It takes a Blizzard to make a Blizzard game, and that level of effort doesn’t end once the game is released; we support our games for years after they’re in the hands of gamers world-wide. Global Insights works closely with the game development, business and internal service teams at Blizzard to produce insights and models that enable us to make the most epic player experiences. The machine learning & AI (Artificial Intelligence) group within Global Insights is focused on building live products that apply the latest in key research areas to build lasting data products and tools for our game and business teams.

We are looking for a Data Science Manager to lead the central ML/AI team at Blizzard. Blizzard data science team develops machine learning data products to enrich player experience, drive business initiatives and support game development. The ideal candidate is passionate about applying the latest innovations in machine learning, artificial intelligence and statistics to the gaming industry; manages a portfolio of both short-term and long-term data science projects with a variety of stakeholders in the company; coordinates with the Global Insights engineering and analytics team to deliver data science in live data products.

Responsibilities

• Manage and advocate for a team of highly motivated data scientists and help both team and individual growth.
• Communicate with a variety of stakeholders in the company on the inception, progress updates and final products of the data science projects.
• Prioritize short-term projects to meet the deadlines and deliver immediate values.
• Manage the risk and expectation of long-term research projects with potential future values.  
• Work closely with Global Insights engineering and analytics team on live data products.

Minimum Qualifications

• Have 5+ years of working experience in at least one of the advanced machine learning areas including computer graphics, reinforcement learning, recommendation system, and natural language processing.
• Experience managing a team of data scientists or data science projects.
• Strong written and spoken communication skills with both technical and non-technical audiences.

Preferred Qualifications

• Hands-on experience with computer graphics or natural language processing
• Experience working with cross-functional teams with designers, artists, engineers, and product managers
• Experience with deploying ML/AI solution with risk and impact analysis
• Experience of working in a gaming company and familiarity with the process of game development
• Familiarity with cloud computing services like Azure or Google Cloud

Required Application Materials

• Resume

The Global Insights team prides in its dedication to fostering a healthy work-life balance, promoting mentorship at every level, and prioritizing mental and physical wellbeing. We offer a robust mentorship program for career development and provides opportunities to build rapport among team members. We are committed to providing growth opportunities for team members to look forward to.

Blizzard Entertainment is a global company committed to growing our employees along with the business. We offer generous benefits and perks with an eye on providing true work / life balance. We’ve worked hard to foster an intensely collaborative and creative environment, a diverse and inclusive employee culture, and training and opportunity for professional growth. Our people are everything. Our core values are real, and our mission has never changed. We are dedicated to creating the most epic entertainment experiences…ever. Join us!

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, protected veteran status, or any other basis protected by applicable law, and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.

Rewards

We provide a suite of benefits that promote physical, emotional and financial well-being for ‘Every World’ - we’ve got our employees covered!  Subject to eligibility requirements, the Company offers comprehensive benefits including:

• Medical, dental, vision, health savings account or health reimbursement account, healthcare spending accounts, dependent care spending accounts, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance;
• 401(k) with Company match, tuition reimbursement, charitable donation matching;
• Paid holidays and vacation, paid sick time, floating holidays, compassion and bereavement leaves, parental leave;
• Mental health & wellbeing programs, fitness programs, free and discounted games, and a variety of other voluntary benefit programs like supplemental life & disability, legal service, ID protection, rental insurance, and others;
• If the Company requires that you move geographic locations for the job, then you may also be eligible for relocation assistance.

Eligibility to participate in these benefits may vary for part time and temporary full-time employees and interns with the Company.  You can learn more by visiting https://www.benefitsforeveryworld.com/.

In the U.S., the standard base pay range for this role is $111,780.00 - $206,882.00 Annual. These values reflect the expected base pay range of new hires across all U.S. locations. Ultimately, your specific range and offer will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, performance, and work location. Your Talent Professional can share this role’s range details for your local geography during the hiring process. In addition to a competitive base pay, employees in this role may be eligible for incentive compensation. Incentive compensation is not guaranteed.