Lead Software Engineer, Machine Learning - Ad Platforms

Disney Cruise Line - The Walt Disney Company; San Francisco (CA); On-site; Confidential; Full time

Job summary

An innovative company is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to enhance its advertising platforms with machine learning and AI solutions. This role involves developing scalable components for inventory forecasting and ad experiences, collaborating with researchers, and promoting best engineering practices. With a focus on building next-generation solutions, you will work in a dynamic environment that values creativity and interdisciplinary collaboration. If you are passionate about technology and eager to tackle complex challenges in the advertising domain, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of programming experience in Java, Python, or Scala.
• Strong experience with machine learning technologies and microservices.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of ML components to improve ad inventory forecasting.
• Build AI-based solutions for complex advertising challenges.

Skills

Java

Python

Scala

Machine Learning

Big Data Processing

Microservices

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Tools

TensorFlow

Kubeflow

PyTorch

Databricks

AWS SageMaker

Job description

Disney Entertainment & ESPN Technology

At Disney Entertainment & ESPN Technology, we reimagine how to create magical viewing experiences and transform Disney’s media business for the future. Our work includes evolving streaming and digital products, powering advertising and distribution, and delivering Disney’s entertainment and sports content, impacting partners and audiences worldwide.

Reasons to love working here:

• Building the future: Designing infrastructure to support Disney’s media, advertising, and distribution for years to come.
• Reach & Scale: Serving millions of consumers daily through platforms like Disney+, Hulu, ABC, ESPN, and more.
• Innovation: Developing groundbreaking products and techniques to enhance audience experiences in sports, entertainment, and news.

The Ad Platforms organization is responsible for building, enhancing, and maintaining a high-performance, microservice-based Advertising Platform across Disney properties like Hulu and ESPN+. We develop proprietary technology for ad serving, campaign management, reporting, and integrations, supporting a top-tier video advertising business.

The Ad Platform Decisioning and Machine Learning Platform team aims to enhance advertising with machine learning and AI. We develop solutions for prediction and optimization engines for Disney’s addressable ad platforms, covering tech areas from machine learning and big data processing to microservices. We seek a Lead Software Engineer to be a core team member, focusing on prediction and optimization engines for Disney’s ad platforms. The ideal candidate should have experience in machine learning technologies and backend services, and be proactive, inquisitive, and innovative.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Lead the development of machine learning components to improve inventory forecasting, ad experience, pacing, pricing, targeting, and delivery.
• Build next-generation AI-based solutions for complex advertising challenges to enhance business performance.
• Develop scalable approaches for large-scale data analysis and model development.
• Collaborate with researchers to productize innovations at scale.
• Consider architectural factors like performance, scalability, reusability, and flexibility.
• Promote best engineering practices, including design patterns, CI/CD, code reviews, and automated testing.
• Work with researchers, product managers, and SDET teams in an open environment.
• Mentor and guide team members’ professional and technical growth.

WHAT TO BRING

• Bachelor’s degree in computer science or related field.
• 7+ years of professional programming and design experience in Java, Python, Scala, etc.
• Strong experience with ML technologies like TensorFlow, Kubeflow, PyTorch, Databricks, AWS SageMaker, etc.
• Experience building high-availability, scalable microservices.
• Experience with big data processing and technologies.
• Strong knowledge of system and application design and architecture.
• Passion for understanding the ad business and seeking innovation.
• Enthusiasm for technology and interdisciplinary collaboration.
• Proven ability to thrive in fast-paced, data-driven, collaborative environments.

NICE-TO-HAVES

• Domain knowledge of advertising.
• Experience with GenAI technologies and LLMs.
• Experience with feature stores, audience segmentation, and MLOps.

The salary range in Los Angeles, CA is $152,000 - $204,100, in Seattle, WA is $159,500 - $213,900, and in San Francisco, CA is $166,800 - $223,600. Actual offers depend on location, experience, and skills, and may include bonuses, incentives, and benefits.