The Walt Disney Company

Director, Software Engineering

The Walt Disney Company$228K — $306K *
Information Technology
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field.
  • 12+ years of progressive technology experience, including 5+ years in management roles.
  • Experience designing technology augmentation programs in complex organizations.
  • Proven ability to define and track ROI and value dashboards.
  • Strong skills in change management and organizational influence.
  • Direct delivery experience in web and/or mobile engineering platforms.
  • Exceptional communication skills for engaging senior executives.

Responsibilities

  • Lead technical development teams to establish value generation direction.
  • Communicate the AI augmentation roadmap and its strategic direction.
  • Own the AI Value Dashboard and report outcomes to leadership.
  • Manage risks and issues within the AI augmentation workstreams.
  • Drive the culture shift toward AI fluency and adoption within teams.
  • Reimagine workflows using AI and lead process redesign initiatives.
  • Oversee direct delivery on web and mobile platforms, establishing engineering standards.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical and financial benefits package.
  • Potential for bonuses and long-term incentives.
  • Opportunities for professional development and growth.
  • Engagement in a culture focused on innovation and strategy.
Full Job Description
Job Posting Title:
Director, Software Engineering

Req ID:


Job Description:

About the Role

The Director, AI Enablement & Strategy is the augmentation portfolio owner and culture change leader for Disney Experiences Technology. Reporting to the VP of AI Augmentation Strategy, this role owns the DXT AI augmentation roadmap and operating model, from strategy and prioritization through adoption and scale, and drives the culture shift that moves engineering and product teams toward an AI-native mindset. This role is the primary face of the AI augmentation program to senior stakeholders across DXT, and carries direct delivery accountability for DXT's web and mobile platforms.

Responsibilities

AI Vision & Operating Model (Value Generation)
  • Lead multiple technical development teams in partnership across DXT to set technical direction to enable value generation.
  • Establish and communicate the AI augmentation roadmap and operating model across DXT, translating strategic direction into a sequenced, resourced plan with clear owners and milestones.
  • Own the AI Value Dashboard and ROI framework, attributing measurable improvements in KPIs, productivity, quality, and value stream velocity to specific augmentation initiatives; report outcomes to senior leadership and executive sponsors.
  • Lead the portfolio view across all AI augmentation workstreams, managing dependencies, sequencing, risk, issue escalation, and investment prioritization across a complex, concurrent program.
  • Partner with finance and portfolio management on AI investment forecasting, value capture modeling, and OKR/KPI definition.
  • Influence and align senior stakeholders across Product, Engineering, Architecture, Project Management, Operations, Design, and Quality on AI augmentation priorities, accelerating decisions and resolving fragmentation that slows progress.
  • Manage risk and issues across the augmentation workstreams, ensuring blockers surface and resolve without loss of momentum.

Culture Shift & Adoption (Culture Shift)
  • Lead the culture shift toward AI fluency and an AI-native mindset, designing and scaling experimentation programs, developer fluency initiatives, and adoption pathways that meet cast where they are.
  • Own adoption and sentiment tracking across DXT; use data to identify where adoption is accelerating, stalling, or at risk, and drive targeted interventions.
  • Design and run structured change management across the AI augmentation program, partnering with change management resources and Gemstone AI to ensure practices are embraced and sustained.
  • Communicate the "why" behind AI augmentation decisions clearly and compellingly, connecting teams to the bigger picture and promoting ownership for outcomes.

AI Process Re-Engineering (Cross-cutting)
  • Reimagine end-to-end value stream workflows using AI, moving beyond tool adoption to redesign how software is planned, built, tested, and operated; lead value stream mapping, workflow design, and AI interaction SOPs.
  • Partner with the AI Engineering Tools & Practice function and persona-based SMEs to ensure process redesign is grounded in available tooling and can scale to repeatable patterns.
  • Leverage strong SDLC understanding and technical acumen to connect AI-enabled changes to engineering practices

Web & Mobile Delivery
  • Responsible for direct delivery within DXT's web and mobile engineering platforms; lead teams, set technical direction, maintain delivery cadence, and use these workstreams as live proof-of-concept for AI-augmented value stream practices.
  • Establish engineering standards, development processes, and quality practices across multiple initiatives.


Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor's degree or higher in Computer Science, Engineering, Information Systems, or related field.
  • 12+ years of progressive experience in technology, including 5+ years in management or senior leadership roles.
  • Demonstrated ability to design and run technology augmentation programs across complex, matrixed organizations with multiple concurrent workstreams.
  • Experience defining and tracking technology ROI and value dashboards for senior leadership.
  • Strong change management and organizational influence skills; track record of driving adoption and culture change without direct authority.
  • Direct delivery experience in engineering, specifically web and/or mobile platforms.
  • Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills, including senior executive engagement.
  • Strong change management capability.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience building developer fluency programs, AI adoption initiatives, or communities of practice at scale.
  • Familiarity with value stream redesign, process re-engineering, and value stream mapping.
  • Large-scale consumer-facing technology environment (theme parks, media, hospitality, or similar).
  • Advanced degree or certifications in technology leadership, augmentation, or change management.

The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $228,700 to $306,700 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.

Job Posting Segment:
DX Technology

Job Posting Primary Business:
Tech Delivery, Platforms, & Core Systems

Primary Job Posting Category:
Software Engineer

Employment Type:
Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:
Glendale, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:
USA - FL - Kirkman Point 1

Date Posted:
2026-08-25

About The Walt Disney Company

The Walt Disney Company started as a cartoon studio and evolves into sports coverage and television shows. Using the company's portfolio of brands to differentiate our content, services, and consumer products, Walt Disney seeks to develop creative, innovative, and profitable entertainment experiences and related products.

The Walt Disney Company Careers

Join the magical world of The Walt Disney Company, a place where dreams come true and imagination meets innovation. As a global leader in entertainment and media, we offer unparalleled job opportunities that invite you to be part of a beloved brand known for its influential culture, diversity, and dynamic growth. Work You’ll Do Embark on a career journey with The Walt Disney Company and play a pivotal role in shaping the future of media and entertainment. Engage in work that matters, contributes to storytelling excellence, and brings joy to millions around the globe. Transform your professional life by joining a team that values creativity, leadership, and visionary thinking. The Walt Disney Company stands at the forefront of industry innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in entertainment and beyond. Lead with us from a unique position in the marketplace, where your skills in technology, creativity, and management converge to create extraordinary experiences. Collaborate with a diverse group of talented professionals, united in their passion for delivering magical experiences. Our team at The Walt Disney Company is composed of over 200,000 dedicated individuals who thrive in an environment that fosters growth, mentorship, and innovation. Introducing The Walt Disney Company Leadership and Professional Growth Programs We are committed to developing leaders who can navigate the challenges of the digital era and drive success across our various business segments. Our leadership programs are designed to hone your skills and prepare you for executive roles within the company. Do Innovative Work Join our team and contribute to projects that redefine the entertainment landscape. From groundbreaking films and television series to pioneering technological advancements, your work at The Walt Disney Company will set new standards in the creative and business worlds. Be Part of a Great Team Experience a culture that is inclusive, collaborative, and forward-thinking. Work alongside the best in the business and see how diversity and inclusion fuel our creativity and success. The Walt Disney Company’s commitment to a diverse workforce is evident in our hiring practices, training programs, and our everyday operations. Future-Proof Your Career With a wide array of benefits, continuous learning opportunities, and a network of supportive colleagues, your career at The Walt Disney Company is equipped for longevity and success. Our benefits package includes comprehensive health care, employee discounts, and access to exclusive company events and previews. Explore Job Opportunities and Internships Whether you’re a seasoned professional looking for your next challenge or a student seeking a transformative internship, The Walt Disney Company offers positions across a spectrum of fields and disciplines. Explore our career portal to find job opportunities that match your skills and passions. Stay Connected Join Our Team Search open positions, apply through our streamlined application process, and take the first step towards a magical career. We look for individuals who are passionate, curious, and eager to contribute to our legacy of storytelling and innovation. Keep Up to Date Stay informed with the latest company news, career tips, and insider perspectives—all from the people who make The Walt Disney Company a place of inspiration and excitement. Job Alert Emails Customize your subscription to receive job alerts and updates that align with your career interests. Discover the exciting and rewarding opportunities that await at The Walt Disney Company. Join us, and be part of the magic that only happens here at The Walt Disney Company!
Learn more about The Walt Disney Company
Size
190,000 employees
Market Cap
$155.1 billion
Industry
Net Income
-$4.9 billion
Founded
1923
5 Year Trend
+3.9%
Revenue
$60.7 billion
NASDAQ

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