Applied Scientist - AI/ML

About Us

CDK Global is a leading provider of cloud-based software to dealerships and Original Equipment Manufacturers (“OEMs”) across automotive and related industries. The Company’s cloud-based, software as a service (“SaaS”) platform enables dealerships to manage their end-to-end business operations including the acquisition, sale, financing, insuring, repair, and maintenance of vehicles. By automating and streamlining critical workflows, the integrated platform of modern solutions enables dealers to sell and service more vehicles by creating simple and convenient experiences for customers and improves their financial and operational performance. Visit www.cdkglobal.com

At CDK Global, we are focused on connections that allow us to deliver world-class software, support, and data insights. Our values define who we are and how we show up for each other, our customers, and our communities.  Our values: Stay Curious, Own It, Be Open, Create Possibilities.

About the Role

CDK Global is transforming the automotive retail experience through cutting-edge AI innovations. We are looking for an exceptional Applied Scientist to join our Applied AI Engineering team and help build intelligent, scalable, and impactful solutions for dealerships, OEMs, and consumers.

As an Applied Scientist, you will work on end-to-end development of machine learning and GenAI use-cases—ranging from recommendation engines and forecasting models to classification systems and generative AI applications. You will be part of a cross-functional team driving real-world business outcomes using advanced AI/ML and data science.

Why CDK?

• Be a part of redefining automotive retail using next-gen AI

• Collaborate with a diverse, global, and innovative team

• Opportunity to experiment with frontier AI techniques including Generative AI and RAG

• Competitive compensation, benefits, and a growth-oriented culture

What You’ll Do

• Design, build, and deploy ML models for recommendation systems, service forecasting, classification problems, and Gen AI-powered applications

• Own the full lifecycle of AI/ML projects—from data exploration and feature engineering to model training, evaluation, and deployment

• Collaborate with product managers, data engineers, MLOps teams, and architects to create production-ready solutions

• Leverage LLMs (Large Language Models) and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) for intelligent customer experiences and automation

• Ensure high model performance, interpretability, and scalability across diverse datasets and use-cases

• Contribute to building reusable AI/ML components and pipelines to accelerate development velocity
   

Basic Qualifications

• Master’s degree or PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Data Science, Statistics, or a related technical field

• 3+ years of experience in building machine learning models for real-world business applications

• Strong programming skills in Python

• Experience with key ML techniques including regression, classification, collaborative filtering, and deep learning

• Familiarity with model deployment tools (e.g., FastAPI, Docker, AWS/GCP/Azure ML services)

• Solid understanding of data structures, algorithms, and software engineering principles
   

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven experience in recommendation engines, time-series forecasting, and NLP/GenAI (e.g., OpenAI, LangChain, Transformers)

• Experience with deploying models in production environments and maintaining MLOps workflows

• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to translate business objectives into technical solutions

• Demonstrated thought leadership via patents, publications, or internal innovations

• Comfortable working in fast-paced, ambiguous environments where autonomy and self-direction are key
   

Salary Range: $120k - $160k

CDK Global is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. Compensation packages are based on several factors, including but not limited to skills, experience, certifications, and work location.  The total compensation package for this position may also include annual performance bonus, benefits and/or other applicable incentive compensation plans.We offer Medical, dental, and vision benefits in addition to:

• Paid Time Off (PTO)

• 401K Matching Program

• Tuition Reimbursement

At CDK, we believe inclusion and diversity are essential in inspiring meaningful connections to our people, customers and communities. We are open, curious and encourage different views, so that everyone can be their best selves and make an impact.

CDK is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to creating an inclusive workforce where everyone is valued. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, creed or religion, age, disability (including pregnancy), results of genetic testing, service in the military, veteran status or any other category protected by law.

Applicants for employment in the US must be authorized to work in the US.  CDK may offer employer visa sponsorship to applicants.