Lead Software Engineer
Disney
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Job summary
The Walt Disney Company – Disney Experiences is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to drive scalable software systems, AI-driven development, and architecture direction in a fast-paced, cross-functional team.
You will own reservation systems, manage AWS infra, and mentor engineers while collaborating with product owners and IT partners across Disney’s global brands.
Qualifications
- 7+ years building large-scale software systems and leading engineering teams.
- Experience with enterprise architecture and architectural initiatives.
- Hands-on cloud and API-led integration experience.
- Strong Java, Spring, microservices and RESTful API experience.
- Familiarity with distributed production systems and monitoring tools.
- Experience with AI-powered coding tools to accelerate development.
Responsibilities
- Lead and personally build scalable software systems and APIs with Java and cloud-native patterns.
- Guide architectural direction and collaborate with IT stakeholders.
- Own dining and bookable reservation systems including inventory and offers.
- Maintain AWS infrastructure and ensure production reliability.
- Drive quality with reviews, tests, and root-cause analysis.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align solutions with business needs.
Skills
Education
Tools
Job description
Job ID 10163545 Location Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States Business Disney Experiences Date posted Nov. 07, 2026
“We Power the Magic!” That’s our motto at Disney Experiences (DX). Our team creates world-class immersive digital experiences for the Company’s premier vacation brands including Disney’s Parks & Resorts worldwide, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, and Disney Vacation Club. We are responsible for the end-to-end digital and physical Guest experience for all technology & digital-led initiatives across the Attractions & Entertainment, Food & Beverage, Resorts & Transportation and Merchandise lines of business as well as other initiatives including MyDisneyExperience and Hey, Disney!
This role sits in the Retail, Restaurant & Supply Chain Technology organization within Technology & Digital for Disney Experiences. It works closely with a diverse team of engineers, business stakeholders, and service owners from across the company.
The Lead Software Engineer will report to the Manager, Software Engineering.
What You’ll Do
- Lead and personally build (hands-on coding expected) scalable, well-documented software systems, applications, APIs, and RESTful services — from technical specs through delivery — using Java, AWS/cloud-native patterns, relational and NoSQL databases, messaging, and orchestration technologies.
- Champion AI-driven development and architecture, embedding AI-powered tools (GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Amazon Q, Claude, Kiro) across the software lifecycle — from design and coding to testing and troubleshooting — to accelerate delivery and elevate quality, while shaping how the team adopts AI in its engineering practices.
- Set architectural direction by translating complex functional, technical, and business requirements into solution architecture, coordinating with Architecture and IT stakeholders, evaluating technology choices (software, hardware, SaaS/PaaS), and developing proof-of-concepts and roadmaps that align applications with reference architecture.
- Own dining and bookable experience reservation systems, maintaining deep expertise in inventory, availability, offers, and reservations, and proactively preventing overbooking issues that could impact guests.
- Integrate and support complex systems across databases, messaging, and orchestration platforms, and manage AWS infrastructure to keep production and lower environments reliable.
- Drive engineering quality and continuous improvement through code and design reviews, automated testing, end-to-end troubleshooting and root-cause analysis, and proactive recommendations to processes, technologies, and coding practices — maintaining focus and sound judgment in a dynamic, fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
- Collaborate cross-functionally with product owners, engineering partners, delivery managers, business analysts, and other architecture teams to align solutions with current and future business needs, estimate delivery, and communicate the team's value.
Required Qualifications & Skills:
- 7+ years of experience building large-scale software systems and web applications, leading engineering teams and projects, with hands-on experience in solution and application architecture.
- Expertise with enterprise architecture repository tools (e.g., tools similar to BlueDolphin or LeanIX)
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-domain architectural initiatives and guide decision processes
- Experience developing and managing architecture taxonomies, patterns, and standards.
- Proven ability to align architecture with strategic objectives, OKRs, and scorecards.
- Hands‑on familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), API‑led integration, security‑by‑design, and data architecture principles.
- Strong hands‑on skills in Java 21+, Spring, microservices, and RESTful APIs.
- Deep experience with AWS, databases (DynamoDB, Aurora, MongoDB), Kafka, Docker, and CI/CD pipelines.
- Solid understanding of object‑oriented design, coding best practices, and Agile/Test‑Driven Development.
- Experience running and monitoring distributed production systems, including tools like Splunk, Grafana, or AppDynamics.
- Knowledge of inventory optimization and preventing overbooking‑type issues.
- Hands‑on experience using AI‑powered coding tools (Copilot, Cursor, Amazon Q, Claude, etc.) to accelerate development.
- Able to lead complex projects independently — setting direction, solving hard problems, and guiding testing and debugging.
- Comfortable managing multiple projects at once and making fast decisions under pressure.
- Experience working with distributed/remote teams.
- Strong mentoring skills — able to train, guide, and review the work of junior engineers.
