Principal Data Scientist - Rentals Machine Learning Team

About the teamZillow Group’s mission is to give people the power to unlock life's next chapter. In pursuit of this mission, we are actively seeking a highly skilled and experienced Principal Data Scientist to join our innovative Rentals Machine Learning team! We are passionately dedicated to rigorous research, deep analysis of complex datasets, and ultimately, the implementation of sophisticated model and data-driven solutions that are instrumental in powering a wide array of workflows and product experiences across Zillow’s rapidly expanding Rentals business.

About the role

In this high-impact role, you will work closely with cross-functional partners including machine learning engineers, product managers, data scientists, and engineers. In this collaborative environment, you will gain a deep and comprehensive understanding of our customer segments, diverse product offerings, and the varied mechanisms through which we monetize and deliver value to all of the users of the Zillow Rentals marketplace. You will design and implement testing and measurement techniques that improve understanding of the efficiency and effectiveness of not only our existing marketplace solutions, but also the effects of the many innovations we’re making in the space. Your data-driven insights will guide critical decision making discussions with business leaders and be used to improve outcomes and satisfaction for our marketplace customers. This role offers an unparalleled opportunity to shape the future of the Rentals marketplace and business through cutting-edge data science.

More specifically, you will:

• Work with cross-functional stakeholders to answer questions related to model-driven listing performance
• Design and implement innovative measurement and communication techniques and tools that provide insight into our marketplace value-delivery mechanisms
• Partner with Machine Learning Engineers to develop and refine marketplace management, valuation, and recommendation models
• Lead discussions with business partners and leaders to create clarity, evaluate trade-offs, and drive decision making 
• Ensure data excellence of Machine Learning experimentation data pipelines and A/B testing framework integrations
• Provide predictive insights into anticipated marketplace responses to changes in inventory prioritization methods

This role has been categorized as a Remote position. “Remote” employees do not have a permanent corporate office workplace and, instead, work from a physical location of their choice, which must be identified to the Company. U.S. employees may live in any of the 50 United States, with limited exceptions.

In California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Washington state, and Washington DC the standard base pay range for this role is $178,300.00 - $284,700.00 annually. This base pay range is specific to these locations and may not be applicable to other locations. In Colorado, Hawaii, Illinois, Minnesota, Nevada, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Vermont the standard base pay range for this role is $169,300.00 - $270,500.00 annually. The base pay range is specific to these locations and may not be applicable to other locations.

In addition to a competitive base salary this position is also eligible for equity awards based on factors such as experience, performance and location. Actual amounts will vary depending on experience, performance and location. Employees in this role will not be paid below the salary threshold for exempt employees in the state where they reside.

Who you are

You are a curious and passionate problem-solver who does not shy away from complexity or uncertainty! Come join us and use your expertise to help us find opportunities and guide our business into the future with powerful insights and recommendations.

We're searching for a Data Scientist who has:

• A Ph.D or Master's degree in a quantitative field (e.g. science, engineering, economics, quantitative finance, operations research, statistics, or similar)
• 8+ years of work experience involving quantitative data analysis, experimentation and complex problem-solving
• Experience modeling 2-sided marketplace dynamics (inventory optimization, advertising management, supply/demand prediction, etc.)
• Strong understanding of statistical concepts, measurement methods, A/B testing, and causal inference techniques
• Experience designing and analyzing tests in online marketplace settings
• Mastery of SQL and Python, with experience with Tableau, Databricks, or other visualization software
• Superb verbal and written communication skills with the ability to distill sophisticated issues and detailed analysis into simple, structured frameworks with concrete action plans
• Ability to work cross-functionally and influence business partners to set realistic goals and focus on data-driven solutions
   

Get to know us

At Zillow, we’re reimagining how people move—through the real estate market and through their careers. As the most-visited real estate platform in the U.S., we help customers navigate buying, selling, financing and renting with greater ease and confidence. Whether you're working in tech, sales, operations, or design, you’ll be part of a company that's reshaping an industry and helping more people make home a reality.

Zillow is honored to be recognized among the best workplaces in the country. Zillow was named one of FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® in 2025, and included on the PEOPLE Companies That Care® 2025 list, reflecting our commitment to creating an innovative, inclusive, and engaging culture where employees are empowered to grow.

No matter where you sit in the organization, your work will help drive innovation, support our customers, and move the industry—and your career—forward, together.

Zillow Group is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive, innovative environment with the best employees. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please contact your recruiter directly.

Qualified applicants with arrest or conviction records will be considered for employment in accordance with applicable state and local law.

Los Angeles County applicants: Job duties for this position include: work safely and cooperatively with other employees, supervisors, and staff; adhere to standards of excellence despite stressful conditions; communicate effectively and respectfully with employees, supervisors, and staff to ensure exceptional customer service; and follow all federal, state, and local laws and Company policies. Criminal history may have a direct, adverse, and negative relationship with some of the material job duties of this position. These include the duties and responsibilities listed above, as well as the abilities to adhere to company policies, exercise sound judgment, effectively manage stress and work safely and respectfully with others, exhibit trustworthiness and professionalism, and safeguard business operations and the Company’s reputation. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.