The Walt Disney Company

Principal Software Engineer

The Walt Disney Company$206K — $276K *
Media
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Minimum of 10 years of related work experience
  • Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
  • Deep expertise in video streaming technologies (codecs, streaming packagers, playback algorithms)
  • Strong experience with deep learning techniques in media processing
  • In-depth understanding of multimedia frameworks
  • Proven track record in research and advanced development in video coding or adjacent fields
  • Demonstrable experience in generating intellectual property.

Responsibilities

  • Conduct multidisciplinary R&D in video streaming for live and on-demand use cases
  • Participate in multimedia standardizations (AOM, MPEG, IETF, VQEG)
  • Design media processing algorithms and software workflows
  • Collaborate cross-functionally with studios, backend, delivery, client, and product teams
  • Lead coordination for large projects and facilitate cross-team collaboration
  • Drive innovation and technical strategy across the organization
  • Influence various codebases to ensure compatibility and drive architectural best practices.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical benefits
  • Potential for bonus and/or long-term incentives
  • Support for continuous learning and development
  • Flexible work environment with a global team
  • Opportunities for professional growth in an advanced technology landscape.
Full Job Description
Job Posting Title:
Principal Software Engineer

Req ID:


Job Description:

This role falls within the Core Media Technology (CMT) team in DEEP&T's Media Engineering organization. CMT is one of our Research and Advanced Development teams whose focus is in the domain of video and audio processing that drives innovative enhancements into our video processing platform for live and on-demand video streaming delivery. Our work involves optimizing media processing, introducing new media codecs, developing quality and performance assessment frameworks and conducting innovative media R&D towards future platform capabilities for the purposes of achieving velocity, scale, and efficiency through an optimized media platform as well as redefining storytelling through innovative media experiences.

Job Summary:

You will conduct multidisciplinary research and development in video streaming for both live and on-demand use cases.

You will have the opportunity to participate in multimedia standardizations such as AOM, MPEG, IETF, and VQEG, and connect with academic research groups and conferences.

You will be designing media processing algorithms and software workflows for the purposes of achieving velocity, scale, and efficiency to further optimize our media platform.

You will collaborate cross-functionally with teams such as our studios, streaming backend, streaming delivery, client, and product teams to investigate, develop and adopt cutting-edge technologies and specifications into production.

You will be part of a team conducting innovative research and advanced development involving advanced computer vision algorithms and applied ML/AI techniques to address the tasks such as media enhancement, understanding, analysis, compression, and enhancing storytelling through innovative media experiences.

As a Principal Engineer your technical expertise will influence various codebases ensuring compatibility of practices, driving technical standards contributing to architectural best practices across the organization. You will be leading coordination for large projects and facilitating cross-team collaboration, owning complex and innovative projects that span multiple teams and components, leading documentation, architecture, and stakeholder engagement. All while regularly driving innovation and technical strategy.

Our CMT team is global, with resources from Zurich, Bangalore, throughout the US and in Beijing and coordination and collaboration across these is expected.

Required Education, Experience/Skills/Training:
  • Minimum of 10 years of related work experience
  • Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field
  • Deep Expertise in video streaming technologies (e.g. codecs, streaming packagers and distribution, playback algorithms, etc)
  • Strong background in applying deep learning techniques to media processing tasks
  • In-depth understanding and experience with multimedia frameworks
  • A proven track record of success and demonstrable experience in research and advanced development in video coding, media processing or adjacent fields
  • A proven track record of IP generation


Preferred Qualifications:
  • Expertise in video coding standards such as AV1, AV2, AVC, HEVC, VVC
  • Knowledge and experience in C/C++
  • Knowledge and experience with Python
  • Applied knowledge of Media Metadata and Processing
  • gStreamer Media Framework
  • Experience deploying and optimizing AI/ML models and frameworks
  • Experience with building web-apps/dashboards for data visualization
  • Experience with working with Dockers
  • Web service development, REST APIs, XML/JSON
  • Release management, continuous integration, Git/GitHub
  • High load, highly scalable and distributed applications


The hiring range for this position in California is $206,400.00 to $276,700.00 per year and in North Carolina is $175,500.00 to $235,400.00 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:
PE - Media Engineering

Job Posting Primary Business:
PE - Media Platform - Innovation & Research

Primary Job Posting Category:
Software Engineer

Employment Type:
Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:
San Francisco, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:
2026-04-22

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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