The Walt Disney Company

Sr Mgr, Software Engineering

The Walt Disney Company$179K — $240K *
Information Technology
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 10+ years of experience in AI, machine learning, data engineering, or automation, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
  • Proven delivery record in AI and automation from concept to production with measurable outcomes.
  • Deep technical fluency in applied AI/ML, including large language models and automation patterns.
  • Strong business value orientation, able to translate technical AI to clear business cases.
  • Experience designing and deploying reusable AI/automation frameworks that scale across multiple functions.
  • Ability to integrate AI capabilities into enterprise systems and workflows effectively.
  • Strong cross-functional leadership skills to influence stakeholders and drive alignment.

Responsibilities

  • Define and own the AI and automation strategy, leading end-to-end execution.
  • Design reusable AI and automation accelerators for deployment across programs.
  • Partner with technology teams on AI capability roadmaps and governance.
  • Establish delivery standards for AI engineering ensuring quality and sustainability.
  • Ensure engineering quality and scalable solution delivery.
  • Lead and develop a high-performing team, providing technical mentorship.
  • Serve as a strategic partner to senior business leaders to co-design solutions.

Benefits

  • Comprehensive medical insurance plans.
  • 401k with company matching contributions.
  • Employee discounts on Disney products and services.
  • Opportunities for professional development and advancement.
  • Inclusive work environment with various employee resource groups.
Full Job Description
Job Posting Title:
Sr Mgr, Software Engineering

Req ID:


Job Description:

The Senior Manager, AI Delivery Execution sits at the leading edge of the DX Technology Transformation team, responsible for embedding AI and automation into every transformation initiative to drive scaled, compounding value over time. They will identify high-impact opportunities, building business cases, designing solutions, and driving execution through to production fully integrated into the platforms, processes, and workflows that power the DX segment. The role requires deep technical expertise in AI and automation, a strong focus on measurable outcomes, and the leadership presence to influence senior stakeholders, drive adoption, and build a high-performing team that consistently delivers at the edge of what's possible.

What You'll Do

  • Define and own the AI and automation strategy, prioritizing and delivering use cases aligned to business goals while leading end-to-end execution-from definition and design through engineering, testing, integration, and production deployment within transformation programs.
  • Design reusable AI and automation accelerators - patterns, frameworks, and components - that can be deployed across multiple DX businesses, functions, and programs, compounding value at the segment level.
  • Partner with technology teams to align on AI capability roadmaps, data readiness requirements, and the governance model for AI tools built on the centralized data platform.
  • Establish delivery standards for AI and automation engineering - including solution design, model governance, testing rigor, deployment reliability, and production monitoring - ensuring quality and sustainability at scale.
  • Accountabile for engineering quality, technical standards, and scalable solution delivery
  • Lead, manage, and develop a high-performing team, providing clarity of direction, technical mentorship, and accountability for delivery excellence.
  • Serve as a trusted strategic partner to senior business leaders across Finance, HR, and other functional areas - helping them understand what AI can and cannot do, building realistic expectations, and co-designing solutions that drive adoption and lasting value.
  • Communicate AI and automation strategy, progress, and outcomes to executive audiences - including Directors, VPs, and SVPs - through clear, business-grounded narratives that connect technical work to segment-level value.


Required Qualifications & Skills

  • 10+ years of experience in AI, machine learning, data engineering, or automation, with at least 3 years in a leadership role managing technical teams in an enterprise environment.
  • Proven delivery record taking AI and automation capabilities from concept through production in complex, matrixed organizations - with demonstrated, measurable business outcomes.
  • Deep technical fluency in applied AI/ML - including large language models, generative AI, agentic workflows, machine learning pipelines, and enterprise automation patterns (RPA, workflow orchestration, intelligent process automation).
  • Strong business value orientation: the ability to translate technical AI capability into a clear business case, quantify potential value, and track realized outcomes against that case post-deployment.
  • Experience designing and deploying reusable AI/automation frameworks or accelerators that scale across multiple programs, functions, or business units - not just one-off point solutions.
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate AI and automation capabilities into enterprise data platforms, operational systems, and business workflows - not just build them in isolation.
  • Strong cross-functional leadership skills, including the ability to influence senior stakeholders without authority, navigate organizational complexity, and drive alignment across diverse teams.
  • Experience managing and developing technical teams, including performance management, career development, and building a culture of delivery excellence and continuous learning.
  • Executive-level communication skills: comfortable translating complex AI concepts into business language for VP and SVP audiences, and building the credibility to be a trusted advisor on AI strategy.
  • Experience working in a segment-wide or enterprise-wide context, where solutions must scale across multiple business units with differing operational models and technology landscapes.


Technical Expertise

AI & Machine Learning
  • Applied experience with large language models (LLMs), generative AI, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), and agentic AI frameworks in enterprise production environments.
  • Proficiency with ML lifecycle management - including model training, evaluation, deployment, monitoring, and responsible AI governance (bias, fairness, explainability).
  • Familiarity with AI platforms and tooling such as Azure OpenAI, AWS SageMaker, Databricks, or equivalent enterprise AI infrastructure.


Automation & Integration
  • Hands-on experience with enterprise automation patterns including RPA, workflow orchestration (e.g., Apache Airflow, Azure Logic Apps), and intelligent process automation.
  • Experience integrating AI and automation capabilities with enterprise data platforms, ERP/EPM systems, and operational workflows.
  • Familiarity with data engineering fundamentals - pipelines, transformation, data quality, and the data readiness requirements that underpin AI effectiveness.


Platforms & Tooling
  • Experience with cloud-native data and AI platforms (Azure, AWS, GCP) and modern data platform architectures (lakehouses, data meshes, semantic layers).
  • Familiarity with BI and analytics tooling (Tableau, Power BI) and how AI-generated insights are surfaced and consumed by business users.
  • Proficiency with delivery and collaboration tools including Jira, Confluence, and Smartsheet.


Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in a theme park, hospitality, retail, or large-scale consumer operations environment where AI and automation were applied to operational efficiency or financial insight use cases.
  • Experience building AI capabilities on top of a centralized data platform or data lakehouse architecture.
  • Familiarity with enterprise performance management (EPM) systems and the data and AI use cases they enable.
  • Experience delivering AI programs with international scope, including awareness of regional data privacy regulations (GDPR, PDPA, PIPL) and cross-border data governance.
  • Prior experience operating as the "AI center of excellence" function within a large organization, establishing standards, governance, and a use-case pipeline.


Education

  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Data Science, Engineering, Mathematics, or a related technical discipline plus 10+ years of relevant experience, or
  • Master's degree (preferred) in a relevant technical or quantitative field plus 8+ years of relevant experience, or
  • Equivalent combination of education and professional experience demonstrating M2-level technical leadership in AI and automation.


#DISNEYTECH

#LI-AF2
The hiring range for this position in FL is $179,500.00-$240,600.00 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:
DX Technology

Job Posting Primary Business:
Disney Signature Experiences

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:
2026-07-27

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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