Applied AI Engineer – Search & Discovery

Location: Kaunas, Lithuania (Hybrid, In office 2 days per week)

With millions of diners, 60,000+ restaurant partners, and 25+ years of experience, OpenTable, part of Booking Holdings (NASDAQ: BKNG), is an industry leader helping restaurants thrive. Our technology enables restaurants to focus on what matters most—their team, their guests, and their bottom line—while empowering diners to discover and book the perfect restaurant for every occasion.

Every employee at OpenTable has a tangible impact on what we build and how we build it. You’ll be part of a global team shaping the future of hospitality and discovery.

We’re looking for a mid-level Applied AI Engineer to join our Diner Growth – AI Discovery team in Kaunas, based at Magnum Office Center.

What we do

We drive OpenTable’s growth by building systems that connect diners with restaurants across search engines and AI-driven discovery platforms. Our work combines search foundations—ranking, keyword coverage, and click-through optimization—with AI-driven approaches such as generative engine optimization (GEO), large-scale content systems, and platform integrations.

We design and operate systems that generate and optimize high-quality content at scale (e.g., FAQs, restaurant descriptions), improve visibility across both search and AI surfaces, and integrate OpenTable into emerging platforms (e.g. MCP-powered experiences). Our approach is highly experimental and data-driven, with a strong focus on measurable impact.

What you’ll do

As an engineer on the Diner Growth – AI Discovery team, you’ll build and own systems that directly impact user acquisition and revenue. You’ll be part of a high-performing, cross-functional team working closely with product, design, and data partners.

You’ll design end-to-end solutions across data pipelines, backend services, and frontend experiences—including LLM-powered workflows and scalable content systems—using technologies like Python, Node.js, TypeScript, Databricks, Kubernetes, and Postgres.

What we’re looking for

Experience with traditional SEO is a plus, but not required. We’re looking for self-driven engineers who take ownership, are excited about evolving AI systems, and can build scalable, high-impact products.

You don’t need to know everything from day one. We value curiosity, ownership, and continuous improvement, and provide dedicated time each sprint to experiment, learn, and explore new approaches.

You’ll Fit Right In If You Have

• Strong experience with Node.js, TypeScript, and modern CI/CD practices

• Experience building LLM-powered systems, including prompting, grounding (RAG), and output evaluation

• Experience designing and building agentic workflows (multi-step reasoning, tool usage, automation)

• Ability to design and own scalable backend systems and APIs end-to-end

• A data-driven, experimental mindset with a focus on measurable impact and iteration

• Solid understanding of performance, reliability, and production best practices

• Proficiency in English and solid communication skills

Nice To Have

• Experience with Python, React, and modern frontend development

• Familiarity with GraphQL APIs

• Experience working with databases such as PostgreSQL or MongoDB

• Experience with large-scale data pipelines (e.g. Databricks or similar)

• Exposure to Kubernetes or cloud-based infrastructure (e.g. AWS)

• Understanding of search and discovery systems (SEO/GEO)

Benefits

• Health Insurance by Compensa

• Flexible Sick Leave policy (up to 2 days)

• Wellbeing Contribution (10 days 100% paid sick leave)

• One paid day off on your birthday 

• Work from (almost) anywhere for up to 20 days per year

• Full access to leading AI tools and workflows to accelerate development and experimentation 

• $1,000/year personal growth budget for learning and development 

• Company-wide vacation week once a year (winter holidays)

• Additional financial support during parental leave

• Paid volunteering time

• Office and team events such as summer camp, winter party and more!

Office Perks

• Free parking at Magnum Business Center

• Light Breakfast Mondays

• Meals: Tuesday & Thursday lunch catering at the office / Yoga on Mondays and Wednesdays

• Fruit day on Tuesdays

• Pastry Fridays!

• Massage Chair, foosball, retro console, table games

Compensation

Engineer II salary consists of three elements:

• Base pay: may start from 3800 EUR gross per month. More experienced candidates may receive up to 4,200 EUR gross per month for this position.

• Significant yearly bonuses, approximately 12 percent of annual salary

• Booking Holdings RSU (Restricted Stock Units) package, worth 20,000 USD gross, with possibility to receive yearly refreshes.

Work Environment & Flexibility

At OpenTable, we pride ourselves on fostering a global and dynamic work environment. As a team member with us, you will benefit from a schedule tailored to accommodate a global workforce operating across multiple time zones. While the majority of your responsibilities may align with conventional business hours, there will be instances where you are expected to manage communications - via calls, Slack messages, or emails - outside of regular working hours to effectively collaborate with international colleagues, respond to restaurant partners, and/or address urgent matters. OpenTable will always abide by and consider local laws and regulations.

Inclusion

We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels they belong and can thrive. We know the best ideas come when we bring different voices to the table, so we're building a team as dynamic as the diners and restaurants we serve—and fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome to be themselves.