Staff Software Engineer (Emerging Tech & AI Automation) Project Hire

$155,700 - $208,700/yr

AI Automation AI Workflow Design (using GPTs / LLMs) Automation Architecture & Maintenance Business Process Automation OpenAI API Claude API Langchain GitHub Actions GitLab CI

The Walt Disney Company

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Role Overview

Join Disney's Emerging Technologies and AI Automation team as a Staff Software Engineer driving high-impact initiatives at the forefront of innovation. You'll lead rapid prototyping efforts, build scalable proofs-of-concept, and shape the technical foundation that accelerates enterprise-wide transformation across Disney's diverse entertainment and technology portfolio.

This role offers a unique opportunity to explore AI-assisted development tools, experiment with cutting-edge technologies, and translate abstract concepts into elegant, real-world solutions. You'll work within a nimble, action-oriented team focused on amplifying business impact through innovation, driving measurable improvements in productivity, agility, and employee satisfaction by automating workflows and freeing people to focus on their core strengths.

As part of Disney's Technology Transformation team, you'll thrive in ambiguity while balancing pragmatism with curiosity, bringing deep technical expertise paired with strong communication skills to shape the future of technology at one of the world's most beloved entertainment companies.

Responsibilities

Stay at the forefront of emerging technologies and translate insights into impactful blog posts, workshops, demos, and talks
Explore and validate new ideas through hands-on experimentation, tinkering, and rapid prototyping
Lead hackathons, design thinking workshops, demo days, and other forums that promote creativity and knowledge sharing
Build thin, end-to-end implementations to evaluate feasibility of emerging technologies and early prototypes
Deliver minimum lovable products through rapid iteration and continuous feedback
Support project planning and execution while communicating effectively with stakeholders
Collaborate with engineers and business partners to align priorities and deliver impactful outcomes
Mentor and partner with other engineers to share best practices and accelerate technology adoption
Continuously refine engineering practices and champion improvements that elevate team performance

Requirements

7+ years of full-stack software engineering experience with strong coding background in Python, TypeScript, Node.js, Go or similar
Proven ability to write clear technical documentation and create professional system architecture diagrams
Hands-on experience with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure or GCP) and microservices architecture
Experience with CI/CD pipelines, containerization (Docker, Kubernetes), and A/B testing
Proficiency with AI/ML development tools and experience integrating LLM-based APIs, AI agents, or prompt-based workflows
Experience working with large-scale databases (SQL/NoSQL, Object, Graph, etc)
Demonstrated expertise in systems architecture, platform thinking, and technical leadership
Ability to navigate conflict, build trust, and foster alignment across cross-functional teams
Experience with agile methodologies such as Scrum or Kanban
Bachelor's degree in computer science, Information Systems, Software, Electrical or Electronics Engineering, or equivalent work experience

Nice to Have

Passion for Disney's mission and values
AWS, GCP or Azure certification
Experience with emerging technologies
Track record of success in automation and developer productivity initiatives
Demonstrated experience building prototypes or experimental software in ambiguous environments

Benefits & Perks

Bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided
Full range of medical, financial, and other benefits

About the Company

The Walt Disney Company is a world-class entertainment and technological leader spanning theme parks, resorts, cruise lines, sports, news, movies and various other businesses. Disney's Enterprise Technology mission is to deliver technology solutions that align to business strategies while enabling enterprise efficiency and promoting cross-company collaborative innovation.