Principal Software Engineer

The Walt Disney Company is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise creating world-class stories and experiences.
Bristol, CT 06010, USASanta Monica, CA, USAGlendale, CA, USA
$184,300 - $270,700
Backend
Principal Software Engineer
Hybrid
5,000+ Employees
10+ years of experience
Entertainment · Enterprise SaaS · Streaming

Description For Principal Software Engineer

Disney Entertainment & ESPN Technology is at the forefront of reimagining magical viewing experiences for the world's most beloved stories while transforming Disney's media business for the future. As a Principal Software Engineer in the Emerging Technology team, you'll play a crucial role in building Direct-to-Consumer client apps like ESPN and SC4U, while also working on AI-driven content automation.

This position offers an opportunity to work with cutting-edge technology at massive scale, reaching millions of consumers every minute through platforms like Disney+, Hulu, ABC News, and ESPN+. You'll be part of a team that's building the infrastructure powering Disney's media, advertising, and distribution businesses for years to come.

As a Principal Engineer, you'll be hands-on while providing technical leadership across multiple products and services. You'll architect reusable solutions shared across all Disney/ESPN products, oversee complex technical projects, and help define technology strategy implemented across multiple domains. The role requires both technical excellence and the ability to influence product strategies that anticipate business needs for years to come.

The position offers competitive compensation varying by location:

  • Seattle/NYC: $193,100 to $258,900
  • Glendale: $184,300 to $247,100
  • San Francisco: $201,900 to $270,700

You'll be joining a company with a rich legacy of innovation, working alongside world-class talent to create entertainment experiences that delight millions globally. The role combines technical challenges at scale with the opportunity to impact how audiences experience sports, entertainment & news worldwide.

The ideal candidate will bring 10+ years of backend development experience, strong expertise in Java and Spring, and a track record of delivering significant consumer products. You'll need to be both a technical expert and an effective communicator, able to collaborate across teams while providing technical leadership and mentorship.

This is an opportunity to shape the future of digital entertainment at one of the world's most beloved companies, working on products that reach a global audience while pushing the boundaries of technology in media and entertainment.

Last updated an hour ago

Responsibilities For Principal Software Engineer

  • Work with teams to architect, develop and integrate business critical features
  • Oversee the design of complex technical projects which are typically company-wide initiatives
  • Develop technology strategy in response to company-wide strategy and initiatives
  • Set technical direction, strategy and drive technology innovation within multiple product segments
  • Produce technical designs and inform product strategies
  • Contribute to product and solution designs addressing critical and strategic issues

Requirements For Principal Software Engineer

Java
  • BS, BA, or advanced degree in computer science, engineering or its equivalent
  • 10+ years hands-on professional experience with Backend development
  • Experience working a significant consumer product that is currently available
  • Comprehensive knowledge of Java, Spring, and Server-Side Technologies
  • C++ and render engine knowledge is a plus
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Write efficient, reliable, and maintainable code
  • Analyze and optimize application code for efficiency, reliability, and performance
  • Manage multiple competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
  • Often regarded as an expert in their field

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