Principal Machine Learning Engineer, Research - Ad Platforms

$202,900 - $272,100/Yr

Disney Entertainment & ESPN Technology - Santa Monica, CA

Full-time - Senior

Santa Monica, CA

About the position

The Principal Machine Learning Engineer at Disney Entertainment & ESPN Technology will lead the development of prediction and optimization engines for addressable ad platforms. This role focuses on applying AI and machine learning to enhance various aspects of advertising, including inventory forecasting, ad experience, and efficient ad delivery. The engineer will collaborate with cross-functional teams to innovate and implement scalable solutions, while also mentoring team members to support their technical growth.

Responsibilities

• Drive ground-breaking innovation and apply state of the art AI and machine learning in advertising.
• Invent and iterate novel solutions for complex ad challenges with fast turnaround.
• Lead the ad algorithm architecture design and iteration of the advertising system.
• Develop and implement scalable and efficient approaches for large scale data analysis and model development.
• Build and experiment with new algorithms and models end-to-end, from production rollout to continuous optimization.
• Collaborate with engineering teams, product managers, and program managers in an open and creative environment.
• Mentor team members and support their technical growth.

Requirements

• Bachelors in computer science or related field of study.
• 10+ years of relevant engineering experience working at leading technology companies.
• Strong knowledge of and experience implementing AI/ML technologies, mathematics, and statistics.
• Ability to collaborate with and lead projects across cross-functional teams such as Product Management, Architecture, and other Engineering teams.
• Proficient in Java, Python, Scala, large scale ML/DL platforms and processing tech stack.
• Passionate about understanding the ad business and seeking innovation opportunities to enhance business effectiveness.
• Proven track record of thriving in a fast-paced, data-driven, and collaborative work environment.

Nice-to-haves

• MS or PhD (preferred) in computer science or equivalent experience.
• Experience in the advertising domain is preferred.
• Experience in large scale machine learning.
• Experience in LLM and GenAI.
• Experience with forecasting algorithms is preferred.
• Experience in digital video advertising or digital marketing domain.
• Experience with CTR/CVR model, generative AI, forecasting model.
• Experience with feature store, audience segmentation, and MLOps.
• Experience with Tensorflow, Kubeflow, or Sagemaker.

Benefits

• Bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package.
• Full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.