The Walt Disney Company

Sr Software Engineer - Media Platform Alliance

The Walt Disney Company$145K — $195K *
Media
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • 5+ years of backend engineering experience in production systems
  • Strong JVM fundamentals (Java or Scala, ideally both)
  • Practical knowledge of distributed systems
  • Solid understanding of AWS services (DynamoDB, SNS/SQS, S3), PostgreSQL
  • Proficiency with AI-assisted development tools (e.g. Cursor, Claude, Kiro)

Responsibilities

  • Design and build backend services for media processing at scale
  • Write, review, and debug code consistently
  • Work on video pipeline systems across streaming platforms
  • Collaborate with cross-functional teams on integrated projects
  • Mentor teammates through knowledge sharing and constructive feedback

Benefits

  • Full range of medical benefits
  • Bonus and/or long-term incentive units available
  • Flexible working arrangements
  • Opportunity to work in a new NYC office
  • Access to cutting-edge technology and resources
Full Job Description
Job Posting Title:
Sr Software Engineer - Media Platform Alliance

Req ID:


Job Description:

The Work:

We build and operate Disney's end-to-end media platform - acquisition, processing, metadata, and delivery readiness. When someone hits play on Disney+, Hulu, or ESPN+, our systems make it happen. Fast, reliable, at scale.

This isn't a greenfield project where you'll spend months in planning meetings. We have real traffic, real constraints, and real problems to solve. You'll ship code that matters.

What You'll Actually Do:
  • Design and build backend services that process and serve media at scale
  • Write code, review code, debug production issues-the usual engineering loop
  • Work on systems handling video pipelines across multiple streaming platforms
  • Collaborate with other teams when our work intersects (it often does)
  • Help teammates grow-share knowledge, give honest feedback, be someone others can learn from.


What We're Looking For:
  • 5+ years of backend engineering experience building production systems
  • Strong JVM fundamentals - we recently moved to JDK 25 (Java or Scala, ideally both)
  • Real experience with distributed systems-not just "I read about it"
  • Solid understanding of AWS services (DynamoDB, SNS/SQS, S3), PostgreSQL
  • Proficiency with AI-assisted development tools (Cursor, Claude, Kiro, or similar)-we use them every day and expect engineers to leverage AI to move faster
  • You can debug across service boundaries and actually enjoy figuring out why something broke
  • You communicate clearly-in code, in docs, in conversation


Good to have:
  • Experience with Kafka or similar event streaming platforms
  • Background in media/video processing pipelines
  • Hands-on Kubernetes experience (deploying, scaling, debugging workloads)
  • Familiarity with observability tooling (distributed tracing, metrics, logging)
  • You've operated what you've built and care about how it runs in production


What We're Not Looking For:
  • Engineers who need detailed specs for every task
  • People who throw code over the wall and hope someone else deals with production
  • Anyone who thinks "that's not my job" when something's broken


Why This Might Be Interesting:

You'd be working on infrastructure that powers some of the biggest streaming platforms in the world. The scale is real. The problems are interesting. And you'd be joining a team that actually ships.

Our new NYC office is pretty great too.

If this sounds like your kind of work, let's talk.

The hiring range for this position in New York is $145,400 to $195,000 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:
PE - Media Platform

Job Posting Primary Business:
PE - Media Platform - Media Processing & Metadata Platform

Primary Job Posting Category:
Software Engineer

Employment Type:
Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:
New York, NY, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:
2026-03-19

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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