The Walt Disney Company
Staff Data Scientist
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Job ID
10127574
Location
Burbank, California, United States
Business
The Walt Disney Studios
Date posted Jul. 31, 2025
Job Summary:
Office of Technology Enablement (OTE)
The Office of Technology Enablement (OTE) is Disneys central engine for transforming emerging tech into real world magic. We orchestrate company-wide efforts in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and mixed reality, empowering every segmentfrom Studios and ESPN to Parks and Experiencesto unlock new value and delight our guests in responsible, innovative ways. We are seeking an experienced
Staff Data Scientist a trusted technical counterpart to the Manager, AI Enablement and a catalyst for data driven innovation across Disneys businesses. Many of our engagements begin as a simple hunch: a leader senses that smarter dataor the right modelcould unlock something special. Youll lead the journey from exploratory discovery through model deployment, guiding partners from discovery to production while nurturing a scalable data flywheel. If you are a hands-on expert who can go deep on ML and inspire cross functional teams to move fast and responsibly, wed love to meet you. Key Responsibilities
Opportunity Discovery and Diagnostic Investigation
Engage segment partners to surface hypotheses, perform data sleuthing to size value, and craft lean proofs of concept to validate ROI in weeks, not months. Experiment Design and Insight Reporting
Structure A/B tests or causal studies, measure impact, and package results into clear, decision ready insights for executives and creative leaders. Data Science and ML Delivery
Design, train, and deploy predictive models, statistical analyses, and machine learning systems that drive guest and business impact. Data Flywheel and MLOps
Stand up cloud native pipelines, feature engineering workflows, and monitoring that keep models healthy post launch. Stakeholder Storytelling
Translate complex findings into compelling narratives and decision frameworks for product, creative, and executive audiences. People Leadership
Recruit, mentor, and coach 12 data scientists/engineers; codify reusable assets and best practices. Responsible AI and Governance
Ensure all work aligns with Disneys Responsible AI guardrails in partnership with Legal, Privacy, and Security. Required Qualifications
BS in advanced Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science in comparable field of study + 7 years of experience or PhD in advanced Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science in comparable field of study + 3 years of experience. Expert proficiency in Python, SQL, and modern ML/DL libraries (scikit learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch); solid grounding in statistical modeling, experiment design, and causal inference. Hands on experience with AWS, GCP, or Azure and big data frameworks such as Snowflake, Spark, or Databricks. Proven ability to move from whiteboard idea to production solution and influence cross functional teams through data storytelling. Strong software engineering fundamentals (version control, testing, CI/CD); familiarity with data visualization or experimentation platforms (e.g., Looker, Tableau, Optimizely). Preferred Qualifications
Domain knowledge in media, streaming, sports, parks, or consumer products. Experience with LLMs, vector search, and retrieval augmented generation. Background in causal inference or experimentation platforms. Prior experience hiring or leading small technical teams. Reporting & Collaboration
Reports directly to the Director, ML Architecture & Engineering and partners daily with the Manager, AIEnablement and Staff Architect to align technical design with product outcomes. Ready to turn data hunches into headline making magic? Apply today. #DISNEYTECH The hiring range for this position in Burbank is $152,200.00 to $204,100.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidates 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 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. Disneys 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 Technology LLC , which is part of a business we call The Walt Disney Studios . Disney Streaming Technology 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. Sign up to receive new job alerts and company information based on your preferences. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Apply Now Apply Later
Job ID
10127574
Location
Burbank, California, United States
Business
The Walt Disney Studios
Date posted Jul. 31, 2025
Job Summary:
Office of Technology Enablement (OTE)
The Office of Technology Enablement (OTE) is Disneys central engine for transforming emerging tech into real world magic. We orchestrate company-wide efforts in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and mixed reality, empowering every segmentfrom Studios and ESPN to Parks and Experiencesto unlock new value and delight our guests in responsible, innovative ways. We are seeking an experienced
Staff Data Scientist a trusted technical counterpart to the Manager, AI Enablement and a catalyst for data driven innovation across Disneys businesses. Many of our engagements begin as a simple hunch: a leader senses that smarter dataor the right modelcould unlock something special. Youll lead the journey from exploratory discovery through model deployment, guiding partners from discovery to production while nurturing a scalable data flywheel. If you are a hands-on expert who can go deep on ML and inspire cross functional teams to move fast and responsibly, wed love to meet you. Key Responsibilities
Opportunity Discovery and Diagnostic Investigation
Engage segment partners to surface hypotheses, perform data sleuthing to size value, and craft lean proofs of concept to validate ROI in weeks, not months. Experiment Design and Insight Reporting
Structure A/B tests or causal studies, measure impact, and package results into clear, decision ready insights for executives and creative leaders. Data Science and ML Delivery
Design, train, and deploy predictive models, statistical analyses, and machine learning systems that drive guest and business impact. Data Flywheel and MLOps
Stand up cloud native pipelines, feature engineering workflows, and monitoring that keep models healthy post launch. Stakeholder Storytelling
Translate complex findings into compelling narratives and decision frameworks for product, creative, and executive audiences. People Leadership
Recruit, mentor, and coach 12 data scientists/engineers; codify reusable assets and best practices. Responsible AI and Governance
Ensure all work aligns with Disneys Responsible AI guardrails in partnership with Legal, Privacy, and Security. Required Qualifications
BS in advanced Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science in comparable field of study + 7 years of experience or PhD in advanced Mathematics, Statistics, Data Science in comparable field of study + 3 years of experience. Expert proficiency in Python, SQL, and modern ML/DL libraries (scikit learn, TensorFlow, PyTorch); solid grounding in statistical modeling, experiment design, and causal inference. Hands on experience with AWS, GCP, or Azure and big data frameworks such as Snowflake, Spark, or Databricks. Proven ability to move from whiteboard idea to production solution and influence cross functional teams through data storytelling. Strong software engineering fundamentals (version control, testing, CI/CD); familiarity with data visualization or experimentation platforms (e.g., Looker, Tableau, Optimizely). Preferred Qualifications
Domain knowledge in media, streaming, sports, parks, or consumer products. Experience with LLMs, vector search, and retrieval augmented generation. Background in causal inference or experimentation platforms. Prior experience hiring or leading small technical teams. Reporting & Collaboration
Reports directly to the Director, ML Architecture & Engineering and partners daily with the Manager, AIEnablement and Staff Architect to align technical design with product outcomes. Ready to turn data hunches into headline making magic? Apply today. #DISNEYTECH The hiring range for this position in Burbank is $152,200.00 to $204,100.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidates 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 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. Disneys 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 Technology LLC , which is part of a business we call The Walt Disney Studios . Disney Streaming Technology 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. Sign up to receive new job alerts and company information based on your preferences. #J-18808-Ljbffr