Senior 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 seeking a Senior Research Engineer to design, prototype, and build software algorithms, components, and complex systems to support based on generative AI and intelligent agent concepts across Disney’s themed entertainment portfolio.

As a Senior AI research engineer, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams of researchers, engineers, and creatives. Your work will span exploratory proof-of-concepts, testing and evaluation, and the translation of experimental AI technologies into robust, production-ready tools.

You will report to the Associate Lab Director and contribute to the AI/ML applied research portfolio for Imagineering R&D.

What You Will Do

• Own all phases of the software design and implementation process for generative AI tools and intelligent agents, from early concept design, prototyping, detailed design, production deployment and testing.

• Apply cutting-edge agentic AI research to creative and technical tasks (e.g., visual synthesis, simulation, asset generation, design assistance).

• Evaluate agentic methods for feasibility, fidelity, controllability, and integration into WDI pipelines.

• Integrate AI models with APIs, databases, internal tools, and creative software.

• Lead internal design and code reviews and reviews

• Test and iterate on proof-of-concept designs, evolving requirements and designs

• Help teams manage free-form software and tool exploration when appropriate in early phases of projects, but understand when more structure is needed to progress to later phases of projects

• Deliver maintainable code in a dynamic fast paced development environment with rapidly changing requirements

• 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 that bridge research and production-ready implementation.

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

• Contribute to the culture and community of WDI R&D with a positive and inspiring attitude

Required Qualifications & Skills

• 8+ years of professional software development experience

• Strong background in computer science fundamentals, design patterns, algorithms, and data structures

• Ability to design, communicate, and carry out software architecture using software development best practices

• Proficiency in multiple modern programming languages including Python, C/C++, C#, and Javascript

• Proficiency in machine learning libraries (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow), and large model libraries and APIs (e.g. OpenAI, Azure, Ollama, MCP, etc).

• A deep understanding of current large language and multimodal model agentic structures and capabilities, including their limitations.

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

• Experience developing and maintaining generative models and AI agent architectures.

• Ability to work in a fast-paced, creative environment and adapt to rapidly changing requirements

• Experience with container orchestration tooling (Docker, Marathon)

• Experience with CI/CD and automation pipelines

• Knowledge of common software development tools such as git, CMake, and package management tools.

• Familiarity with Linux or other Unix-based operating systems

• Experience designing and building complex software systems, ideally in the gaming or other media industry

• Flexibility and adaptability as the team learns through prototyping and playtesting, adjusting strategy as needed

• Experience managing software vendors

• Ability to work collaboratively with other technical and creative disciplines

• Ability to provide clear direction and feedback to other team members

• Strategic thinking skills to creatively solve challenges

• A desire to constantly improve, adapt, and create new technologies

• 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

• Familiarity with the development, evaluation, and deployment of LLMs, VLMs, and multimodal AI systems.

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

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

• Background in NLP, cognitive science, or robotics is a plus.

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

• Demonstrated ability to bridge technical research and production-quality automation systems, ideally through previous work in film, games,  immersive media, robotics, construction, or architecture.

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

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

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Computational Design, or related field. Master’s degree preferred.

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. 

#DXMedia

#LI-KK2

The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $152,200 to $204,100 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.