AI Innovation Scientist, Baseball Analytics

GO BEYOND THE IVYChicago Cubs | Marquee 360 | Marquee Development | Marquee VenturesEach brand stands as unique as the teams that drive them. We welcome you to learn more about us.Our business is a team sport built on creating and delivering memorable experiences around Cubs baseball and other live events. In support of that effort, we expect associates to work primarily in our office, while also enabling some flexibility.JOB TITLE: AI Innovation Scientist, Baseball AnalyticsDEPARTMENT: R&D Baseball OperationsORGANIZATION: Chicago CubsREPORTS TO: Assistant Director, Baseball AnalyticsLOCATION: Chicago, ILFLSA STATUS: ExemptCOMPENSATION: $90,000 - $150,000 USDBEING PART OF THE TEAMOur business is a team sport that began on a field with baseballs and bats and has evolved into one of the most recognizable brands in sports and entertainment through Cubs baseball and live events. Our success is driven by our people, who work to create and inspire change in an engaging, collaborative and inclusive environment. As a team, we continue to build a culture on and off the field that delivers unforgettable experiences for one another, our fans and community. In support of that effort, we expect associates to work primarily in our office. Are you ready to be part of it?OUR STORYThe Chicago Cubs franchise, a charter member of Major League Baseball's National League since 1876, has won the National League pennant 17 times and was the first team to win back-to-back World Series titles in the 1907 and 1908 seasons. In 2016, the Chicago Cubs made history again when the team won its first World Series in 108 years, ending the longest championship drought in North American sports. Known for its ivy-covered outfield walls, hand-operated scoreboard and famous Marquee, iconic Wrigley Field has been the home of the Chicago Cubs since 1916 and is the second oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball. In 2009, the Ricketts family assumed ownership of the Chicago Cubs and established three main goals for the organization: Win the World Series, Preserve and Improve Wrigley Field, and Be a Good Neighbor.HOW YOU'LL CONTRIBUTEThe Chicago Cubs are looking to hire an AI Innovation Scientist in Baseball Analytics to assist and lead the integration of applied AI models and capabilities throughout Baseball Operations. This role is housed within Research and Development, touching all aspects of our operation both inside and outside of R&D. At a macro level, the role will focus on developing short- and long-term AI strategies for the Baseball Operations department, staying up to date with the latest research in machine learning and AI, and helping to develop and enable standards for reliability, performance, and maintainability. At a micro level, the role will focus on turning complex internal data into reliable state-of-the-art models, building effective and scalable infrastructure, and developing and deploying machine learning and neural network-based models to support player evaluation, player development, and performance analysis.This is not a pure research role; success in this position requires translating modeling approaches into production systems that are integrated into baseball decision-making processes. The ideal candidate is a hands-on contributor with experience building and deploying AI systems end-to-end, from data preparation and modeling to production deployment, decision pipelines, and evaluation systems, while helping to lead and influence people in a fast paced and competitive environment.THE DAY-TO-DAY:AI Product Development & IntegrationsHelp build systems that support model-driven evaluation pipelines, automated inference, and simulation workflows.Contribute to model validation, calibration, and interpretability frameworks to ensure reliability and trustEnsure AI capabilities are embedded into production decision-making systems used across Baseball OperationsHelp develop and enable strong standards for reliability, performance, and maintainabilityBuild and maintain data pipelines and feature systemsMachine Learning & Generative ModelingDevelop and deploy machine learning and neural network-based models to support player evaluation, player development, and performance analysisExplore and apply modern generative modeling techniques beyond LLMs (e.g., time-series models, attention networks, multimodal models, simulation frameworks)Technology InnovationStay up to date with the latest research in machine learning and AI, applying new techniques to improve model accuracy, scalability, and performance.Serve as internal R&D consultant on model design and selection, pushing forward adoption of novel technologiesWHAT YOU'LL BRING:Significant experience with common machine learning frameworks and librariesExperience building and deploying machine learning models in production environmentsExperience with deep learning frameworks (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow)Familiarity with modeling approaches relevant to sports data (time-series, computer vision, probabilistic modeling, or simulation)Proficiency with SQL, Python, and version control softwareFamiliarity with cloud computing practicesStrong understanding of data structures, pipelines, and the model development lifecycleWHAT SETS YOU APART:5+ years of relevant experience in artificial intelligence, computer science, machine learning, or a closely related fieldExperience applying generative methods to structured and multimodal dataExperience designing and evaluating AI systems for reliability, accuracy, and performanceExperience working with multimodal data (e.g., tracking data, video, sensor data)Familiarity with and passion for baseballTOTAL REWARDS:On-site parkingTransit benefitsPaid time off: Personal, Sick, Vacation Time, Office Holidays & Winter BreakFlexible work arrangementCasual work attire environmentComplimentary Meal & beverage planCubs home game & spring training game ticket allotmentAccess to campus wide Wrigley Field events & pre-sales401K Plan Employee Contribution & Employer MatchBenefit Plans: Medical, Dental, Vision & Life InsuranceHealth & Wellness engagement & programmingVariety of associate special events, volunteer opportunities and partnership discountsTuition ReimbursementFree access to EV charging stations* This job posting includes the anticipated compensation, which reflects the hourly rate or salary range the Chicago Cubs and its affiliates are considering for this role in the specified location(s) as of the posting date. Where anticipated compensation is a salary range, the actual base salary offered within that range will be reflective of the candidate's skills and experience.The Chicago Cubs and its affiliates embrace diversity and are committed to building a team that represents all communities. We hold ourselves accountable to include new and different voices in our organization. Everyone is welcome here, and we celebrate what makes each of us unique.Response Expectations:Due to the overwhelming number of applications we receive, we unfortunately may not be able to respond in person to each applicant. However, we can assure you that you will receive an email confirmation when you apply as well as additional email notifications whether you are selected to move forward for the position or not. Please note, we keep all resumes on file and will contact you should we wish to schedule an interview with you.