Principal Data Scientist

Warner Bros. Discovery•Burbank, CA

5d•$227,850 - $423,150

About The Position

Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD) is seeking a Principal Research Scientist specializing in Recommender Systems to lead complex technical projects. This role involves developing innovative machine learning algorithms and guiding Machine Learning (ML) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) researchers and engineers in building scalable ML solutions for HBO Max. The primary focus is on advancing personalization, recommender systems, and search to enhance user experience and drive growth. The successful candidate will collaborate with product, engineering, content, marketing, and research stakeholders across WBD to identify ML opportunities, foster AI innovation, and ensure the delivery of impactful business solutions.

Requirements

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 of driving 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 (e.g., causal inference modeling, ensembles, neural networks, NLP, reinforcement learning, 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 platforms (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 audiences.
Works effectively with cross-functional teams to build trusted partnerships.

Nice To Haves

Working experience in the digital media and entertainment industry preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop innovative data science solutions utilizing machine learning, deep learning algorithms, and statistical/quantitative modeling for product, engineering, and marketing initiatives.
Lead and mentor the team in the latest machine learning approaches and 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 stakeholders at all levels to drive implementation and measurement.
Provide thought leadership for 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 to senior leadership to drive business decisions.