The Walt Disney Company

Senior Data Scientist

The Walt Disney Company$141K — $190K *
Consumer Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, or equivalent experience
  • 5+ years in data science, analytics, or a related field
  • Proficient in Python, SQL, and PySpark
  • Experienced in statistical analysis and A/B testing
  • Skilled in exploratory data analysis and identifying user behavior patterns
  • Familiar with cloud data platforms like AWS, Databricks, or Snowflake
  • Strong communication skills for summarizing findings

Responsibilities

  • Conduct exploratory data analysis on user and content data
  • Run and analyze A/B tests, summarizing findings clearly
  • Define and track success metrics for features or product areas
  • Collaborate with ML Engineers for feature analysis and model evaluation
  • Translate analysis into actionable recommendations for the team
  • Utilize statistical analysis with tools like Adobe Analytics
  • Work closely with product and engineering teams for initiative support

Benefits

  • Medical, financial, and other benefits
  • Possibility of bonus and/or long-term incentives
  • Potential for growth into ownership of experimentation and metrics design
Full Job Description
Job Posting Title:
Senior Data Scientist

Req ID:


Job Description:

Product Engineering is a unified team responsible for the engineering of Disney Entertainment & ESPN digital and streaming products and platforms. This includes product engineering, media engineering, quality assurance, engineering behind personalization, commerce, lifecycle, and identity.

The News & Entertainment Machine Learning (N&E ML) team is responsible for building robust data pipelines and advanced machine learning platforms that deliver personalized experiences to users across Disney's News & Entertainment portfolio including ABC News, ABC Entertainment, National Geographic, Marvel, and Disney Studios. Our services leverage machine learning models to enable real-time content personalization and targeted distribution across web, mobile, and connected TV platforms, ensuring that users receive the most relevant and engaging content tailored to their interests. Our mission is to drive seamless, resilient, and low-latency personalized content delivery at scale, while continuously advancing our ML infrastructure and recommendation algorithms across one of the world's most iconic collections of entertainment brands.

As a Senior Data Scientist, you will conduct exploratory data analysis and support experimentation for the N&E ML Platform, helping ensure that machine learning and personalization work is grounded in reliable data and sound statistical practice. Under the guidance of the Lead Data Scientist and senior stakeholders, you will run A/B tests, analyze results, and help define and track success metrics for specific product areas or brands within Disney's News & Entertainment portfolio. You will work closely with Machine Learning Engineers on feature analysis and model evaluation, and translate your findings into clear recommendations for your immediate team. Your impact will be measured by the quality and reliability of the analyses you produce and how effectively they inform decisions within your area of focus.

Responsibilities:
  • Exploratory Data Analysis: Conduct exploratory data analysis on user, content, and engagement data within an assigned brand or product area, surfacing patterns and trends for review with senior data scientists and stakeholders.
  • A/B Test Execution & Analysis: Run A/B tests and other controlled experiments under established methodology, analyze results, and summarize findings clearly for your immediate team.
  • Metric Tracking: Help define and track success metrics for specific features or product areas, and monitor model performance against them, escalating anomalies to senior team members.
  • Support for ML Engineering: Work with Machine Learning Engineers on feature analysis and model evaluation for your assigned area, providing data support for drift detection and performance reviews.
  • Insight Communication: Translate analysis into clear findings and recommendations for your immediate team, supporting (rather than leading) broader product and roadmap discussions.
  • Statistical Analysis: Apply statistical analysis using Python, SQL, and PySpark to datasets within your area of focus, using tools such as Adobe Analytics to support behavioral analysis.
  • Collaboration & Growth: Collaborate with product, design, and engineering partners on assigned initiatives, and develop toward broader ownership of experimentation and metrics design over time.


