Software Engineer II, Advertiser Optimization
Join Instacart as a Software Engineer II to enhance the algorithmic systems powering their advertising marketplace.
Posted by employer 1 month ago
First seen on Joblaze 1 month ago
Last verified on the company career page 4 days ago
What you'll build
- Develop and evaluate models and algorithms for ads bidding, pacing, and budgeting
- Collaborate with senior scientists, engineers and product managers
- Contribute to production systems through algorithm implementation
- Communicate assumptions, findings, and limitations
- Design experiments and interpret results using large-scale data
Must have
- PhD in mathematics, statistics, economics, operations research, or a related quantitative discipline
- Proficiency in Python and SQL
- Strong analytical and communication skills
Nice to have
- 2+ years of software engineering experience
- Familiarity with ads systems, auction theory
- Experience working with large-scale data pipelines
- Familiarity with machine learning techniques
Practical constraints
- Only hiring in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia
Requirements
- Experience
- 2+ years
- Education
- PhD
Not disclosed in this posting: visa sponsorship.
Benefits
Joblaze summary
In the role of Software Engineer II on the Advertiser Optimization team at Instacart, the individual will focus on developing and refining algorithms for ad bidding, pacing, and budgeting, leveraging their quantitative expertise. Proficiency in Python and SQL is essential, along with a strong foundation in mathematics or statistics, to translate complex marketplace challenges into actionable solutions. This position is well-suited for someone with a PhD and at least two years of software engineering experience, particularly in production systems. The team operates in a fast-paced environment, emphasizing collaboration and adaptability.
Joblaze insights
- Listed about a month ago — first seen on Joblaze September 27, 2026. Last confirmed on Instacart's careers page November 10, 2026.
- Starts above 21% of 34 comparable mid data science roles we track (median $126,500 across 22 companies).
Quick facts
- Is the Software Engineer II, Advertiser Optimization role remote?
- Yes — Instacart lists this as a fully remote position.
- What's the salary range?
- Instacart lists CAD 145,000–CAD 153,000 for this role.
- How much experience is required?
- At least 2 years of relevant experience for this Software Engineer II, Advertiser Optimization role.
- What's the tech stack?
- Joblaze extracted these technologies from the posting: Python, SQL.
- What seniority level is this role?
- Instacart targets mid-level candidates for this position.
- Is this full-time or contract?
- Full-time for this Software Engineer II, Advertiser Optimization role at Instacart.
From the original posting
We're transforming the grocery industry
Overview
The Advertiser Optimization team is the decision-making engine of Instacart's $1B+ ads business. We own the systems responsible for Bidding, Pacing, Budgeting, Targeting and advertiser-facing recommendations - converting stated advertiser goals into real-time auction actions. Our mission is to maximize realized Advertiser Value by deciding when to participate, how much to bid, and how fast to spend, all while carefully balancing User Experience and Platform Revenue.
We are looking for a Software Engineer II with a strong quantitative background to join our Toronto-based team. In this role, you will apply your expertise in mathematics, statistics, economics, or a related field to help build and refine the algorithmic systems that power how Instacart's advertising marketplace operates. You'll work alongside a talented team of scientists and engineers, contributing to production systems that have real, measurable impact on a scaled ads platform. If you're excited by the intersection of rigorous quantitative thinking and large-scale engineering, this is the role for you.
About the Job
- Develop and evaluate models and algorithms for ads bidding, pacing, and budgeting, applying your training in mathematics, statistics, economics, or a related quantitative discipline to solve complex marketplace problems at scale.
- Collaborate closely with senior scientists, engineers and product managers to translate well-defined marketplace questions into mathematical formulations, implement analyses and prototypes, design experiments, and interpret results using large-scale data.
- Contribute to production systems through algorithm implementation, validation, and monitoring, progressively taking ownership of well-scoped projects from initial hypothesis through measurable impact.
- Operate in a fast-paced, constantly evolving environment where the ads marketplace shifts quickly — you'll need to balance rigor with speed, and thrive when priorities change and new challenges emerge.
- Communicate assumptions, findings, and limitations clearly to both technical and cross-functional partners, helping the team make better decisions through transparency and analytical clarity.
About You
Minimum Qualifications
- PhD in mathematics, statistics, economics, operations research, or a related quantitative discipline, with a strong foundation in at least one of the following areas: optimization, probability, statistical modeling, econometrics, or control theory.
- Proficiency in Python and SQL, with demonstrated ability to translate quantitative concepts into analyses, algorithm implementations, and experiments.
- Strong analytical and communication skills, including the ability to explain assumptions, methodologies, results, and limitations to both technical and cross-functional audiences.
Preferred Qualifications
- 2+ years of software engineering experience, particularly in applying quantitative methods to production systems.
- Familiarity with ads systems, auction theory, or related marketplace optimization problems.
- Experience working with large-scale data pipelines and real-time decision systems.
- Familiarity with machine learning techniques and applying machine learning in production systems.
#LI-Remote
Instacart provides highly market-competitive compensation and benefits in each location where our employees work. This role is remote and the base pay range for a successful candidate is dependent on their permanent work location. Please review our Flex First remote work policy here. Currently, we are only hiring in the following provinces: Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and Nova Scotia.
Offers may vary based on many factors, such as candidate experience and skills required for the role. Additionally, this role is eligible for a new hire equity grant as well as annual refresh grants. Please read more about our benefits offerings here.
For Canadian based candidates, the base pay ranges for a successful candidate are listed below.
Standard company text repeated across Instacart's postings is omitted here.