Job ID 10124362 Location Glendale, California, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Jul. 08, 2025

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.

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