Principal Software Engineer

Disney

New York, NY

Full Time

Senior

193k-259k

10 days ago

Job Description

About the Role

At Disney Entertainment & ESPN Technology, the Principal Software Engineer role involves reimagining ways to create magical viewing experiences and transforming Disney's media business for the future. The team designs and builds infrastructure powering Disney's media, advertising, and distribution platforms, including Disney+, Hulu, ESPN, and ABC. The position focuses on developing and optimizing media playback systems across multiple devices, leading technical direction, and mentoring engineers, all within a company committed to storytelling, innovation, and creating engaging entertainment experiences worldwide.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and maintain the Rust and C/C++ player that drives the streaming experience.
Optimize the player for resource-constrained platforms.
Create and review architecture and designs for the team's projects.
Own large and complex features within the media playback systems.
Maintain a strong understanding of the codebase to identify, research, and address issues.
Collaborate with application development teams, services engineering teams, and product management to understand device limitations and requirements.
Lead strategies to ensure quality and stability of deployments, including testing and telemetry approaches.
Develop the project's build system and continuous integration system as needed.
Provide technical expertise to team members and hold the team accountable to high development standards.

Requirements

10+ years of full software development lifecycle experience.
Fluent in C/C++ and/or Rust.
Extensive experience in embedded software development.
Experience in video playback technologies.
Experience developing and optimizing multi-threaded applications.
Experience using build runners and compilation tools for multi-platform projects.
Strong individual contributor with a drive to learn and patience to teach others.
Great communication and collaboration skills.
BS or BA in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field or equivalent experience.

Nice to Have

Rust language expertise.
Experience in streaming technologies such as HLS (preferred) or DASH.
Knowledge of DRM technologies like Playready or Widevine.
Experience with Adaptive Bitrate Streaming Algorithms.
Familiarity with caption and subtitle formats such as CEA-608 / 708.
Experience with codecs like AVC, HEVC, AAC, EAC3.
Cross-platform development experience.
Embedded operating system experience.
Experience developing for gaming consoles (e.g., PlayStation, Switch), Android devices (e.g., FireTV), or similar devices.
Familiarity with set-top box development and specialized SoCs from manufacturers like Broadcom, MediaTek.
Experience implementing advertising technologies, including VAST, VPAID.

Qualifications

BS or BA in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field or equivalent experience.

Benefits & Perks

Competitive salary range depending on location and experience.
Bonus and/or long-term incentive units.
Full range of medical, financial, and other benefits.

Working at Disney

Disney Entertainment and ESPN Product & Technology blend imagination and innovation to reimagine how people experience stories and sports. The company creates sophisticated experiences, transforms media, and builds products and platforms that connect people worldwide with beloved stories and sports. Disney's ability to marry world-class technology with creativity makes it unique. The organization values storytelling, innovation, creativity, and a collaborative environment where ideas from all people help grow and create relevant entertainment experiences globally.

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