Staff Software Engineer - AI

About the position

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Staff Software Engineer to serve as the Technical Lead an AI platform development and architecture. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in software engineering, with a particular focus on architecture and system design. This position requires a deep understanding of modern software development practices, a passion for innovation, and collaborate with a team of talented engineers.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement scalable, secure, and high-performance architectures for our digital platforms.
• Ensure that architectural decisions align with business goals and technical standards.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate architecture into the overall product roadmap.
• Stay current with the latest technologies and industry trends in software engineering and architecture.
• Provide technical guidance and mentorship to other engineers.
• Conduct code reviews and ensure adherence to coding standards and best practices.
• Work closely with product managers and stakeholders to ensure design and deliverables can be achieved with high quality and on time.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical issues.
• Innovate and propose new solutions to enhance our platforms' capabilities.
• Drive the adoption of new technologies and methodologies that can improve our products and services.
• Uses an Agile framework, specifically with an MVP and iterative approach.
• Brings to bear techniques to increase collaboration, predictability, and transparency for the team while promoting a culture of experimentation and innovation.
• Champions organization-wide processes and best practices related to ideation, delivery, prioritization, and customer engagement.
• Uses a lifelong learning mentality, knowing the latest best practices and technologies.
• Exercises good judgment when faced with risk, blockers, or tradeoffs.

Requirements

• Minimum of 7 years of related work experience.
• Proven experience in software engineering with a focus on architecture.
• Experience leading technical teams.
• Proven experience designing and developing highly strategic products/platforms, large scale application/data deployments, managing software or data development lifecycles, and resolving issues that impact product success.
• Proficiency in modern programming languages and frameworks (e.g., Java, GO, Python, JavaScript, etc.).
• Strong understanding of cloud platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, GCP).
• Strong understanding and experience of AI and MLE platforms and approaches (e.g., MCP, A2A, etc.).
• Experience with containerization and orchestration tools (e.g., Docker, Kubernetes).
• Knowledge of DevOps practices and tools.
• Experienced in SCRUM/Lean Agile frameworks with an MVP/iterative approach.
• Ability to influence, take calculated risks, make sound business decisions, and resolve concerns as needed.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills both written & verbal for technical audiences.
• Positive can-do partnership demeanor while working with cross-functional teams and business units.
• Must be detail oriented, self-organized, and capable of simultaneously prioritizing multiple efforts.
• Ability to resolve conflict.
• Prioritizes work effectively, making tradeoffs as necessary.
• Manages to deliverables.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, collaborative, and fast paced environment.
• Models desired company cultural attributes and inclusive behaviors.
• Passion for Disney's mission and values.

Nice-to-haves

• Proficiency in Go programming language.

Benefits

• The hiring range for this position in Seattle is $159,500 - $213,900 per year.
• In California, the range is $152,200 - $204,100 per year.
• A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package.
• Full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.