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Staff Data Engineer

Job ID 10129825 Location Nicasio, California, United States Business Lucasfilm Date posted Sep. 16, 2025
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Job Summary:

The Skywalker Sound Development Group is seeking an experienced Data Engineer to specialize in the creation, management, and optimization of data pipelines to support cutting-edge AI/ML research. This is a critical role in preparing high-quality datasets for the training, retraining, and evaluation of machine learning models tailored to immersive and multichannel audio applications.

As a Data Engineer, you will focus on developing robust pipelines for processing complex media datasets, enabling AI/ML researchers to build transformative solutions for speech processing, style transfer, and source separation. Your work will directly contribute to creating innovative soundtrack workflows for global media production.

This role is considered Hybrid, which means the employee will work 2-3 days onsite at our Nicasio, CA office and occasionally from home.

What You'll Do

  • Design, implement, and maintain scalable, automated data pipelines for the ingestion, preprocessing, and transformation of large-scale audio datasets.

  • Ensure pipelines support efficient model training and retraining workflows, enabling continuous improvement of AI/ML models.

  • Collaborate with AI/ML researchers to define data requirements and integrate feedback to improve data pipeline functionality.

  • Develop advanced preprocessing techniques for immersive and multichannel audio formats (e.g., Dolby Atmos, high-order ambisonics).

  • Automate data cleaning, normalization, and augmentation processes to prepare datasets for various model architectures, including foundational models and transformers.

  • Integrate external datasets and APIs while ensuring compliance with legal and ethical data usage standards.

  • Monitor and optimize pipeline performance to handle complex and dynamic data structures effectively.

  • Create tools and workflows for annotating, labeling, and curating datasets, including the use of active learning methods.

  • Perform exploratory data analysis to uncover trends, validate dataset quality, and identify data gaps.

What We’re Looking For

  • Master’s Degree with preference for PhD in Data Engineering/Science, Computer Science, Signal Processing, or a related field. 

  • 8+years of experience in data engineering or data science with a focus on building pipelines for AI/ML applications.

  • Proficiency in Python, with expertise in data manipulation libraries such as Pandas, NumPy, and PyTorch’s data utilities.

  • Hands-on experience with audio processing libraries and tools (e.g., Librosa, FFmpeg, SoX) for handling complex audio formats.

  • Familiarity with scalable pipeline tools like GitLab, Apache Spark, Airflow, or Luigi, and experience with containerized workflows (Docker, Kubernetes).

  • Strong understanding of data pipeline requirements for model training, retraining, and evaluation in iterative research workflows.

  • Experience with immersive and multichannel audio formats.

  • Knowledge of cloud-based platforms and tools for storage and processing, such as AWS S3, Redshift, or Google BigQuery.

  • Strong problem-solving skills, with a proactive mindset for addressing evolving data challenges.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience integrating data pipelines with AI/ML workflows, including active learning and model retraining.

  • Familiarity with audio-specific datasets and metadata management strategies.

  • Knowledge of machine learning principles and how data quality impacts model performance.

  • Experience with distributed training pipelines and large-scale dataset processing.

  • Contributions to open-source projects or published research in the fields of data science or audio processing.

  • Experience with visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Matplotlib) for quality assurance and exploratory data analysis.

  • Expertise in designing systems to support AI/ML model monitoring and retraining over time.


 


The hiring range for this position in Nicasio, CA is $166,800 to $223,600 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.

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About Lucasfilm:

Lucasfilm is a global leader in film, television and digital entertainment production. In addition to its motion-picture and television production, the company's activities include visual effects, audio post-production and cutting-edge digital animation, interactive entertainment software, and the management of the global merchandising activities for its entertainment properties including the legendary STAR WARS and INDIANA JONES franchises. Lucasfilm Ltd. is headquartered in northern California.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with Lucasfilm Ent Co Ltd, LLC Payroll Svc, which is part of a business we call Lucasfilm.

Lucasfilm Ent Co Ltd, LLC Payroll Svc is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

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