Job Requirements This in not a remote role. You must be in the area or open to relocation.
Why The Walt Disney Studios?
The Walt Disney Studios is where unforgettable stories come to life. From theatrical releases to global streaming platforms, our technology enables the creation and delivery of content enjoyed by millions. Behind every frame are the platforms and teams that make it possible, including engineers who turn emerging AI into tools creators can trust.
Job Description
The Staff Machine Learning Engineer is part of the Creative Technology Platform organization within Studio Technology. This role leads applied deep learning work in computer vision and multimodal AI, taking solutions from experiment to production so that real users across the Studio benefit. Your work will support storytelling across Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Lucasfilm and the Studio?s production teams, working with some of the most iconic content in the world. Success is measured by what ships, what users adopt, and what holds up in production.
This is a hands-on technical leadership role. It requires pragmatism, strong judgment about when and how to apply ML, and comfort working at the pace of evolving AI.
Key Responsibilities
?\tLead the design and development of ML solutions in computer vision and multimodal AI that serve Studio users.
?\tRun focused experiments to select, adapt and fine-tune proven methods, and lead build-vs-buy-vs-partner decisions.
?\tDefine evaluation methods, including for generative and subjective output, that tie model quality to real user outcomes.
?\tWork with engineering teams to take solutions into production, and iterate on them based on monitoring and user feedback.
?\tSet technical direction across teams, mentor engineers, and champion testing, code quality and reproducibility.
?\tPartner with product, engineering and business stakeholders to build the right solution, explaining the pros and cons of each approach to help them make sound business decisions.
?\tDevelop solutions in line with Disney?s responsible AI principles, respecting content rights, IP and talent protections.
?\tStay at the forefront of multimodal and generative AI, and bring the best ideas into Studio workflows.
Required Qualifications
?\tMaster?s degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Computer Vision or a closely related field.
?\tMust have 7+ years of professional experience, including 4+ years deploying ML in production.
?\tMust have strong command of deep learning, with expertise in computer vision and multimodal models (e.g., vision-language models, video understanding).
?\tDemonstrated experience designing experiments and evaluation methods that drive product decisions.
?\tMust have strong Python and PyTorch (or equivalent), with production practices (version control, automated testing, CI/CD) and familiarity with Docker and cloud platforms.
?\tMust have proven track record of leading ML projects across teams and communicating clearly with non-technical partners.
Preferred Qualifications
?\tPhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Computer Vision or a related field, paired with experience applying that depth to shipped products.
?\tExperience with generative models, distributed training, or ML at scale.
?\tExperience building tools with or for creative professionals.
?\tBackground in media and entertainment.
At Disney, storytelling is powered by technology. As a Staff Machine Learning Engineer, you will help turn emerging AI into capabilities that serve storytellers.
#TECHATDISNEY
Disclaimer PAY TRANSPARENCY
The hiring range for this position localed in Burbank is $158,100.00 - $211,900.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate?s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered
This position is withWalt Disney Pictures, which is part of a business we callThe Walt Disney Studios.
To learn more about Disney\'s guidelines on the use of AI for candidates,
Walt Disney Picturesis an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS
The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, visit the Disney . We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.
Having technical issues?
