Principal Data Scientist

About the job

Storytelling is, and will always be, the heart of what we do at Skydance.

Our vision is to build a thriving entertainment ecosystem where stories and worlds are imagined, brought to life and experienced. We create for every age and audience, anchored by the strength of our content and experiences and the depth of our connection with fans. We are creator-first, audience-focused, tech-forward, globally scaled.

Here, you’ll work with talented teams that move fast, think boldly and collaborate with purpose to deliver results. We aim high, champion the best ideas and win together, earning the trust of our employees, creators, partners and audiences every day.

If you’re energized by the opportunity to help build the next-generation global media and entertainment company powered by creativity and technology, we’d be thrilled to welcome you aboard. LET’S GO!

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Every great story has a new beginning, and yours starts here.

Welcome to Warner Bros. Discovery… the stuff dreams are made of.

Who We Are…

When we say, “the stuff dreams are made of,” we’re not just referring to the world of wizards, dragons and superheroes, or even to the wonders of Planet Earth. Behind WBD’s vast portfolio of iconic content and beloved brands, are the storytellers bringing our characters to life, the* creators* bringing them to your living rooms and the dreamers creating what’s next…

From brilliant creatives, to technology trailblazers, across the globe, WBD offers career defining opportunities, thoughtfully curated benefits, and the tools to explore and grow into your best selves. Here you are supported, here you are celebrated, here you can thrive.

Principal Research Scientist (Recommender Systems)

The Job

The Principal Research Scientist (Recommender systems) will lead large and complex technical projects by developing innovative machine learning algorithms and directing the work of talented Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) researchers and engineers towards building scalable ML solutions for HBO Max. This role will be focused on advancing personalization and recommender systems and search to drive user experience and growth.

The person in the role will partner closely with product, engineering, content, marketing, and research stakeholders across WBD to identify ML opportunities, accelerate AI innovation, and to ensure delivery of impactful solutions for the business.

The Daily

• Develop innovative data science solutions that utilize machine learning and deep learning algorithms, statistical and quantitative modeling approaches to support product, engineering and marketing initiatives.
• Be a hands-on leader to mentor the team in the latest machine learning approaches, and to introduce new technologies and processes.
• Partner with ML engineering leadership to design and develop scalable machine learning systems to accelerate the learning cycle.
• Identify data science opportunities that deliver business value.
• Formulate key areas of the ML/AI roadmap, and educate both internal and external stakeholders at all levels to drive implementation and measurement.
• Provide thought leadership to enable ML/AI applications.
• Develop and evangelize best practices for scoping, building, validating, deploying, and monitoring ML/AI products.
• Prepare and present ML modeling results and analytical insights that help drive the business to senior leadership.

The Essentials

• Masters in Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics, Engineering, Statistics, Operations Research, or other equivalent quantitative fields (PhD preferred)
• 8 + years of work experience in Machine Learning, AI and Data Science with a proven track record to drive innovation and business impacts
• Strong experience in Recommender systems, personalization systems, collaborative filtering and information retrieval systems.
• Strong machine learning, deep learning, and statistical modeling expertise, such as causal inference modeling, ensembles, neural networks, NLP, reinforcement learning and bandits
• Familiarity and experience with modern large language model based techniques for recommender systems and personalization.
• Advanced knowledge of SQL and experience with big data platform (AWS, Snowflake, Spark, Google Cloud etc.)
• Proficiency in machine learning and deep learning languages and platforms (Python, TensorFlow, Keras, PyTorch etc.)
• Experience in deploying machine learning algorithms and advanced modeling solutions
• Proven ability to deliver results in a fast-paced, high-energy environment
• Strong communication skills and the ability to explain complex analysis and algorithms to non-technical audience
• Works effectively cross functional teams to build trusted partnership
• Working experience in digital media and entertainment industry preferred

About Skydance

Skydance is a next-generation global media and entertainment company, comprised of three business segments: Studios, Direct-to-Consumer, and TV Media. Skydance's portfolio unites legendary brands, including Paramount, Warner Bros., HBO and HBO Max, Paramount+, Pluto TV, CBS, CNN, CBS Sports, TNT Sports, Nickelodeon, Cartoon Network, MTV, Food Network, BET, HGTV, and Comedy Central.

Some Important Details

We embrace the opportunity to build a workforce that reflects a wide array of perspectives, backgrounds and experiences. Being an equal opportunity employer means that we take seriously our responsibility to consider qualified candidates on the basis of merit. In line with the laws of the country or region in which the role is based, this includes consideration without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, religion or belief, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, pregnancy, parenthood, physical or mental disability, genetic information, military or protected veteran status, union status or any other category protected by applicable law.

If you’re a qualified candidate with a disability and you require adjustments or accommodations during the job application and/or recruitment process, please visit our accessibility page for instructions to submit your request.

Hiring Salary Range: $227,850.00 - $423,150.00 per year

In compliance with local law, we are disclosing compensation, or a range thereof, for roles where legally required. Actual salaries will vary based on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, external market data, internal equity, skill set, experience, training, education, and/or performance. Base pay is just one component of our total compensation package. Other rewards may include annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards. In addition, Warner Bros. Discovery provides a variety of benefits to employees, including health insurance coverage, an employee wellness program, life and disability insurance, a retirement savings plan, paid holidays and sick time and vacation.

If you’re a qualified candidate with an arrest or conviction record, please know that your application will be considered in accordance with the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers and the California Fair Chance Act.