As a Principal Software Architect in the Media Engineering team at Disney+, you will lead the design and implementation of end-to-end solutions for streaming media workflows including live, linear, and VOD systems. Your role involves defining architectural patterns that unify ingest, processing, metadata management, ad integrations, distribution, and playback across platforms like Disney+ and Hulu. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive technical strategy, ensuring scalability and cost efficiency while contributing to high-scale distributed system design and implementation. Key skills include experience in cloud environments (AWS preferred), proficiency in languages such as Java or Python, and deep knowledge of microservices architecture and event-driven systems. This role demands expertise in media streaming protocols, player integrations, and ad tech ecosystems, alongside the ability to innovate and improve existing architectures continuously.
Skills
AWS
Python
Java
DynamoDB
Kinesis
SNS/SQS
Kafka
HLS
DASH
SSAI
CDN
microservices
event-driven systems
API design
observability
SLAs/SLOs
machine learning
video delivery protocols
media player integrations
What you'll do
Define and drive end-to-end solution architecture for streaming workflows.
Establish architectural patterns unifying media ingest, processing, and playback ecosystems.
Lead cross-domain design for integrations with ad platforms and metadata services.
Design high-scale distributed systems supporting global content distribution.
Champion best practices in observability, reliability, and performance optimization.
Influence technical direction across multiple teams without direct authority.
Author clear architectural artifacts including solution designs and system diagrams.
What we're looking for
10+ years of experience in software engineering with expertise in architecture and distributed systems.
Proven track record designing and scaling high-throughput, low-latency cloud-based systems.
Strong proficiency in Java, Python or similar languages; deep understanding of microservices and event-driven architectures.
Experience with AWS or equivalent cloud platforms including S3, DynamoDB, Kinesis, and Kafka.
Expertise in media streaming workflows (Live, Linear, VOD) and video delivery protocols like HLS, DASH.
Familiarity with Ad Tech ecosystems, SSAI, ad decisioning systems, and player/client integrations across multiple devices.
Market check
Salary context
This
$197,400–$264,700
range sits above
86%
of similar postings on FindRole.
Peer median band
$143,000–$244,000
Median floor and ceiling across peers.
Typical midpoint (25–75%)
$165,000–$214,500
Middle half of comparable postings.
Based on 240 comparable postings.*
* 240 is the maximum number of comparable postings sampled.
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
$141,900–$190,300
across 110 roles with salary data.
Remote (Usa - Ca - Market St, US)37 days ago
$206,400–$276,700
Python
C/C++
gStreamer
Docker
REST APIs
Git
AV1
AV2
HEVC
VVC
AI/ML models
Media Metadata
Processing
Web service development
Data visualization
Continuous Integration