3D Generative AI Research Scientist
Postuler maintenant Postuler ultérieurement Job ID 10124364 Emplacement Glendale, Californie, États-Unis Entreprise Walt Disney Imagineering Date de publication 09/07/2025Résumé du poste:
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 Research Scientist to lead foundational and applied research at the intersection of artificial intelligence and spatial media. This role involves designing, developing, and deploying cutting-edge generative models to support creative, architectural, and experiential design workflows across Disney’s themed entertainment portfolio.
As a key scientific contributor and thought leader, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams of researchers, engineers, and creatives. Your work will span exploratory investigations, peer-reviewed research, and the translation of experimental technologies into applied tools for design and fabrication.
You will report to the Associate Lab Director and contribute to the AI/ML research strategy for Imagineering R&D.
This role is full-time.
What You Will Do
Conduct original research in generative AI, focusing on 3D model generation, scene synthesis, and simulation.
Develop machine learning architectures and algorithms that enhance the creation, visualization, and physical realization of themed environments.
Prototype AI-driven systems that support CAD/BIM workflows, virtual production, and spatial design.
Integrate AI with real-time rendering engines, 3D modeling pipelines, and mixed-reality platforms.
Evaluate generative models for feasibility, fidelity, controllability, and integration into creative pipelines.
Collaborate with internal and external research partners, including academic institutions, industry labs, and vendors.
Translate scientific insights into working prototypes that bridge digital design and physical implementation.
Mentor junior researchers and contribute to the technical direction of AI initiatives within the lab.
Required Qualifications & Skills
5+ years of research experience in machine learning, computer vision, or computational graphics with published work in top-tier conferences/journals (e.g. SIGGRAPH, NeurIPS, CVPR, and others).
Expertise in generative 3D AI technologies such as NeRFs, diffusion models, implicit neural representations, or volumetric rendering.
Proficiency in machine learning libraries (e.g., PyTorch, TensorFlow) and programming languages such as Python and C++.
Experience working with 3D asset creation and rendering tools (e.g., Blender, Unreal Engine, Unity, Houdini).
Deep understanding of data-driven design tools and interactive AI systems for spatial computing or immersive storytelling.
Demonstrated ability to bridge theoretical research with real-world implementation.
Strong communication skills with the ability to present complex ideas to multidisciplinary teams.
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 robotics, digital fabrication, or construction automation as it relates to AI integration.
Experience with AI-assisted tools in architecture, entertainment, or XR applications.
Background in physical simulation, procedural modeling, or multimodal (text-to-3D) generation.
Track record of technology transfer, patents, or deployed AI systems.
Experience with generative models for animation, such as motion transformers, motion diffusion models, variational motion encoders, or reinforcement learning for animated control.
Experience integrating animation systems into real-time engines (e.g., Unreal Engine with Control Rig, Unity with Mecanim or custom solutions).
Familiarity with motion capture data pipelines, retargeting techniques, and animation blending.
Demonstrated ability to bridge technical research and production-quality animation systems, ideally through previous work in film, games, or immersive media.
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
PhD in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Computational Design, or a related field, with specialization in AI/ML or 3D graphics.
Additional Information
This role is located in Glendale, CA.
Benefits and Perks: Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.
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The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $167,700 to $224,900 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.
Sur Walt Disney Imagineering:
Fondée en 1952 sous le nom de WED Entreprises pour concevoir et construire le premier parc à thème au monde — Disneyland — Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) est le lieu où l’imagination et la créativité s’associent à une technologie de pointe pour créer des expériences inoubliables. WDI est la force créative qui imagine, conçoit et construit tous les parcs à thème, complexes hôteliers, attractions et navires de croisière Disney dans le monde entier. La force unique d’Imagineering provient de son équipe mondiale diverse de professionnels créatifs et techniques, qui s’appuient sur l’héritage de la narration de Disney pour créer de nouvelles formes de divertissement. Les Imagineers qui pratiquent ce mélange unique d’œuvres d’art et de science travaillent dans plus de 100 disciplines pour guider une idée du début à la fin, de la phase de conception créative sans contraintes jusqu’au jour de l’ouverture.
Sur The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company, ainsi que ses filiales et sociétés affiliées, forme l’une des principales entreprises internationales diversifiées de divertissement familial et de médias. Elle comprend trois secteurs d'activités essentiels : Disney Entertainment, ESPN et Disney Experiences. Depuis ses modestes débuts en tant que studio de dessins animés dans les années 1920 jusqu’à son statut de référence actuel dans le secteur du divertissement, Disney poursuit fièrement sa tradition de création d’histoires et d’expériences exceptionnelles pour tous les membres de la famille. Les histoires, les personnages et les expériences de Disney touchent les consommateurs et les visiteurs du monde entier. À travers nos activités présentes dans plus de 40 pays, nos employés et cast members collaborent pour créer des expériences de divertissement appréciées à la fois au niveau universel et local.
Le poste est rattaché à WDI Research & Development, Inc. , qui fait partie d’une entreprise que nous appelons Walt Disney Imagineering.
WDI Research & Development, Inc. est un employeur qui souscrit au principe d’égalité des chances à l’emploi. Les candidat(e)s seront pris(es) en considération pour un emploi sans distinction de race, de religion, de couleur, de sexe, d’orientation sexuelle, de genre, d’identité de genre, d’expression de genre, d’origine nationale, d’ascendance, d’âge, d’état matrimonial, de statut militaire ou d’ancien combattant, d’état de santé, d’informations génétiques ou de handicap, ou de tout autre motif interdit par la loi fédérale, étatique ou locale. Disney défend un environnement commercial où les idées et décisions de tous et toutes nous aident à grandir, innover, créer les meilleures histoires et être pertinents dans un monde en évolution constante.