Wayfair Next envisions and implements novel technology-driven solutions that will shape the future of retail. We originally started with Visual Computing technologies (AR, Computer Vision, VR etc.) to help customers visualize their space and are now figuring out how technology plays a role in the future of home, future of manufacturing, helping customers “feel” products online, sustainable supply chain practices, etc.

We are looking for a Creative Technologist/R&D Generalist - someone who has a broad overview of the technology landscape, who can envision evolution paths for various technologies, illustrate future concepts by building prototypes, and work with leadership to influence the product roadmap and Wayfair’s evolution (some info here). At Wayfair Next, you would be wearing multiple hats and leading complex projects end-to-end, creating novel & creative solutions to Wayfair & industry problems. You’d also have the opportunity to partner with companies such as Google, Facebook, Apple, Magic Leap etc, present your work at various forums publicly (in fact that’s a requirement!), such as SIGGRAPH, WWDC, GHC, LEAP, SXSW, and lead consortiums for industry-wide standards such as 3DCommerce. 

What You'll Do

• Explore and develop concepts in the home & retail space using emerging technologies (such as new user interaction technologies, augmented environments, visual computing, and machine learning).
• Identify high impact opportunities and build prototypes using the state of the art technologies to incrementally validate the opportunity.
• Deliver engaging experiences that unravel ambiguity / complexity and demonstrate the application of your work. And at the same time, through rapid prototyping go after highly ambitious problems.
• Coordinate, support, and explore efforts with internal cross-functional partners and external technology partners (such as Magic Leap, Google, Adobe etc.).
• Participate in the tech & creative community by publishing blogs/papers, delivering talks, participating in panel discussions or engaging in external outreach that amplifies Wayfair’s tech/innovation brand.
• Provide technical guidance, and collaborate across Wayfair’s product, engineering & business teams for strategy, design, implementation, and launch. Own projects from ideation to delivery, clearly communicating scope, status, risks and challenges.

What You'll Need

• An ability to thrive in ambiguous problem spaces. An understanding of the creative / prototyping process and a nimbleness in navigating complex projects while adapting to rapidly changing direction. 
• A broad range of skills in your toolbox (you’re a multidisciplinary technologist), one who is not afraid to jump into an area previously unexplored and capable of learning the right tools for a problem, on the go.
• A demonstrable track record of turning concepts into reality in a team setting - ideation, building a case & persuading the larger team, validating hypotheses through prototypes, incorporating feedback, and finally driving projects to successful outcomes.
• At least 8+ years of professional R&D experience, with a portfolio that demonstrates a breadth of thought-provoking projects at the intersection of design/engineering/entrepreneurship.

OR

• You have a Master’s/PhD Degree in Computer Science/Computer Engineering/Software Engineering/Human-Computer Interaction or equivalent foundation with at least 7 years of professional development experience in multi-disciplinary R&D environments.
• Not just an engineering and creative mindset, but an entrepreneurial mindset. You aren’t just thinking about how to do something you are thinking about, what, why and when.