The Walt Disney Company

Forward Deployed Engineer

The Walt Disney Company$123K — $165K *
Information Technology
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 3+ years in software product delivery, including 1 year with AI features.
  • Familiarity with AI development tools like prompt design and LLM APIs.
  • Proficient in AI coding tools such as Cursor or Claude Code.
  • Strong debugging skills and data handling using SQL and APIs.
  • Excellent judgment connecting product features to user needs.
  • Quick learner with adaptability to new technologies.
  • Strong communication skills for engaging with senior stakeholders.

Responsibilities

  • Build and ship AI features from inception to production.
  • Collaborate with stakeholders to identify business needs.
  • Own user experience design, including interfaces and workflows.
  • Utilize AI tools for effective problem-solving.
  • Develop within secure enterprise systems with operational best practices.
  • Conduct testing and validation of features before launch.
  • Share reusable code and tools for future projects.

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work in a dynamic and innovative environment with AI technology.
  • Collaboration with cross-functional teams across Disney.
  • Hands-on management and support for career growth.
  • Flexible office schedule, working in the office Monday to Thursday.
  • Room for creative problem-solving and product iteration.
Full Job Description
Job Posting Title:
Forward Deployed Engineer

Req ID:


Job Description:

This team works in office Monday to Thursday. * Please include a portfolio of your most impactful work

You will build AI-powered products within Disney's Applied AI Acceleration practice, partnering with teams across Marketing, Finance, Parks Operations, HR, Studios, and other business areas. These teams bring real business challenges and ideas for how AI could help. Your role is to clarify the problem, build the right solution, and get working products in front of users quickly.

This is an early-career builder role on a small team led by a hands-on Manager. You will work directly with stakeholders, define what is worth building, and ship features end-to-end. You should be comfortable using AI tools such as Claude, Cursor, agents, and emerging platforms to build practical solutions.

We are looking for curious, adaptable builders who learn quickly and enjoy turning ideas into products people use. This role is a strong fit for product builders, designers, engineers, operators, PMs, and founders who have experience shipping AI products.

Responsibilities:
  • Build and ship AI-powered features from problem definition through production.
  • Work directly with stakeholders to understand business needs and gather feedback.
  • Own the user experience, including workflows, interfaces, automation, and human-in-the-loop decisions.
  • Use tools such as LLM APIs, prompt design, RAG, agents, and evaluation methods to solve problems effectively.
  • Build within Disney's enterprise systems with appropriate security, monitoring, and operational practices.
  • Test changes before launch using regression checks, golden sets, and other evaluation methods.
  • Contribute reusable code, tools, and patterns when they can help future engagements.
  • Partner with teammates through code reviews, debugging, and shared problem solving.
  • Explain technical decisions and tradeoffs clearly to business stakeholders.


Required Qualifications:
  • Minimum 3 years of experience shipping software products for real users, including at least 1 year shipping AI-powered features in production.
  • Experience with modern AI development tools and methods, such as prompt design, agents, RAG, LLM APIs, and evals.
  • Daily or frequent use of AI coding tools such as Cursor, Claude Code, or similar tools.
  • Ability to read and reason about code, debug with teammates, and work with data using SQL, APIs, or basic transformations.
  • Strong product and business judgment, with experience connecting features to user needs and business outcomes.
  • Strong learning agility and comfort working with new tools and changing technology.
  • Ability to communicate clearly with senior stakeholders.


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience as a product manager, designer, operator, engineer, founder, or builder who has used AI tools to create working products.
  • Experience building AI products without a dedicated engineering team.
  • Forward-deployed engineering or similar experience.
  • Strong design-engineering instincts and ability to ship polished user experiences.
  • Experience working across multiple business areas such as media, parks, retail, operations, HR, or finance.
  • Experience with evaluation methods such as golden sets, trace analysis, LLM-as-judge, or production eval pipelines.
  • Strong writing skills for documentation, retrospectives, and technical decisions.
  • Experience with enterprise-scale data, legacy systems, or complex stakeholder environments.


Education:
  • Bachelor's degree and/or equivalent work experience


#DISNEYTECH
Job Posting Statement
The hiring range for this position in Glendale or Burbank, CA is $117,500 to $157,500 per year, Orlando, Fl is $111,900 to $150,000 per year, and New York, NY or Seattle WA is $123,000 to $165,000 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:
DO NOT USE - Enterprise Technology and Data

Job Posting Primary Business:
DO NOT USE - Core Systems & Platforms

Primary Job Posting Category:
Product Management Tech

Employment Type:
Full time

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

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:
2026-08-13

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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