Applied ML Engineer

#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 the power to achieve our mission to entertain the planet – now all we’re missing is… YOU! 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.

The Applied ML Engineer builds applied machine learning systems within a Production Platform Engineering pod. This role translates technical direction into working software, including model integrations, data pipelines, retrieval systems, evaluation instrumentation, and service layers. Working within defined execution cycles, the Applied ML Engineer delivers modular, testable systems that can be evaluated, integrated, and extended by downstream teams. The role focuses on implementation and iteration, not architecture ownership, model behavior definition, or system recovery.

Key Responsibilities

Applied ML System Development

• Implement machine learning systems, including model integrations, data pipelines, retrieval systems, evaluation instrumentation, and service layers.
• Translate technical direction into modular, maintainable codebases with clear interfaces.
• Deliver working artifacts at defined milestones, including code, configuration, tests, and documentation.

System Implementation & Iteration

• Iterate on systems based on evaluation results, domain feedback, and integration requirements.
• Refine performance, usability, and functionality within the scope of the system being built.
• Support rapid development cycles while maintaining code quality and reproducibility.

Evaluation Integration

• Implement evaluation hooks, metrics, and instrumentation defined by the ML Behavior Systems team.
• Ensure systems can be tested against defined benchmarks and quality standards.
• Support debugging and iteration based on evaluation outcomes.

Platform-Aligned Development

• Build systems using ML Platform & Operations infrastructure for training, inference, and deployment.
• Ensure compatibility with platform services, APIs, and constraints.
• Follow established patterns for system integration and deployment readiness.

Integration Readiness

• Design outputs as modular components with stable interfaces.
• Include configuration controls, observability hooks, and error handling required for integration.
• Partner with Platform Integration teams to ensure deliverables meet downstream requirements.

Accountabilities

• Delivery: Working systems are delivered within defined execution cycles.
• Code quality: Code is modular, readable, and maintainable by downstream teams.
• Evaluation readiness: Systems can be measured and validated against defined standards.
• Integration readiness: Outputs can be adopted without significant rework.

Required Qualifications

• 4+ years of software engineering experience in backend, systems, or ML-adjacent environments.
• 2+ years hands-on ML implementation.
• Proficient programming skills, particularly in Python, and experience building APIs or services.
• Working knowledge of machine learning systems, including model integration, evaluation, and debugging.
• Experience building end-to-end systems from unclear requirements to working software.
• Ability to operate in dynamic, iterative development environments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience building ML-enabled systems such as retrieval pipelines, agent workflows, or model-backed services.
• Familiarity with evaluation instrumentation, logging, and tracing in ML systems.
• Experience working with cloud-based infrastructure and distributed systems.
• Contributions to reusable libraries, frameworks, or internal platforms.

Core Competencies

• Execution focus: Translates direction into working systems proficiently.
• System implementation: Proficient ability to build across model, data, and service layers.
• Iteration discipline: Improves systems based on feedback and evaluation results.
• Integration awareness: Builds with downstream systems and constraints in mind.
• Collaboration: Works successfully within a pod and across engineering, domain, and integration teams.

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+. 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®.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Hiring Salary Range: $124,000.00 - 186,000.00. 

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.  The benefits available for this position include medical, dental, vision, 401(k) plan, life insurance coverage, disability benefits, tuition assistance program and PTO or, if applicable,  as otherwise dictated by the appropriate Collective Bargaining Agreement. This position is bonus eligible.  

• Attractive compensation and comprehensive benefits packages. Check out our full list of benefits here: https://www.paramount.com/careers/benefits
• Generous paid time off.
• An exciting and fulfilling opportunity to be part of one of Paramount’s most dynamic teams.
• Opportunities for both on-site and virtual engagement events.
• Unique opportunities to make meaningful connections and build a vibrant community, both inside and outside the workplace.
• Explore life at Paramount: https://www.paramount.com/careers/life-at-paramount

Paramount is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) including disability/vet.

At Paramount, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do, on-screen and off. From the programming and movies we create to employee benefits/programs and social impact outreach initiatives, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all. Paramount is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace. We are committed to equal employment opportunity 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 status.

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 https://www.paramount.com/careers as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by calling 212.846.5500 or by sending an email to paramountaccommodations@paramount.com. Only messages left for this purpose will be returned.