The Walt Disney Company

Manager, Software Engineering

The Walt Disney Company$160K — $190K *
Information Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 8 years of relevant experience, including 5 years in leadership roles for software delivery or product teams
  • Proven track record in the full Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC) and enterprise-grade application delivery
  • Strong financial management skills, including budget forecasting and delivery assessment
  • Strategic vision or practical experience leveraging AI/LLMs for coding and testing enhancements
  • Ability to translate complex business operations into technology solutions and delivery priorities
  • Experience in managing internal teams and third-party resources effectively

Responsibilities

  • Drive engineering excellence by enforcing high standards of security, reliability, and compliance across applications
  • Act as a technical leader shaping architecture and engineering best practices
  • Lead and mentor a team of software engineers and product professionals
  • Integrate AI tools into each phase of the software development lifecycle for efficiency
  • Oversee delivery squads in creating technology solutions to operational challenges
  • Identify and eliminate organizational hurdles for focused high-value delivery
  • Forecast and manage the budget, using financial tracking to indicate project health

Benefits

  • Opportunity to influence and shape the application of GenAI in operational technology
  • Direct impact on real-world operations in a globally recognized company
  • High ownership of technical direction and team dynamics
  • Opportunities for personal growth and career development
  • Engage and build partnerships across various business units, enhancing cross-functional collaboration
Full Job Description
Job Posting Title:
Manager, Software Engineering

Req ID:


Job Description:

Disney Experiences Technology creates world-class immersive experiences for Walt Disney World, Disneyland Resort, and beyond. As the Manager of Technology for Site Specific Apps, you will lead the software delivery and product teams responsible for the critical "engines" of our operation. Your portfolio includes a diverse array of specialized applications-from Textile Operations and Animal Services to the Disney College Program applications.

We are looking for a leader who pairs deep software engineering rigor with a visionary approach to Artificial Intelligence. You won't just implement AI in the products; you will revolutionize the way we build them-leveraging AI to gain quality and efficiency throughout the entire Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC).

What you will do:
  • Engineering Excellence: Drive high standards across software engineering, ensuring security, reliability, monitoring, cost awareness, service level agreements, and responsible usage across apps and platforms. Partner with infrastructure, security, accessibility, and vendor sustainment teams to ensure systems are production-ready, compliant, scalable, and resilient.
  • Technical Leadership & Architecture: Act as a technical leader for your portfolio, shaping application architecture, integration patterns, and engineering best practices while remaining close enough to the work to ensure engineering rigor.
  • Team Leadership: Direct a team of software engineers and product professionals, fostering a "people-first" culture that prioritizes mentorship, and growth.
  • AI-Driven SDLC: Implement a vision for "Next-Gen" engineering by integrating GenAI tools into every phase of the lifecycle-from automated requirement gathering and code generation to intelligent testing and deployment.
  • Business Operations Technology Delivery: Lead delivery squads in the design and execution of technology solutions that solve real-world operational challenges, ensuring technology always drives measurable business outcomes.
  • Roadblock Removal: Act with a relentless bias for action, identifying and removing technical or organizational hurdles to ensure the team remains focused on high-value delivery.
  • Financial Management: Accurately forecast and manage the budget for your area, utilizing financial tracking as a primary indicator of project health and delivery velocity.

Who you are:
  • Constantly Curious: You are a lifelong learner who is always looking for ways to improve yourself, your team, and the business processes you support.
  • Technical Polyglot: You are adept in modern software architecture and stay hands-on enough to ensure the engineering rigor of your team remains elite.
  • People-First Leader: You lead through influence and empathy, understanding that "The Magic" starts with a supported and empowered team.
  • Optimistic Problem Solver: You have never met a problem you wouldn't attempt to solve. You thrive in complexity and find a path forward where others see dead ends.

What makes this role unique:
  • Build and hold vast stakeholder partnerships across various cast operations lines of business, encompassing the full portfolio ranging from Textiles supply chain, Park/Zoo Animal Services, Disney Media Events, and the Disney College Program, to provide end-to-end product experience and ensure data-driven outcomes.
  • Direct impact on real-world, on-site operations that power Disney Experiences.
  • Opportunity to shape how GenAI is responsibly applied across operational technology.
  • High ownership across people, delivery, and technical direction.
  • Ability to modernize legacy operational systems while building next-generation capabilities.

Required Qualifications & Skills:
  • Leadership Experience: 8 years of related work experience, with at least 5 years of experience managing high-performing software delivery or product teams and leading through influence.
  • Engineering Rigor: Deep experience in the full Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), with a proven track record of delivering enterprise-grade applications.
  • Financial Acumen: Proven ability to manage budgets and accurately forecast financial needs; ability to use financial data to assess and communicate the health of project delivery.
  • AI Visionary: Practical experience or a clear strategic vision for using AI/LLMs to improve code quality, testing automation, and development velocity.
  • Business Operations Technology Aptitude: Ability to navigate complex, multi-site business operations and translate them into technology requirements and delivery priorities.
  • Vendor & Resource Management: Experience managing a mix of internal Cast members and third-party resources to ensure delivery consistency and quality.

Required Education:
  • Bachelor's or foreign equivalent Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Software, Electrical or Electronics Engineering, or comparable field of study, and/or equivalent work experience
The hiring range for this position in Florida is $160,000-$190,000 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:
DX Technology

Job Posting Primary Business:
US Parks

Primary Job Posting Category:
Software Engineer

Employment Type:
Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:
Orlando, FL, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:
2026-03-26

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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