Staff Software Engineer, USD Authoring

The Walt Disney Company

Confirmed live 2 days ago High trust

Remote

Quick summary

Work type: Remote
Location: Burbank, CA
Salary: $155,700–$208,700 / yr
Posted: 9 days ago
Freshness: Confirmed live 2 days ago
Nearby: 99+ roles within 25 mi

Market check

Salary context

Below market

How this pay compares to similar roles

Similar $227k

This role $182k

$142k most similar roles pay here $288k

This role pays less than 83% of similar roles. Most pay $198,000–$256,987 — the shaded band above. At the midpoint, this role pays about $182k versus about $227k 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

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At a glance

TL;DR · Staff Software Engineer, USD Authoring

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Staff Software Engineer - USD Authoring joins the Production Technology team to develop and implement innovative algorithms and tools for animated content. This role involves designing core infrastructure for shot, environment, and asset definitions while building new APIs for data management and artist-facing tools. The engineer will create user interfaces, extend core libraries, integrate external DCCs into the pipeline, and develop plugins for story development. Key responsibilities include leading architectural design, mentoring engineers, and solving technical obstacles to support artists in creating complex characters and environments. Required skills include extensive experience with C++, Python, USD, and Qt for desktop development. The role requires a strong grasp of computer graphics foundations, linear algebra, and numerical methods to solve complex problems within the animation production pipeline while ensuring sustainable software solutions across various tools.

What does a Software Engineer earn in California?

Median $214000 from 775 postings across 63 companies.

See salary data

Skills

USD C++ Python Qt Computer Graphics Linear Algebra Algorithms X11 X14

What you'll do

Design and implement core infrastructure to manage shot, environment, and asset definitions.
Build new APIs for artist-facing tools and data management systems.
Develop user interfaces and tools for artists to author, edit, and inspect content.
Extend and improve core libraries used for end-user tool creation.
Integrate external DCCs into the production pipeline.
Write tools and plugins for 3rd party applications to support story development.
Create artist dashboards to consolidate tasks and provide visibility into the filmmaking process.
Lead technical initiatives from architectural design through implementation and adoption.

What we're looking for

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
Master's degree in Computer Science is considered a bonus qualification.
At least 7 years of experience designing and developing interactive tools.
At least 3 years of experience in senior technical roles designing core infrastructure.
Strong experience with C++, Python, USD (Universal Scene Description), and Qt for desktop development.
Extensive experience designing both new APIs from scratch and extending existing frameworks.
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-disciplinary teams through architectural design, implementation, and adoption strategies.
Strong mathematical fundamentals including linear algebra and numerical methods.

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