Sr. Principal Machine Learning Engineer

Comcast•Sunnyvale, CA

1d•$300,619 - $400,825

About The Position

FreeWheel, a Comcast company, provides comprehensive ad platforms for publishers, advertisers, and media buyers. Powered by premium video content, robust data, and advanced technology, we’re making it easier for buyers and sellers to transact across all screens, data types, and sales channels. As a global company, we have offices in nine countries and can insert advertisements around the world. Job Summary We are seeking a visionary and hands-on leader to drive the conception, development, and delivery of next-generation products and services at the intersection of AI/ML, Edge Computing, and Cloud Systems. The ideal candidate bridges deep technical expertise with strategic business acumen, fostering innovation from concept to commercialization. Job Description Core Responsibilities Advises and represents strategic roadmap for machine learning technologies to executive leadership. Potentially engages with other business units and partners on strategy in the area of machine learning. Guides the successful completion of high profile, revenue impacting programs that use machine learning as essential components. Serves as a leader across multiple teams for specific machine learning technologies and/or areas of research. Research and/or engineering lead for teams in the development of specifications, technical requirements, algorithms and frameworks of custom machine learning based designs for future products and applications. Acts as a subject matter expert in designing and prototyping machine learning models and/or machine learning frameworks of high complexity. Leads innovation in technical capability delivery. Research and/or engineering lead for teams in determining the technical requirements for a machine learning application or platform. Leads the design and implementation of machine learning applications and platforms within one or more product areas, partnering with the product teams and other stakeholders through development. Conducts studies to support product or application development. Creates patents, application programming interfaces (APIs) and other intellectual property. Presents papers at conferences, as well as displaying leadership in these areas. Participates in standards bodies. May guide contributions to open source efforts. Tests and evaluates solutions presented to the Company by various internal and external partners and vendors. Leads teams in completing case studies, testing and reporting. Represents the organization and possible the company as the prime technical contact for one or more technical areas that utilize machine learning. Provides guidance and leadership to team members across the organization and possibly company. Consistent exercise of independent judgment and discretion in matters of significance. Regular, consistent and punctual attendance. Must be able to work nights and weekends, variable schedule(s) and overtime as necessary. Other duties and responsibilities as assigned. Key Responsibilities: Innovation Leadership: Identify and develop new business opportunities leveraging emerging technologies such as AI/ML, Edge Computing, IoT, and Signal Processing and Acquisition. Product Ideation & Development: Lead cross-functional teams (R&D, engineering, design) through rapid prototyping and lean UX experimentation to validate concepts and deliver working solutions. Strategic Partnerships: Evaluate and advise on technology partnerships, investments, and acquisitions aligned with business goals. Systems Architecture: Design and oversee scalable architectures across hybrid Edge-Cloud environments, ensuring performance, cost-efficiency, and reliability. Research & Development: Guide algorithmic innovation in areas such as online advertising, audience development, propensity modeling, and conversion sensing and attribution. Mentorship & Training: Facilitate workshops and training programs to upskill engineering and management teams in AI/IoT innovation practices. Intellectual Property: Drive patent generation and innovation documentation, fostering a culture of technical creativity and defensible IP.

Requirements

Ph.D. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, or related field.
10+ years of experience leading R&D or innovation programs in technology-driven organizations.
Proven experience in AI/ML, Cloud/Edge Computing, and IoT systems.
Strong background in algorithm design, optimization, and mathematical modeling.
Demonstrated success in translating research into viable business solutions or new product lines.
Experience in both startup environments and large-scale corporate innovation.
Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and leadership skills.
Record of innovation (e.g., platforms, patents)

Nice To Haves

Work in or with industries such as online publishing and advertising, audience development, smart sensing, robotics, and general management consulting.
Prior experience as CTO, Director of R&D, or Principal Technologist.
Familiarity with Lean UX and Product Canvas methodologies.

Responsibilities

Advises and represents strategic roadmap for machine learning technologies to executive leadership.
Potentially engages with other business units and partners on strategy in the area of machine learning.
Guides the successful completion of high profile, revenue impacting programs that use machine learning as essential components.
Serves as a leader across multiple teams for specific machine learning technologies and/or areas of research.
Research and/or engineering lead for teams in the development of specifications, technical requirements, algorithms and frameworks of custom machine learning based designs for future products and applications.
Acts as a subject matter expert in designing and prototyping machine learning models and/or machine learning frameworks of high complexity.
Leads innovation in technical capability delivery.
Research and/or engineering lead for teams in determining the technical requirements for a machine learning application or platform.
Leads the design and implementation of machine learning applications and platforms within one or more product areas, partnering with the product teams and other stakeholders through development.
Conducts studies to support product or application development.
Creates patents, application programming interfaces (APIs) and other intellectual property.
Presents papers at conferences, as well as displaying leadership in these areas.
Participates in standards bodies.
May guide contributions to open source efforts.
Tests and evaluates solutions presented to the Company by various internal and external partners and vendors.
Leads teams in completing case studies, testing and reporting.
Represents the organization and possible the company as the prime technical contact for one or more technical areas that utilize machine learning.
Provides guidance and leadership to team members across the organization and possibly company.
Consistent exercise of independent judgment and discretion in matters of significance.
Regular, consistent and punctual attendance.
Must be able to work nights and weekends, variable schedule(s) and overtime as necessary.
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Innovation Leadership: Identify and develop new business opportunities leveraging emerging technologies such as AI/ML, Edge Computing, IoT, and Signal Processing and Acquisition.
Product Ideation & Development: Lead cross-functional teams (R&D, engineering, design) through rapid prototyping and lean UX experimentation to validate concepts and deliver working solutions.
Strategic Partnerships: Evaluate and advise on technology partnerships, investments, and acquisitions aligned with business goals.
Systems Architecture: Design and oversee scalable architectures across hybrid Edge-Cloud environments, ensuring performance, cost-efficiency, and reliability.
Research & Development: Guide algorithmic innovation in areas such as online advertising, audience development, propensity modeling, and conversion sensing and attribution.
Mentorship & Training: Facilitate workshops and training programs to upskill engineering and management teams in AI/IoT innovation practices.
Intellectual Property: Drive patent generation and innovation documentation, fostering a culture of technical creativity and defensible IP.