Staff Machine Learning Engineer

Disney Entertainment; Burbank (CA); On-site; USD 158,000 - 212,000; Full time

Job summary

The Walt Disney Studios is seeking a Staff Machine Learning Engineer to lead applied deep learning work in computer vision and multimodal AI within the Creative Technology Platform at Studio Technology.

This hands-on technical leadership role requires pragmatism, strong judgment on ML application, and the ability to drive solutions at pace for production use by Disney’s storytellers across its brands.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Computer Vision or a closely related field.
• Must have 7+ years of professional experience, including 4+ years deploying ML in production.
• Must have strong command of deep learning, with expertise in computer vision and multimodal models (e.g., vision-language models, video understanding).
• Must have strong Python and PyTorch (or equivalent), with production practices (version control, automated testing, CI/CD) and familiarity with Docker and cloud platforms.
• Must have proven track record of leading ML projects across teams and communicating clearly with non-technical partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and development of ML solutions in computer vision and multimodal AI that serve Studio users.
• Run focused experiments to select, adapt and fine-tune proven methods, and lead build-vs-buy-vs-partner decisions.
• Define evaluation methods, including for generative and subjective output, that tie model quality to real user outcomes.
• Work with engineering teams to take solutions into production, and iterate on them based on monitoring and user feedback.
• Set technical direction across teams, mentor engineers, and champion testing, code quality and reproducibility.
• Partner 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.
• Develop solutions in line with Disney’s responsible AI principles, respecting content rights, IP and talent protections.
• Stay at the forefront of multimodal and generative AI, and bring the best ideas into Studio workflows.

Skills

Python

PyTorch

Deep learning

Computer vision

Multimodal models

Docker

Cloud platforms

CI/CD

Leadership

Education

Master’s degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Computer Vision or a closely related field

PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Computer Vision or a related field

Tools

Docker

Cloud platforms

CI/CD

Job description

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 Responsibilitie s

• Lead the design and development of ML solutions in computer vision and multimodal AI that serve Studio users.
• Run focused experiments to select, adapt and fine-tune proven methods, and lead build-vs-buy-vs-partner decisions.
• Define evaluation methods, including for generative and subjective output, that tie model quality to real user outcomes.
• Work with engineering teams to take solutions into production, and iterate on them based on monitoring and user feedback.
• Set technical direction across teams, mentor engineers, and champion testing, code quality and reproducibility.
• Partner 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.
• Develop solutions in line with Disney’s responsible AI principles, respecting content rights, IP and talent protections.
• Stay at the forefront of multimodal and generative AI, and bring the best ideas into Studio workflows.

Required Qualification s

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Computer Vision or a closely related field.
• Must have 7+ years of professional experience, including 4+ years deploying ML in production.
• Must have strong command of deep learning, with expertise in computer vision and multimodal models (e.g., vision-language models, video understanding).
• Demonstrated experience designing experiments and evaluation methods that drive product decisions.
• Must have strong Python and PyTorch (or equivalent), with production practices (version control, automated testing, CI/CD) and familiarity with Docker and cloud platforms.
• Must have proven track record of leading ML projects across teams and communicating clearly with non-technical partners.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Computer Vision or a related field, paired with experience applying that depth to shipped products.
• Experience with generative models, distributed training, or ML at scale.
• Experience building tools with or for creative professionals.
• Background 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 with Walt Disney Pictures, which is part of a business we call The Walt Disney Studios.

Walt Disney Pictures is 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 candidate disability accommodations FAQs (https://support.disneycareers.com/hc/en-us/sections/32131060143380-Candidate-Disability-Accommodations-FAQs) . We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

The Walt Disney Company is 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 fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.