Principal Software Engineer

Job ID 10109807 Location Burbank, California, United States Business The Walt Disney Studios Date posted Jan. 14, 2025

Apply Now

Job Summary:

Job Title: Principal Software Engineer - Artificial Intelligence

Job Summary

The Office of Technology Enablement is a strategic organization designed to establish Disney as a progressive, innovative, and responsible leader in important and fast-moving areas of technology such as artificial intelligence and mixed reality. The organization coordinates efforts in AI/ML and mixed reality across each of the Walt Disney Company’s business segments to enable value and drive business outcomes.

We are seeking an exceptional Principal Software Engineer specializing in Artificial Intelligence to join Disney Studios AI and Machine Learning Center and lead AI initiatives across the Studios in partnership with various lines of business within the Studio. In this role, you will define and execute our AI/ML technical strategy, collaborating with business and technical leaders to develop and implement tailored AI solutions and services that enhance operations, improve decision-making, streamline creative workflows, and boost productivity. In your role as an AI thought leader, you will utilize state-of -the-art technologies and approaches to solve intricate business problems and boost our competitive advantages.

Responsibilities

AI Strategy and Roadmap

Define and execute an AI strategy and roadmap aligned with Company business goals.

Design and Development

Lead the design and development of sophisticated AI systems, algorithms, and technologies to improve business performance and operational efficiency.
Develop and deploy AI solutions such as process automation, predictive analytics, and natural language processing to optimize operational workflows.
Regularly review code, system designs, and AI models to ensure high standards and adherence to best practices within the team.

Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement

Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify opportunities for applying AI technologies in streamlining processes and enhancing decision-making capabilities.
Work closely with stakeholders to gather requirements, prioritize projects, and ensure successful implementation of AI solutions that meet business objectives.
Offer deep technical guidance to engineers and data scientists, helping them overcome challenges in AI modeling, data engineering, and algorithm development.

Research and Innovation

Conduct cutting-edge research and experimentation to explore new AI technologies, tools, and methodologies applicable to business problems.
Stay current on industry trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in AI development to drive continuous improvement and innovation.

System Optimization

Optimize AI systems for performance, scalability, and efficiency across various platforms and hardware configurations.

Mentorship and Team Development

Mentor and provide technical guidance to engineering teams, fostering a culture of innovation and excellence in AI engineering.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or related field; Master's or Ph.D. in AI or related field is highly preferred.
Minimum 10 years of experience in AI development, including at least 3 years in a leadership role overseeing AI teams and projects, with a focus on business operations, process automation, and productivity enhancement.
Proficiency in programming languages commonly used in AI development, such as Python, C++, or Java. Familiarity with cloud-based AI platforms (e.g. Google Vertex, Azure Cognitive Services) to reflect modern development environments.
Extensive experience with AI frameworks and libraries, including TensorFlow, PyTorch, or Unity ML-Agents and experience with MLOps for managing models in production.
Strong understanding of AI concepts, algorithms, and techniques, including machine learning, deep learning, and predictive analytics.
Experience with Continuous Delivery, Continuous Integration, and distributed large-scale data processing.
Comprehensive understanding of Machine Learning project lifecycles.
Excellent problem-solving and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate business requirements into innovative technical solutions.
Proven track record of leading, scaling, and implementing successful AI initiatives in large-scale enterprise environments, demonstrating a strategic approach to AI adoption and integration.

The hiring range for this position in Burbank, CA is $184,300.00-$247,100.00 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.

Apply Now

About The Walt Disney Studios:

For over 95 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built. Today it brings quality movies, episodic storytelling, music, and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. The Walt Disney Studios encompasses a collection of respected film studios, including Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, and Searchlight Pictures. It is also home to Disney Theatrical Productions, producer of world-class stage shows.

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 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, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. 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, 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.

Having technical issues? View the FAQs for help.

Hiring Process

Where Does Your Story Begin?

Explore Disney Careers and the Life at Disney blog to learn about all the amazing opportunities waiting to be discovered at The Walt Disney Company.
Be Part of the Story

There are many different brands and businesses to explore. Once you've found the opportunity that is right for you, take the next step by completing your application.
The Next Chapter

Once you've applied, you will receive an email allowing you to access your candidate dashboard. Create your login and make sure to check your dashboard often to see your application progress.

Explore this Location Burbank, CA

Billed as the "Media Capital of the World," Burbank boasts more than 1,000 media and entertainment companies, including the main headquarters for The Walt Disney Company.