exploratory data analysis across massive datasets, develop production-grade predictive models using advanced techniques in supervised learning, unsupervised clustering, and time series forecasting. Design end-to-end ML pipelines—from data ingestion via Apache Kafka to feature stores with Feast, model training on distributed systems, and deployment via Kubernetes.

Build scalable infrastructure for both batch processing (Spark) and real-time inference (TensorFlow Serving). Optimize models for production reliability through rigorous A/B testing, continuous monitoring with Prometheus, and automated retraining pipelines. Collaborate cross-functionally to deliver high-impact solutions like demand prediction for 40,000+ restaurants or recommendation engines driving upsell revenue.

Required Skills & Qualifications for Success

McDonald's seeks candidates with 8+ years in ML engineering, expertise in Python, TensorFlow/PyTorch, and cloud platforms (AWS SageMaker, GCP Vertex AI). You must excel in MLOps—implementing CI/CD for models, managing model registries, and ensuring scalability for petabyte-scale data. A Master's in Computer Science or related field is preferred, along with proven experience leading teams to productionize ML at enterprise level.

Strong communicators thrive here, presenting insights via Tableau dashboards to C-suite executives while mentoring engineers on best practices. Experience with recommendation systems, NLP for customer sentiment, or computer vision for operations optimization gives you an edge.

Career Growth & Compensation

This senior-level position offers a competitive salary range of $180,000-$250,000 USD annually, plus bonuses, equity, and comprehensive benefits. Advance your career influencing global strategy while enjoying perks like free meals, gym reimbursements, and sabbaticals. Remote-friendly options available from major US hubs including Chicago, IL; New York, NY; San Francisco, CA; and Austin, TX.

The McDonald's Difference: Impact at Global Scale

Unlike typical tech roles, you'll apply ML to real-world business problems: optimizing supply chains serving billions, personalizing digital orders via the app used by millions, and automating operations across franchises. Join a diverse team where your ideas drive measurable ROI—think millions in saved costs or boosted revenue from precise forecasting.

McDonald's invests heavily in employee development with internal mobility, leadership training, and access to conferences like NeurIPS. Our commitment to equal opportunity ensures the best ideas from diverse perspectives shape our future.

How to Apply: Your Path to McDonald's ML Leadership

Ready to lead machine learning engineering at McDonald's? Submit your resume highlighting production ML deployments and business impact. Interviews include technical deep-dives, leadership case studies, and cultural fit discussions. Join us in creating positive change for customers, crew, and communities worldwide.

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