AI Research Engineer

About the Role & Team

“Any sufficiently complex technology is indistinguishable from magic.” - Arthur C. Clarke

At Imagineering, we are constantly exploring new ways to connect with our guests – to surprise them, make them smile, and open their minds to magic - not just in our parks and resorts, but everywhere around the world.

At Walt Disney Imagineering Research and Development, this "magic" emerges from the application of world-class technology and everything from new Guest-facing experiences to new tools for Imagineers and Cast Members who power our parks and bring that magic to life. Our team of engineers, designers, artists, and scientists share a passion for solving impossible problems and building ground-breaking experiences.

At Disney Research Imagineering, we pursue and apply the science behind the magic: unlocking new opportunities for Imagineering in all aspects of project lifecycles, from early phase creative ideation to deployment.

The Role

We are looking for a Research Engineer with strong software engineering skills and a keen interest in AI, who thrives in experimental, interdisciplinary environments.

As a Research Engineer, you will work with senior scientists, artists, and engineers to implement and evaluate prototypes based on generative AI and intelligent agent concepts. Your role will focus on technical execution, software development, model training, integration, and prototyping within a fast-paced R&D environment.

This role will report to the Associate Lab Director and contribute to the AI/ML applied research portfolio at Disney Research Imagineering.

This is a full-time role.

What You Will Do

• Implement and support prototypes of generative AI tools and intelligent agents for creative and technical tasks (e.g., visual synthesis, simulation, asset generation, design assistance).

• Develop and maintain software pipelines that integrate AI models into real-time environments (e.g., Unity, Unreal) or design toolchains (e.g., Figma, Houdini, Blender).

• Collaborate with researchers to translate conceptual models and experimental algorithms into working code and functional systems.

• Optimize, test, and document systems to support evaluation and deployment within Imagineering teams.

• Participate in the integration of AI models with APIs, databases, internal tools, and creative software.

• Troubleshoot and iterate on system performance and usability based on feedback from cross-disciplinary collaborators.

• Partner with interdisciplinary teams to ensure AI applications empower rather than constrain artistic and storytelling processes.

• Collaborate with internal and external research partners, including academic institutions, industry labs, and vendors.

• Translate scientific insights into working prototypes.

• Mentor junior team members and contribute to the technical direction of AI initiatives within the lab.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• 3+ years of experience conducting applied ML/AI research and prototyping solutions in academic, entertainment, or industrial settings.

• Experience with generative models and AI agent architectures.

• Strong programming skills in Python and experience with machine learning libraries such as PyTorch or TensorFlow.

• Proven track record of delivering novel AI solutions in practical contexts        

• Excellent collaboration, problem-solving, and communication skills with the ability to present complex ideas to multidisciplinary teams.

• Demonstrated ability to bridge theoretical research with real-world implementation.

• A desire to work in a creative environment where technical and creative experts collaborate and challenge each other every day to achieve truly groundbreaking solutions

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with reinforcement learning, prompt engineering, and fine-tuning generative models.

• Experience with AI-assisted tools in architecture, entertainment, or XR applications.

• Track record of technology transfer, patents, or deployed AI systems.

• Contributions to open-source projects or prior work in research labs or innovation teams.

• Interest in construction tech, architecture, or fabrication workflows is a plus.

Education

• Bachelor's in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computational Design, or a related field, with specialization in AI/ML.

Additional Information

This role is located in Glendale, CA.

Benefits and Perks: Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits. 

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The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $138,900 to $186,200 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.