Principal Software Development Engineer in Test

The Walt Disney Company

Confirmed live 2 days ago High trust
Remote

Quick summary

Work type
Remote
Location
Remote
Salary
$171,600–$230,100 / yr
Posted
74 days ago
Freshness
Confirmed live 2 days ago
Closes
Dec 31, 2026

Market check

Salary context

Competitive pay

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $193k
This role $201k
$132k most similar roles pay here $246k

This role pays more than 54% of similar roles. Most pay $169,550–$216,300 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $201k versus about $193k for comparable roles.

Based on 240 similar postings.

Employer

About The Walt Disney Company

The Walt Disney Company is a diversified global entertainment and media enterprise operating in segments including Disney Parks, Experiences and Products; Entertainment (ABC, Hulu, Disney+); and ESPN. Industry: Entertainment & Media

The Walt Disney Company currently has 118 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $148,700–$199,400 across 118 roles with salary data.

Most-posted roles

View all roles at The Walt Disney Company

At a glance

TL;DR · Principal Software Development Engineer in Test

The Principal Software Development Engineer in Test joins the DEEP & Technology team to spearhead quality engineering across streaming, data, and advertising systems. This leadership role involves defining the strategic roadmap for test automation, establishing enterprise-wide standards for quality, and architecting scalable, cloud-native test automation solutions. The successful candidate will lead cross-functional initiatives, mentor other engineers, and oversee technical reviews for distributed systems and data pipelines. Day-to-day responsibilities include managing test budgets, conducting root cause analysis for high-severity incidents, and championing the adoption of emerging technologies like AI/ML in testing. The role requires advanced proficiency in Python or modern object-oriented languages to ensure robust delivery of media products. The position focuses on solving complex technical problems related to large-scale systems, ad technology, and ensuring reliable performance across diverse digital and streaming platforms.

What does a Software Development Engineer in Test earn?

Median $202800 from 38 postings across 11 companies.

See salary data

What you'll do

  • Define and drive the vision, strategy, and roadmap for test automation and quality engineering across multiple business units.
  • Architect scalable, cloud-native test automation solutions to improve defect prevention and empower engineering teams.
  • Make high-impact technical decisions regarding testing frameworks, toolsets, and integrations for distributed systems.
  • Mentor SDETs and engineers through technical deep-dives, training sessions, and knowledge-sharing.
  • Facilitate root cause analysis for high-severity incidents and communicate technical findings to senior leadership.
  • Manage test budgets, resource allocation, and risk mitigation strategies for concurrent cross-team initiatives.
  • Research and implement emerging technologies like AI/ML and advanced observability into the testing lifecycle.
  • Define and track advanced quality metrics to drive data-driven improvements in system reliability and performance.

What we're looking for

  • Minimum of 10 years experience in quality engineering, automation, or software development.
  • Recent leadership experience in large, complex engineering environments.
  • Proven expertise architecting and scaling test automation for distributed, cloud-native systems.
  • Track record of influencing enterprise strategy and leading transformation initiatives.
  • Advanced proficiency with Python or modern object-oriented languages.
  • Knowledge of software engineering practices and agile approaches.
  • Strong communication, stakeholder management, and mentoring skills.
  • Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or a related field (or equivalent work experience).

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