ViacomCBS

ViacomCBS

Principal Machine Learning Engineer, Session and In-Player Experience

New York, New York, USA · Principal · full-time

Sponsorship not specified$234k-$250kDetected 50 days ago
ReactAlgorithmsDatabricksMachine LearningTensorFlowPyTorchSparkA/B TestingLeadershipMentoring

About the role

  • This is a highly visible technical leadership role where you will define the strategy for real-time, post-playback discovery.
  • Why This Role Matters: The "Session" pod is the engine behind long-term retention and viewer satisfaction.
  • In-Player Discovery: Designing seamless in-player browse experiences that allow users to explore content without interrupting their current stream.

Responsibilities

  • Lead Multi-Stage Personalization: Design and deploy retrieval and deep ranking systems specifcally optimized for in-player surfaces and "Watch-Next" carousels.
  • Own the Session Lifecycle: Develop end-to-end ML pipelines that utilize session-based modeling and real-time user behavior to predict the next best piece of content.
  • Optimize for Performance: Architect systems that meet strict latency requirements necessary for in-player experiences where delays directly impact the viewing experience.
  • Cross-Functional Strategy: Partner with Product, Design, and Content teams to define success metrics specific to session length, "binge" rates, and playback transitions.
  • Technical Mentorship: Act as a player-coach, developing technical talent within the pod and shaping the culture of the broader AMLG.
  • Design and deploy retrieval and deep ranking systems specifcally optimized for in-player surfaces and "Watch-Next" carousels.
  • Develop end-to-end ML pipelines that utilize session-based modeling and real-time user behavior to predict the next best piece of content.
  • Partner with Product, Design, and Content teams to define success metrics specific to session length, "binge" rates, and playback transitions.
  • Deliver measurable increases in session duration and "Keep Watching" click-through rates via improved ranking models.
  • Successfully partner with Content Engineering to integrate advanced embedding pipelines into the session-based retrieval layer. #LI-PG1 Paramount Streaming, a division within Paramount Global, is the home to the company's direct-to-consumer services spanning free and paid in the form of Pluto TV and Paramount+.

Requirements

  • Real-Time Expertise: Demonstrated success deploying ML systems in high-traffic, low-latency production environments.
  • Technical Fluency: Proficiency with modern ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow) and big-data ecosystems (Spark, Beam, Databricks).
  • Proficiency with modern ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow) and big-data ecosystems (Spark, Beam, Databricks).

Nice to have

  • Experience with in-player or post-playback recommendation domains.
  • Background in multi-modal signals (e.g., using video/audio features for "Watch-Next" similarity).
  • Knowledge with Vector Search integration and embedding pipeline optimization.
  • Experience bridging the gap between Core Science teams and production-facing Product teams.
  • Pluto TV is the global leader in free ad-supported TV, delivering more than 1,400 global channels and an extensive library of streaming content, including live and original channels.
  • Paramount+, digital subscription video-on-demand and live streaming service, combines live sports, breaking news, and A Mountain of Entertainment.
  • Paramount+ features an expansive library of original series, hit shows and popular movies across every genre from world-renowned brands and production studios, including SHOWTIME.

Compensation

  • $234,000.00 - 250,000.00.
  • The hiring salary range for this position applies to New York, California, Colorado, Washington state, and most other geographies.
  • Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education.
  • What We Offer: Attractive compensation and comprehensive benefits packages.

Benefits

  • Attractive compensation and comprehensive benefits packages.
  • Check out our full list of benefits here:;/li> Generous paid time off.

Company info

  • #WeAreParamount on a mission to unleash the power of content... you in?
  • We've got the brands, we've got the stars, we've got thepowerto achieve our mission to entertain the planet - now all we're missing is...
  • Becoming a part of Paramount means joining a team of passionate people who not only recognize the power of content but also enjoy a touch of fun and uniqueness.
  • Together, we co-create moments that matter - both for our audiences and our employees - and aim to leave a positive mark on culture.
  • Overview We are looking for a Principal Machine Learning Engineer to lead our "Session" pod - the team in charge of the critical mission of "Keeping the Session Going." While other teams focus on the initial click, your team owns the viewer's journey after playback starts.
  • You will lead a high-impact pod of Senior ML engineers and Applied Scientists to architect the systems powering in-player browse, "Watch-Next" recommendations, and end-cards across Paramount+ and Pluto TV.
  • Because these decisions happen while a user is already engaged in content, you will navigate unique challenges in ultra-low latency inference, session-based behavior modeling, and distinct UX constraints that differ significantly from standard home-page ranking.
  • An exciting and fulfilling opportunity to be part of one of Paramount's most dynamic teams.

Equal opportunity

  • Paramount is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.
  • equal opportunity employer (EOE) including disability/vet.
  • equal opportunity workplace.
  • If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access as a result of your disability.

Visa & Work Authorization

  • rtunity regardless of race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship status, marital status, disability, gender identity, gender expression, and Veteran stat
Apply directly at ViacomCBS →Create a free account for alerts like thisView ViacomCBS immigration profile

This listing is sourced directly from ViacomCBS's careers page and normalized into a canonical job model.