Machine Learning Engineer, Entry

Role overview

Paramount is looking for an entry-level machine learning engineer to join its Applied Machine Learning Group in New York, NY. The role focuses on improving the streaming experience by building systems that help users start watching quickly and return smoothly to content they were previously engaged with. You will work on high-impact product surfaces such as Your Next Watch (YNW), Jump Back In (JBI), and While You Were Away (WYWA), with an emphasis on solving cold-start challenges and improving early-session commitment signals.

The position sits at an IC2 mid-level scope and is centered on making better recommendations at the beginning of a user session. The work involves experiment tracking, retrieval systems, model training and serving, and reward-based optimization to maximize the likelihood that a user presses play and stays engaged.

Key responsibilities

• Take ownership of implementation work for Jump Back In (JBI) and Your Next Watch (YNW) features.
• Improve retrieval quality for re-entry carousels by using Qdrant to surface strong candidates from session history and broader trend signals.
• Manage the full experiment process with MLFlow, including tracking, reproducibility, and deployment support.
• Build and serve machine learning models on GCP using TensorFlow or PyTorch, including post-training reinforcement learning for reward optimization.
• Contribute to design reviews and help maintain the same reliability expectations used across the broader team.
• Create logic that personalizes the experience even when very little is known about a new user.
• Optimize for start-rate and early play decisions, especially within the first 30 seconds after app launch.

Required qualifications

• At least 3 years of experience in machine learning engineering.
• Hands-on experience with GCP and MLFlow.
• Strong working knowledge of TensorFlow and/or PyTorch.
• Familiarity with vector databases.
• Demonstrated ability to solve cold-start problems for new users.
• Experience managing, tracking, and deploying experiments with a strong focus on reproducibility.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience in multi-stage ranking systems or cold-start modeling.
• Exposure to retrieval optimization and re-entry recommendation carousels.
• Knowledge of post-training reinforcement learning for reward-driven optimization.

Compensation and benefits

The hiring salary range for this role is $130,200 to $195,300 per year. The applicable range covers New York, California, Colorado, Washington state, and most other locations. Actual starting pay will depend on job-related factors such as location, market conditions, experience, training, and education. This role is bonus eligible.

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision coverage, a 401(k) plan, life insurance, disability benefits, tuition assistance, and PTO, or benefits as otherwise provided under the relevant collective bargaining agreement.

Additional information

This position is part of Paramount Streaming, a division of Paramount Global that powers the company’s direct-to-consumer services, including Pluto TV and Paramount+. Pluto TV operates as a leading free ad-supported streaming service with more than 1,400 global channels and a large library of live and original content. Paramount+ offers digital subscription video on demand and live streaming, including sports, news, movies, original series, and content from brands such as SHOWTIME®.

Paramount describes itself as an equal opportunity employer and says it provides 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. The company also notes that applicants who need a reasonable accommodation due to a disability or disabled veteran status may request support by phone at 212.846.5500 or by email at [email protected].

What the company offers includes attractive compensation and comprehensive benefits, generous paid time off, an exciting opportunity to join one of Paramount’s most dynamic teams, opportunities for on-site and virtual engagement events, and chances to build meaningful connections and community inside and outside the workplace.