Basic Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Statistics, Mathematics, Economics, or a comparable quantitative field of study, and/or equivalent work experience
  • 5+ years of experience in data science, analytics, or a related field
  • Proficiency in Python, SQL, and PySpark for data analysis and manipulation
  • Working knowledge of statistical analysis and experimentation, including running and interpreting A/B tests under established methodology
  • Ability to conduct exploratory data analysis (EDA) and identify patterns in user behavior data
  • Experience working with cloud data platforms such as AWS, Databricks, or Snowflake
  • Clear written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to summarize findings for an immediate team
  • Experience working in Agile/Scrum environments and collaborating with engineering and product partners


Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with Adobe Analytics or comparable web/product analytics platforms
  • Exposure to large-scale content or media platforms
  • Familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Looker)
  • Basic familiarity with machine learning concepts sufficient to support ML Engineers on feature analysis and evaluation
The hiring range for this position in LA is $141,900 - $190,300 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.

Job Posting Segment:
Product Engineering

Job Posting Primary Business:
PE - Streaming Backend

Primary Job Posting Category:
Data Science

Employment Type:
Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:
Glendale, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:
USA - NY - 7 Hudson Square

Date Posted:
2026-09-03

About The Walt Disney Company

The Walt Disney Company started as a cartoon studio and evolves into sports coverage and television shows. Using the company's portfolio of brands to differentiate our content, services, and consumer products, Walt Disney seeks to develop creative, innovative, and profitable entertainment experiences and related products.

The Walt Disney Company Careers

Join the magical world of The Walt Disney Company, a place where dreams come true and imagination meets innovation. As a global leader in entertainment and media, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that invite you to be part of a beloved brand known for its influential culture, diversity, and dynamic growth. Work You’ll Do Embark on a career journey with The Walt Disney Company and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of media and entertainment. Engage in work that matters, contributes to storytelling excellence, and brings joy to millions around the globe. Transform your professional life by joining a team that values creativity, leadership, and visionary thinking. The Walt Disney Company stands at the forefront of industry innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in entertainment and beyond. Lead with us from a unique position in the marketplace, where your skills in technology, creativity, and management converge to create extraordinary experiences. Collaborate with a diverse group of talented professionals, united in their passion for delivering magical experiences. Our team at The Walt Disney Company is composed of over 200,000 dedicated individuals who thrive in an environment that fosters growth, mentorship, and innovation. Introducing The Walt Disney Company Leadership and Professional Growth Programs We are committed to developing leaders who can navigate the challenges of the digital era and drive success across our various business segments. Our leadership programs are designed to hone your skills and prepare you for executive roles within the company. Do Innovative Work Join our team and contribute to projects that redefine the entertainment landscape. From groundbreaking films and television series to pioneering technological advancements, your work at The Walt Disney Company will set new standards in the creative and business worlds. Be Part of a Great Team Experience a culture that is inclusive, collaborative, and forward-thinking. Work alongside the best in the business and see how diversity and inclusion fuel our creativity and success. The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to a diverse workforce is evident in our hiring practices, training programs, and our everyday operations. Future-Proof Your Career With a wide array of benefits, continuous learning opportunities, and a network of supportive colleagues, your career at The Walt Disney Company is equipped for longevity and success. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health care, employee discounts, and access to exclusive company events and previews. Explore Job Opportunities and Internships Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking for your next challenge or a student seeking a transformative internship, The Walt Disney Company offers positions across a spectrum of fields and disciplines. Explore our career portal to find job opportunities that match your skills and passions. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions, apply through our streamlined application process, and take the first step towards a magical career. We look for individuals who are passionate, curious, and eager to contribute to our legacy of storytelling and innovation. Keep Up to Date Stay informed with the latest company news, career tips, and insider perspectives—all from the people who make The Walt Disney Company a place of inspiration and excitement. Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts and updates that align with your career interests. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at The Walt Disney Company. Join us, and be part of the magic that only happens here at The Walt Disney Company!
Learn more about The Walt Disney Company
Size
190,000 employees
Market Cap
$155.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$4.9 billion
Founded
1923
5 Year Trend
+3.9%
Revenue
$60.7 billion
NASDAQ

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