Principal Data Scientist – AI/Machine Learning Engineering for Theme Park & Attractions Experience

Join arenaflex as a Principal Data Scientist

Are you ready to transform how millions of people experience magic through data and artificial intelligence? arenaflex Parks Encounters and Items is seeking a visionary Principal Data Scientist to lead the development of cutting-edge machine learning solutions that power unforgettable guest experiences at our world-renowned attractions. This is your opportunity to join a team that blends innovation, creativity, and technology to create moments that inspire joy and wonder in guests from around the globe.

At arenaflex, we believe that the power of data can make the impossible possible. Since our founding, our passion has been to continually push the boundaries of what is achievable, and this remains central to everything we do today. Every team member contributes to creating and delivering extraordinary experiences, and we're constantly seeking new ways to enhance these magical encounters for our guests. As a Principal Data Scientist within our Attractions Operational Innovation team, you will play a pivotal role in guiding the creation, implementation, and support of data analysis and machine learning models that power our attractions.

What You'll Do

As a Principal Data Scientist at arenaflex, you will be at the forefront of innovation, working closely with internal partners to deliver elite guest experiences through intelligent data systems across arenaflex Experiences (DX). You will report directly to the Attractions Operational Innovation leadership and be responsible for the following:

• Build Strategic Partnerships: Foster and develop relationships with cross-functional colleagues, providing thought leadership and asserting influence by driving initiatives to completion effectively and efficiently.


• Drive ML Strategy: Engage with research teams and partners to help formulate machine learning strategies and identify areas where business challenges can be solved creatively through the application of machine learning.


• Lead Technical Teams: Direct and collaborate with various engineers and data scientists to execute and successfully scale ML solutions that create magical experiences for our guests while pushing the boundaries of operational excellence.


• Innovation Leadership: Drive research and development, proofs of concept, technology proof-of-concept initiatives, and client interactions that lead to building tier-one AI platforms.


• Operational Excellence: Manage functional support and maintenance of ML-related products and services delivered by your team.


• Process Optimization: Establish standard methodologies used in daily operations and work with specialized units to design, plan, and execute large-scale projects in the AI/ML space.


• Model Productionization: Productionize ML algorithms in predictive analytics, clustering, image recognition, natural language processing, anomaly detection, and more, evaluating their performance on real-world datasets.


• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with different teams to achieve goals in improving system performance while coordinating with existing software practices that produce maintainable code, including automated testing, continuous integration, code style consistency, and comprehensive code reviews.

Required Qualifications & Skills

To succeed in this role, you must bring a robust technical background combined with proven leadership capabilities. The ideal candidate will demonstrate mastery in the following areas:

• Machine Learning Expertise: Minimum 2 years of mastery in Python with predictive modeling experience using frameworks such as TensorFlow, SparkMLib, PySpark, LightGBM, MXNet, and similar technologies.


• Cloud Platform Proficiency: At least 2 years of expert-level experience with major cloud platforms, specifically AWS and Google Cloud Platform (GCP).


• Software Development Excellence: Proficiency in Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), QA processes, and Object-Oriented Programming Design Patterns.


• Data Engineering Skills: Master-level experience with both structured and unstructured data (including images, video, text, audio, and more) as well as SQL relational and NoSQL databases.


• Data Workflow Management: Minimum 2 years of experience with Airflow or other data workflow management tools.


• Version Control & MLOps: Experience with version control software such as GitHub and GitLab, Model Operations, and CI/CD pipelines.


• Business Acumen: Experience driving discovery processes with partners to identify business requirements and expected outcomes, coupled with strong communication skills and a results-driven mindset.


• Systems Integration: Strong systems integration architecture skills, capable of translating new technology into business solutions.

Preferred Qualifications

While not required, the following skills and experiences would make you an even stronger candidate:

• Experience with containerization technologies, particularly Docker


• Experience with orchestration control systems


• Experience with Kubernetes for container management


• Experience with cloud solutions in GCP or other cloud platforms


• Experience with Atlassian Tools such as Jira and Confluence


• Experience with Agile development methodologies


• Experience with automated testing, continuous integration, and continuous deployment


• Experience with data visualization and data monitoring tools (e.g., Splunk, Plotly, Tableau)


• Experience with audio analysis


• Experience with text analysis and natural language processing

Education Requirements

Minimum: Bachelor's degree in Data Science, Statistics, Programming, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a similar technical field.

Preferred: Ph.D. in Data Science, Statistics, Programming, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a similar technical field.

Why Join arenaflex?

At arenaflex, we offer more than just a job – we offer a career where your contributions make a real difference. Here's what you can expect when you join our team:

Competitive Compensation

We recognize that top talent deserves top compensation. This position offers a competitive hourly rate of $32 per hour, with opportunities for growth and advancement based on performance and expertise.

Comprehensive Benefits Package

Our full-time team members enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and exclusive access to arenaflex parks and experiences for you and your family.

Career Growth & Learning Opportunities

We are committed to the continuous development of our team members. You'll have access to cutting-edge technologies, opportunities to work on innovative projects, and pathways for career advancement within the organization. Our culture encourages continuous learning and professional growth through challenging projects and cross-functional collaboration.

Work-Life Balance

We understand the importance of maintaining balance in life. Our 8-hour work schedules are designed to promote productivity while allowing time for personal pursuits. We offer flexible work arrangements including both on-site and remote opportunities to accommodate different working styles.

Innovative Work Environment

Join a team that values creativity, innovation, and collaboration. You'll work alongside talented professionals who are passionate about leveraging data and AI to create extraordinary experiences. Our collaborative environment fosters open communication, idea sharing, and creative problem-solving.

Make an Impact

Your work as a Principal Data Scientist will directly impact the experiences of millions of guests. Every algorithm you develop, every model you create, and every insight you generate contributes to making magical moments possible for families and individuals from around the world.

How to Apply

If you're ready to take the next step in your career and join a team that's transforming the future of entertainment through data and artificial intelligence, we want to hear from you!

Ready to create magic through data? Apply now and become part of something extraordinary at arenaflex.

arenaflex is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.