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R&D Engineer

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Job ID 10089005 Location San Francisco, California, United States Business Industrial Light & Magic Date posted May 06, 2024

Job Summary:

We are looking for a R&D Engineer who reflects the innovative spirit and passion for great filmmaking that defines ILM. The R&D Engineer (Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning) is responsible for developing software systems and techniques for creating visual effects, with an emphasis on machine learning technologies. The duties are a mix of building new systems, maintaining current systems, and supporting artists in executing production tasks.

What You’ll Do

  • Primarily responsible for the development of software tools and/or systems under the guidance of a departmental area lead.

  • Works directly with artists to solve technical challenges. 

  • Serves as a knowledge resource for machine learning software and/or systems used in production at ILM. This includes end user support of alpha and beta release cycles. 

  • Advises/assists junior engineers with maintenance and bug fixing of existing software and/or systems. 

  • Expected to participate in discussions surrounding future applications and/or systems regarding their appropriateness of solution. 

What We’re Looking For

  • You probably have 5+ years in the computer graphics field, or comparable academic research experience. 

  • You have a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Scientific discipline, advanced degree preferred. 

  • Significant experience designing, implementing, and applying machine learning systems 

  • In-depth knowledge of machine learning tool sets such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, etc.

  • Excellence in problem solving and balancing quick turnaround with long-term quality. 

  • Must be detail oriented and organized, possess strong communication skills, and be able to handle a variety of tasks in an efficient manner.


The hiring range for this position in San Francisco is $120,400.00 - $150,400.00 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.

About Industrial Light & Magic:

Founded in 1975 by George Lucas, ILM is the leading effects facility in the world, serving the motion picture, commercial production, and attraction industries. ILM has created visual effects for over 325 feature films and has played a key role in seven of the top 10 worldwide box-office hits of all time and has contributed to 25 of the top 50. ILM has set the standard for visual effects, creating some of the most stunning images in the history of film. At the forefront of the digital revolution, the company continues to break new ground in visual effects, VR, AR, and Immersive Cinema.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with Lucasfilm Ent Co Ltd, LLC Payroll Svc, which is part of a business we call Industrial Light & Magic.

Lucasfilm Ent Co Ltd, LLC Payroll Svc is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. 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.

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, email Candidate.Accommodations@Disney.com with your request. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or correspondence. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

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