Director, Emerging Tech & Software Engineering

Disney Experiences; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 217,800 - 292,100; Full time

Job summary

Disney Experiences in Orlando seeks a Director of Software Engineering to lead the Emerging Tech Labs, driving early-stage innovation with a focus on business value and measurable outcomes.

You will manage the Emerging Tech team, coordinate with cross-functional partners, and deliver documented insights, validated prototypes, and architectural guidance to accelerate implementations across the Parks, Experiences, and Products segment.

Qualifications

• Proven innovation leader with experience managing diverse teams pursuing challenging and ambiguous goals.
• 12+ years of software development experience with at least 8 years managing medium to large technology projects.
• 5 years experience in delivering projects involving emerging tech such as Mobile/Wearables, IoT, Game Engines, CV, NLP, and Advanced ML.

Responsibilities

• Guide exploration and evaluation of emerging technologies in alignment with the quarterly Emerging Product prioritized opportunity map.
• Oversee the development of proofs of concept and stakeholder testing to validate technical feasibility, user experience, and business value.
• Facilitate the transfer of validated insights, prototypes, and technical guidance to delivery teams and the Initial Tech Implementation team.
• Engage with key stakeholders, users, and partners to ensure alignment, gather feedback, and support early-stage validation efforts.
• Communicate emerging technology strategies, findings, and recommendations to senior executives, translating complex concepts into actionable insights.
• Manage sponsor and stakeholder expectations, ensuring transparency around scope, outcomes, and value realization.
• Provide technical leadership to the Emerging Technology team, ensuring adherence to sound engineering and architectural practices.

Skills

Innovation leadership

Software development

Emerging tech projects

Stakeholder management

Program management

Education

BS or MS in Computer Science

MSCS/Engineering or related

Job description

Disney Experiences in Orlando seeks a Director of Software Engineering to lead the Emerging Tech Labs, driving early-stage innovation with a focus on business value and measurable outcomes.

You will manage the Emerging Tech team, coordinate with cross-functional partners, and deliver documented insights, validated prototypes, and architectural guidance to accelerate implementations across the Parks, Experiences, and Products segment.