The Walt Disney Company

Sr Manager, Software Engineering

The Walt Disney Company$175K — $210K *
Information Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of experience in Software Engineering, Solution, and Enterprise Architecture
  • Expertise in designing high-volume, scalable systems in Agile environments
  • Strong grasp of cloud-native architectures and integration patterns
  • Experience leading and mentoring senior technical leaders
  • Ability to balance architectural integrity with delivery pragmatism
  • Excellent analytical and risk management skills
  • Exceptional communication skills, with experience presenting to diverse audiences

Responsibilities

  • Lead a team in end-to-end solution architecture from design to delivery
  • Provide architectural leadership for complex, multi-system initiatives
  • Guide software solution development across various environments
  • Embrace and evaluate AI tools for team and project enhancement
  • Translate business objectives into scalable, secure architectures
  • Manage technical risk and ensure solutions meet security requirements
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure architectural integrity

Benefits

  • Full range of medical benefits
  • Financial incentives and bonuses
  • Long-term incentive units
  • Flexible location options in Orlando, FL or Glendale, CA
  • Opportunity to work in a high-impact, innovative environment
Full Job Description
Job Posting Title:
Sr Manager, Software Engineering

Req ID:


Job Description:

We are responsible for the end-to-end digital and physical Guest experience for all technology and digital-led initiatives across Attractions & Entertainment, Food & Beverage, Resorts & Transportation, In-Park & Direct-To-Consumer Merchandise and Licensing & Publishing lines of business.

This role sits in the Commerce Architecture & Security organization within Disney Experiences Technology (DXT).

The Senior Manager, Software Engineering reports to the Director, Software Engineering and leads a core team of highly technical Software Architects.

About the Role & Team

As Senior Manager, Engineering within Commerce Architecture & Security, you will lead a highly collaborative solution architecture function focused on designing, governing, and delivering scalable, secure, and resilient technology solutions that directly enable business outcomes.

This team operates at the intersection of business strategy and engineering execution translating business needs into actionable solution designs that guide delivery teams. You will ensure solutions are well-architected, align to the Architecture vision, and are optimized for performance, security, and long-term sustainability.

Your team will partner closely with Product, Engineering, Platform, and Architecture teams to ensure that individual solutions fit cohesively within the broader technology ecosystem while remaining pragmatic, delivery-oriented, and outcome-driven.

What You Will Do

Solution Architecture Leadership
  • Lead and develop a team responsible for end-to-end solution architecture, from concept through delivery and lifecycle management.
  • Provide hands-on architectural leadership across complex, multi-system initiatives spanning digital and physical Guest experiences.
  • Guide teams in analyzing, designing, programming, debugging, and enhancing software solutions across diverse computing environments.
  • Evaluate and embrace appropriate AI tools and solutions both within your team, and as part of the projects and programs you enable.

Business & Solution Alignment
  • Develop a deep understanding of business objectives and translate them into solution architectures that are scalable, secure, and aligned to delivery timelines.
  • Partner with Product and Engineering leaders to shape solution scope, sequencing, and trade-offs.

Architecture Design & Governance
  • Own solution-level architectural decisions, ensuring alignment with enterprise standards, platform strategies, and security requirements.
  • Establish and enforce solution architecture patterns, reference architectures, and design guidelines.
  • Lead and participate in architecture reviews to validate solution designs and mitigate risk early.

Technology Roadmaps & Delivery Enablement
  • Contribute to and consume enterprise and platform roadmaps to inform solution planning.
  • Supervise delivery optimization for large-scale or complex programs, ensuring architectural integrity throughout implementation.
  • Support estimation, planning, and dependency management across portfolios.

Risk, Quality & Metrics
  • Identify and manage technical risk, security considerations, performance concerns, and technical debt at the solution level.
  • Define, review, and evolve metrics that measure solution health, reliability, and scalability.
  • Ensure operational readiness, supportability, and long-term sustainability of delivered solutions.

Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Act as a key liaison between Engineering, Product, Platform, Architecture, and Technology leadership.
  • Communicate architectural decisions clearly to executive, technical, and non-technical audiences.
  • Identify opportunities where existing capabilities or platforms can be leveraged to accelerate delivery and improve outcomes for Cast and Guests.
  • Ensure your partner teams are set up for successful delivery and operation of new or enhanced capabilities.

Innovation & Continuous Improvement
  • Proactively track and assess emerging technologies, patterns, and industry trends.
  • Recommend pragmatic innovations that improve delivery speed, quality, and Guest experience.

Required Qualifications & Skills
  • Minimum 10 years of related experience with demonstrated expertise in:
  • Software Engineering Technical Design
  • Solution and Enterprise Architecture
  • Software Engineering Delivery and Leadership
  • Proven experience designing and delivering highly scalable, high-volume, distributed systems in Agile environments.
  • Strong understanding of cloud-native architectures, integration patterns, APIs, infrastructure, data flows, and security-by-design.
  • Experience leading and mentoring Principal Software Architects & Engineers and technical leaders.
  • Ability to balance architectural rigor with delivery pragmatism.
  • Strong analytical skills with experience identifying and mitigating technical risk and technical debt.
  • Executive-level written and verbal communication skills.
  • Comfort with public speaking and presenting to varied audiences (executive, engineering, and cross-functional forums).
  • Experience collaborating within hybrid organizations (centralized architecture with federated delivery teams).
  • Budget and forecast management experience.
  • Strong understanding of enterprise architecture concepts and frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, ArchiMate)
  • Strong understanding of the relationship between Business Partners, Project/Program Management, Product, Architecture, Engineering, and Testing functions.
  • Familiarity with AI tools and approaches as applied to Software Architecture & Engineering.

Education

Bachelor's degree (or foreign equivalent) in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Information Systems, Software, Electrical or Electronics Engineering, or a comparable field of study, and/or equivalent work experience.

Additional Information
  • Position location: Orlando, Florida or Glendale, California

#DISNEYTECH

The hiring range for this position in Florida is $175,000-$210,000 per year and California is $185,000-$240,000 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:
Commerce

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:
USA - CA - 1200 Grand Central Ave

Date Posted:
2026-05-18

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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