Principal Software Engineer

The Walt Disney Company

Confirmed live yesterday High trust

Hybrid

Quick summary

Work type: Hybrid
Location: San Francisco, CAMorrisville, NC
Salary: $209,500–$280,900 / yr
Employment: Full-time
Posted: 16 days ago
Freshness: Confirmed live yesterday
Closes: Nov 30, 2026
Nearby: 99+ roles within 25 mi

Market check

Salary context

Above market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $195k

This role $245k

$126k $297k

below market most similar roles pay here above market

This role pays more than 85% of similar roles. Most pay $169,550–$220,800 — the blue band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $245k versus about $195k 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 90 open roles on FindRole.

Listed pay typically runs $150,900–$202,400 across 90 roles with salary data.

Most-posted roles

View all roles at The Walt Disney Company

At a glance

TL;DR · Principal Software Engineer

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The Principal Software Engineer joins the Core Media Technology team within the Media Engineering organization to drive research and development for next-generation image and video coding. This role focuses on applying ML/AI methods and advanced computer vision algorithms to solve complex problems in media enhancement, understanding, analysis, and compression for live and on-demand streaming. You will design video algorithms, software workflows, and architectural innovations to optimize the media platform for velocity and scale. Key technical requirements include deep expertise in video coding standards like AV1, AV2, AVC, HEVC, and VVC, alongside proficiency in C/C++, Python, and deep learning frameworks. You will represent the organization at standards bodies like MPEG and IETF, generating significant IP while collaborating on multimedia stacks, gStreamer, and distributed applications.

What does a Software Engineer earn in California?

Median $214500 from 1193 postings across 76 companies.

See salary data

Skills

Video Coding C++ Python AV1 AV2 AVC HEVC VVC Computer Vision Deep Learning gStreamer Docker REST APIs XML JSON Git GitHub ABR Algorithms

What you'll do

Conduct research and development for next-generation image and video coding using ML/AI methods.
Design video algorithms and software workflows to optimize platform velocity, scale, and efficiency.
Develop advanced computer vision algorithms for media enhancement, understanding, analysis, and compression.
Drive architectural innovation and generate significant intellectual property both internally and at the standards level.
Represent the organization at international standards bodies including AOM, MPEG, IETF, and VQEG.
Influence long-term technical strategy and product development through high-level leadership and decision-making.
Implement multidisciplinary research in video processing, encoding, and end-to-end streaming for live and on-demand use cases.
Collaborate with senior leaders to drive major technical advancements in video and audio processing.

What we're looking for

Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or a related field.
Minimum of 10 years of directly related industry experience in video codecs.
Deep expertise in video coding standards such as AV1, AV2, AVC, HEVC, and VVC.
Strong algorithm background for both traditional block-based and emerging neural network-based video coding tools.
Strong background in applying deep learning techniques to video processing tasks like enhancement, understanding, coding, and analysis.
Proven track record of IP generation and success in research or advanced development in video coding, media processing, or adjacent fields.
In-depth understanding of the multimedia stack, including video formats, encoders/decoders, playback, and processing methods.
Knowledge and experience with C/C++ and Python (preferred).

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