Director, Machine Learning Engineering

Job ID 10109576 Location Seattle, Washington, United States / Santa Monica, California, United States / San Francisco, California, United States Business Disney Direct to Consumer Date posted Jan. 09, 2025

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Job Summary:

The Machine Learning Engineering (MLE) team helps Data Scientists build models at the scale and velocity required for Personalization, Forecasting, Marketing, Content and Audience Segmentation, Payments Optimization, Fraud prevention and many other use cases. Our ML Engineers work with Data Scientists to build data ingestion pipelines and launch efficient high-performance models. This work informs decisions affecting millions of consumers, with a direct tie to The Walt Disney Company’s revenue. MLE is a tight data-driven team with big goals seeking people who solve the toughest challenges at scale, using and building distributed systems in a fast-paced collaborative team environment.

The Director of MLE builds and leads a team of high performing ML Managers and Engineers, supporting multiple sophisticated platforms, infrastructure, and applications for Disney. The Director also builds relationships with critical teams across the organization both internal and external to ensure the smooth collaboration needed to deliver these projects. This includes external vendors, executive sponsors and partners, program managers, architects, engineers, governance and legal, and others.

What the Director of MLE Does:

Clearly communicate a vision to the team and executive leadership that defines the team’s purpose, ownership, contribution, commitment to quality, excellence, and a business enabling agile DevOps culture – promoting and driving technical innovation.

Collaborate with data scientists to build internal infrastructure and services, improving their productivity through self-serve tooling and direct support

Stay abreast of the latest trends, research, and technological advancements in AI/ML and recommend new technologies and methods that could benefit the organization.

Collaborate with senior leadership and other department heads to align AI/ML initiatives with business objectives

Collaborate with technical leaders, providing senior technical direction on enterprise level projects while being a champion of change and proactive business development.

Oversee, mentor, and develop managers and engineers who are proficient in software, mathematics and machine learning. Guide career management and set operational direction for areas of ownership.

Regularly meet with key partners and collaborators to gain feedback, align on needs, and grow overall team impact.

Hold exemplary leadership and communication abilities (both verbal and written), partnering closely with business, creative, and technology leaders to pitch new insights and deliver public presentations.

Own outcomes and resolve project or program delays, conflicts, and performance issues.

Influence others through data-based persuasion and fact-based argument.

Oversee financial planning, test and production environments, architectural fit, compliance, resource scheduling, delivery landmarks, collaboration, and service level objectives.

Lead others through example and inspiration, bring a can-do attitude, and deliver magic to your team and business partners.

Required Qualifications

BS in Computer Science, Software, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or related field of study

12+ years of experience leading software engineering teams, supporting and deploying products or services

5+ years of previous hands-on experience as an engineer

Detailed knowledge of programming languages (Python, Go, C++, Ruby, Java, etc.) and core internet protocols (TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP, etc.)

Experience with Hadoop, Spark and related big data tools

·Experience deploying and optimizing AI/ML models and frameworks at scale

·Experience managing multiple hosting environments including public and private cloud solutions

Experience working with data subject to privacy, governance and legal policies

Experience taking an idea through the full solution life cycle: hypothesis testing, data wrangling, modeling, proof of concept, conclusion and hand-over to engineering teams for deployment

Experience with data visualization, metrics, and data analysis

Familiarity with test case design, test case management, version control, and configuration management

Experience with risk management/risk assessment, and continuous integration/continuous delivery

Adept at overall software development process and agile methodologies

Excellent written and verbal communications, validated ability to develop and deliver presentations geared for Senior and Executive Management

Ability to manage budgets, contract language, and vendor management relationships

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s or PHD in Computer Science, Software, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, or related field of study
Hands-on technical skills
Related training & certifications
Intellectual curiosity and probabilistic thinking

The hiring range for this position in New York City and Seattle areas are $212,600 - $285,100 per year, in Los Angeles, CA area is $202,900 - $272,100 and in San Francisco Bay Area is $$222,200 - $297,900 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.

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About Disney Direct to Consumer:

Disney’s Direct to Consumer team oversees the Hulu and Disney+ streaming businesses within Disney Entertainment helping to bring The Walt Disney Company’s best-in-class storytelling to fans and families everywhere.

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 Disney Streaming Services LLC, which is part of a business we call Disney Direct to Consumer.

Disney Streaming Services LLC 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.

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Explore this Location Seattle, WA

With a thriving food-and-drink scene, eclectic neighborhoods and a stunning coastal setting, Seattle is a dynamic urban enclave nestled in the Pacific Northwest. The city is bounded by Lake Washington in the east and Puget Sound to the west, an ideal location for water recreation and sight-seeing cruises.