Staff Machine Learning Engineer

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

Job summary

The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank seeks a Staff Machine Learning Engineer to lead hands-on applied deep learning across computer vision and multimodal AI. You will move models from research to production, supporting Studio users while guiding technical direction and responsible AI practices.

You will mentor engineers, drive experiments, and collaborate with product and engineering to deliver scalable, robust ML solutions that align with content rights and protections.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in CS/ML/CV or related field.
• 7+ years of professional experience, 4+ years deploying ML in production.
• Strong deep learning skills for CV and multimodal models.
• Experience designing experiments and evaluation methods that influence product decisions.
• Proficient in Python and PyTorch with production practices incl. VCS, testing, CI/CD; familiar with Docker and cloud platforms.
• Proven track record leading ML projects and communicating with non-technical partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and development of ML solutions in CV and multimodal AI for Studio users.
• Run experiments to select/adapt approaches, including build-vs-buy-vs-partner decisions.
• Define evaluation methods linking model quality to user outcomes.
• Partner with engineering to productionize solutions with monitoring and feedback.
• Set technical direction, mentor engineers, and promote testing and reproducibility.
• Collaborate with product/engineering/business to shape solutions and inform decisions.
• Develop solutions aligned with Disney’s responsible AI principles and rights protections.
• Stay current with multimodal/generative AI progress and apply ideas to workflows.

Skills

Python

PyTorch

Docker

CI/CD

Cloud platforms

Deep learning

Computer vision

Multimodal models

Education

Master's degree in Computer Science / ML / CV

Tools

Version control

Job description

At The Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, this Staff Machine Learning Engineer role focuses on hands‑on applied deep learning across computer vision and multimodal AI. You will lead work that moves from experimentation to production, supporting Studio users while applying technical leadership and responsible AI practices aligned with content rights and protections.

What you will do

• Lead the design and development of ML solutions in computer vision and multimodal AI that serve Studio users.
• Run targeted experiments to select, adapt, and fine‑tune proven approaches, including ownership of build‑vs‑buy‑vs‑partner decisions.
• Define evaluation methods for both generative and subjective outputs, connecting model quality to real user outcomes.
• Partner with engineering teams to bring solutions into production and iterate using monitoring signals and user feedback.
• Set technical direction across teams, mentor engineers, and promote testing, code quality, and reproducibility.
• Collaborate with product, engineering, and business stakeholders to shape the right solution and explain pros and cons to support decision‑making.
• Develop solutions in line with Disney’s responsible AI principles, respecting content rights, IP, and talent protections.
• Stay current with multimodal and generative AI progress and incorporate strong ideas into Studio workflows.

Required qualifications

• Master’s degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, Computer Vision, or a closely related field.
• 7+ years of professional experience, including 4+ years deploying ML in production.
• Strong command of deep learning with expertise in computer vision and multimodal models (for example, vision‑language models and video understanding).
• Proven experience designing experiments and evaluation methods that influence product decisions.
• Strong Python and PyTorch (or equivalent), including production practices such as version control, automated testing, and CI/CD, plus familiarity with Docker and cloud platforms.
• 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, along 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.

Location and work model

• Onsite in Burbank, CA. This is not a remote role. You must be in the area or open to relocation.

Technology

• Python, PyTorch, Docker, CI/CD, cloud platforms, version control, automated testing

Compensation and pay transparency

• The hiring range for this position located in Burbank is $158,100.00 - $211,900.00 per year.
• Base pay offered may vary based on internal equity and depending on geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.
• A bonus and/or long‑term incentive units may be provided in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, based on the level and position offered.