The Walt Disney Company · 10 hours ago
Lead Machine Learning Engineer, Ads Research
Seattle, WA, USA
Full-time
Hybrid
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$172K/yr - $230K/yr
7+ years expThe Walt Disney Company is a global leader in entertainment and technology, seeking a Lead Machine Learning Engineer to join their innovative team. This role focuses on developing and optimizing technologies in generative AI and traditional machine learning applications to enhance advertising capabilities across their media platforms.
Amusement Park and ArcadeAnimationConsumer GoodsDigital MediaE-CommerceMedia and EntertainmentMulti-level MarketingPerforming ArtsResorts
Responsibilities
Develop, optimize, and productionize innovative technologies in generative AI (mixed media, video, and agentic LLM applications) as well as in traditional ML modeling applications
Create, evaluate, improve, optimize technologies
Drive innovation and apply state of the art AI and machine learning across advertising domains, including inventory forecasting, ad experience, ad pacing, pricing, targeting, and efficient ad delivery
Invent and iterate on novel solutions to complex advertising challenges with rapid prototyping and deployment cycles
Design, build, and scale robust ML systems that power core ad platform capabilities
Champion engineering excellence through best practices in code quality, system design, and operational reliability
Mentor and support junior engineers, fostering a culture of continuous learning and technical growth
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's in computer science or equivalent experience
Prior experience rigorously developing, researching, and/or productionizing any of the following generative AI modeling or AI-based editing domains: image, video, mixed media, audio, LLMs, or agentic flows. For example: experience with diffusion models, flow models, similar generative techniques, agentic applications, etc
Very strong interest to self-teach via publications and training resources in generative modeling including in generative video and diffusion modeling
Experience creating ML datasets (especially in computer vision or generative AI) or developing rigorous quality evaluation processes or data labeling processes. Must include an appreciation for the importance of rigorous quality evaluation processes
Experience developing language-processing applications via LLMs or agentic flows
Experience in rapid creative prototyping with generative AI is a plus, such as examples of rapid development of creative generative AI prototyping in research labs, hackathons, etc
Minimum 7 years of hands-on experience developing and deploying large-scale machine learning systems
Strong knowledge of AI/ML technologies, mathematics and statistics
Excellent communication, collaboration skills, and a strong teamwork ethic with both technical and non-technical audiences
Strong foundations in algorithms, data structures, and numerical optimization with experience in programming languages such as Python (primary), Java and SQL
Familiarity with deep learning tools and frameworks such as TensorFlow, Pytorch, Jax, Hugging libraries etc
Expert knowledge with traditional (tabular) ML modeling and methods
Proven proficiency in deep learning methodologies, fine tuning, and transformer architectures
A proven track record of thriving in a fast-paced, data-driven, and collaborative work environment
Experience working closely with UX and front end designers building production generative AI products
Preferred
MS or PhD (preferred) in computer science or equivalent experience
Experience with multimodal models and embedding techniques
Computer vision or visual content understanding experience
Experience in digital video advertising or digital marketing domain
Diffusion model or generative AI controls research experience. (Otherwise strong interest to learn)
Benefits
A 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
Company
The Walt Disney Company
The Walt Disney Company started as a cartoon studio and evolves into sports coverage and television shows.
10001+ employees
H1B Sponsorship
The Walt Disney Company has a track record of offering H1B sponsorships. Please note that this does not
guarantee sponsorship for this specific role. Below presents additional info for your
reference. (Data Powered by US Department of Labor)
Distribution of Different Job Fields Receiving Sponsorship
Represents job field similar to this job
Trends of Total Sponsorships
2025 (83)
2024 (63)
2023 (96)
2022 (130)
2021 (30)
2020 (40)
Funding
Current Stage
Public CompanyTotal Funding
$11BKey Investors
Citibank
2020-04-13Post Ipo Debt· $5B
2020-03-20Post Ipo Debt· $6B
1978-01-06IPO
Leadership Team
Jamie Power
SVP, Addressable Sales
Nick Lewerke
SVP/Head of Content Planning & Analysis, Disney Streaming
Recent News
Light Reading
2026-02-04
2026-02-03
Company data provided by crunchbase