Principal Data Scientist

About the role

As Principal Research Scientist (Recommender Systems), you 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 to build scalable ML solutions for HBO Max. This role focuses on advancing personalization, recommender systems, and search to drive user experience and growth.

You will partner closely with product, engineering, content, marketing, and research stakeholders across Warner Bros. Discovery to identify ML opportunities, accelerate AI innovation, and ensure delivery of impactful solutions for the business.

Responsibilities

• Develop innovative data science solutions using machine learning, deep learning, statistical, and quantitative modeling to support product, engineering, and marketing initiatives.
• Act as a hands-on leader to 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 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 to senior leadership to help drive business decisions.

Requirements

• Master’s degree 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 impact.
• Strong experience in recommender systems, personalization systems, collaborative filtering, and information retrieval systems.
• Expertise in machine learning, deep learning, and statistical modeling, including causal inference, ensembles, neural networks, NLP, reinforcement learning, and bandits.
• Familiarity 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 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 across cross-functional teams to build trusted partnerships.
• Working experience in digital media and entertainment industry preferred.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• Employee wellness program.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Retirement savings plan.
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation.
• Annual bonuses, short- and long-term incentives, and program-specific awards.

Pay

Base pay range: $227,850.00 - $423,150.00 salary per year.