The Walt Disney Company

Lead Software Engineer - Java

The Walt Disney Company$152K — $204K *
Information Technology
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • BS in Computer Science or equivalent experience
  • 7+ years in software engineering with leadership in large-scale systems
  • Expertise in Java and Spring framework
  • Experience with RESTful API design
  • Strong knowledge of asynchronous programming and distributed systems (Apache Kafka)
  • Hands-on experience with AWS services
  • Proficiency in CI/CD and testing best practices
  • Ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly

Responsibilities

  • Set engineering standards and guide design decisions
  • Maintain expert knowledge of accounting systems and integrations
  • Drive performance and scalability of high-volume applications
  • Collaborate with product managers to refine requirements
  • Contribute to technical strategy and roadmap planning
  • Mentor engineers on advanced technical topics
  • Research and advocate for modern architecture and automation
  • Lead troubleshooting of complex, cross-functional issues

Benefits

  • Opportunity to work on innovative technology
  • Collaborative, diverse work environment
  • Exposure to high-profile media and entertainment projects
  • Access to state-of-the-art content pipeline technology
  • Potential for mentorship and professional development
Full Job Description
Job Posting Title:
Lead Software Engineer - Java

Req ID:


Job Description:

Job Summary:

As a Lead Software Engineer on Disney's Content Platforms team, you will architect and deliver resilient, scalable systems that power accounting workflows for payments to content creators and rights holders across Disney Movies and TV. This role blends hands-on technical leadership with strategic influence-transforming business requirements into innovative solutions that support Disney's global content monetization ecosystem. You will collaborate across engineering, product, and finance teams to ensure our platforms meet the highest standards of performance, security, and reliability.

Key Responsibilities
  • Technical Leadership: Set engineering standards, review code, and guide design decisions to ensure quality and maintainability.
  • System Expertise: Maintain deep knowledge of core accounting systems and their integration with upstream and downstream services.
  • Architecture & Scalability: Drive platform performance, resiliency, and scalability for high-volume, mission-critical applications.
  • Cross-Team Collaboration: Partner with product managers and stakeholders to refine requirements and deliver solutions spanning multiple teams.
  • Strategic Influence: Contribute to technical strategy, roadmap planning, and adoption of emerging technologies.
  • Mentorship: Coach engineers on advanced technical topics and foster a culture of continuous learning.
  • Innovation: Research and evangelize modern architecture patterns, cloud-native practices, and automation strategies.
  • Incident Leadership: Lead troubleshooting and resolution of complex, cross-functional issues.


Basic Qualifications
  • BS in Computer Science or related field (or equivalent experience).
  • 7+ years of software engineering experience with proven leadership in designing and delivering large-scale, fault-tolerant systems.
  • Expertise in Java and frameworks such as Spring, plus experience with RESTful API design.
  • Strong knowledge of asynchronous programming models and distributed systems using Apache Kafka
  • Hands-on experience with AWS services (EKS, SQS, RDS, MSK, etc).
  • Proficiency in CI/CD methodology and best practices for testing and code quality.
  • Ability to articulate complex technical concepts clearly and influence decisions across teams.
  • Passion for mentoring and working in collaborative, diverse environments.


Preferred Skills
  • Experience with financial or accounting systems and SAP integrations.
  • Knowledge of observability tools and performance tuning for high-throughput applications.
  • Familiarity with security and compliance standards in enterprise environments.
The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $152,200 to $204,100 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:
Content Platforms & Operations

Job Posting Primary Business:
CO - Monetization Platforms

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:

Date Posted:
2025-10-22

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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