- Good communicator who can work well with product owners, UI/UX teams, and other technical and business stakeholders.
- Adaptable, thrives in fast‑changing, sometimes ambiguous environments.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in Disney, Food & Beverage, Attractions & Entertainment domain
Required Education:
- Bachelor's or foreign equivalent Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Software, Electrical or Electronics Engineering, or comparable field of study, and/or equivalent work experience.
#DISNEYTECH
Job Requirements
Department Description
“We Power the Magic!” That’s our motto at Disney Experiences (DX). Our team creates world-class immersive digital experiences for the Company’s premier vacation brands including Disney’s Parks & Resorts worldwide, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, and Disney Vacation Club. We are responsible for the end-to-end digital and physical Guest experience for all technology & digital-led initiatives across the Attractions & Entertainment, Food & Beverage, Resorts & Transportation and Merchandise lines of business as well as other initiatives including MyDisneyExperience and Hey, Disney!
This role sits in the Retail, Restaurant & Supply Chain Technology organization within Technology & Digital for Disney Experiences. It works closely with a diverse team of engineers, business stakeholders, and service owners from across the company.
The Lead Software Engineer will report to the Manager, Software Engineering.
What You’ll Do
- Lead and personally build (hands-on coding expected) scalable, well-documented software systems, applications, APIs, and RESTful services — from technical specs through delivery — using Java, AWS/cloud-native patterns, relational and NoSQL databases, messaging, and orchestration technologies.
- Champion AI-driven development and architecture, embedding AI-powered tools (GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Amazon Q, Claude, Kiro) across the software lifecycle — from design and coding to testing and troubleshooting — to accelerate delivery and elevate quality, while shaping how the team adopts AI in its engineering practices.
- Set architectural direction by translating complex functional, technical, and business requirements into solution architecture, coordinating with Architecture and IT stakeholders, evaluating technology choices (software, hardware, SaaS/PaaS), and developing proof-of-concepts and roadmaps that align applications with reference architecture.
- Own dining and bookable experience reservation systems, maintaining deep expertise in inventory, availability, offers, and reservations, and proactively preventing overbooking issues that could impact guests.
- Integrate and support complex systems across databases, messaging, and orchestration platforms, and manage AWS infrastructure to keep production and lower environments reliable.
- Drive engineering quality and continuous improvement through code and design reviews, automated testing, end-to-end troubleshooting and root-cause analysis, and proactive recommendations to processes, technologies, and coding practices — maintaining focus and sound judgment in a dynamic, fast-paced, cross‑functional environment.
- Collaborate cross‑functionally with product owners, engineering partners, delivery managers, business analysts, and other architecture teams to align solutions with current and future business needs, estimate delivery, and communicate the team's value.
Required Qualifications & Skills:
- 7+ years of experience building large-scale software systems and web applications, leading engineering teams and projects, with hands-on experience in solution and application architecture.
- Expertise with enterprise architecture repository tools (e.g., tools similar to BlueDolphin or LeanIX)
- Demonstrated ability to lead cross-domain architectural initiatives and guide decision processes
- Experience developing and managing architecture taxonomies, patterns, and standards.
- Proven ability to align architecture with strategic objectives, OKRs, and scorecards.
- Hands‑on familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), API‑led integration, security‑by‑design, and data architecture principles.
- Strong hands‑on skills in Java 21+, Spring, microservices, and RESTful APIs.
- Deep experience with AWS, databases (DynamoDB, Aurora, MongoDB), Kafka, Docker, and CI/CD pipelines.
- Solid understanding of object‑oriented design, coding best practices, and Agile/Test‑Driven Development.
- Experience running and monitoring distributed production systems, including tools like Splunk, Grafana, or AppDynamics.
- Knowledge of inventory optimization and preventing overbooking‑type issues.
- Hands‑on experience using AI‑powered coding tools (Copilot, Cursor, Amazon Q, Claude, etc.) to accelerate development.
- Able to lead complex projects independently — setting direction, solving hard problems, and guiding testing and debugging.
- Comfortable managing multiple projects at once and making fast decisions under pressure.
- Experience working with distributed/remote teams.
- Strong mentoring skills — able to train, guide, and review the work of junior engineers.
- Good communicator who can work well with product owners, UI/UX teams, and other technical and business stakeholders.
- Adaptable, thrives in fast‑changing, sometimes ambiguous environments.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in Disney, Food & Beverage, Attractions & Entertainment domain
Required Education:
- Bachelor's or foreign equivalent Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Software, Electrical or Electronics Engineering, or comparable field of study, and/or equivalent work experience.
#DISNEYTECH
Disclaimer
PAY TRANSPARENCY
The hiring range for this position in Lake Buena Vista, FL is $148,300 - $198,800 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job‐related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long‑term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.
This position is withWalt Disney Attractions Technology LLC, which is part of a business we callDisney Experiences.
Walt Disney Attractions Technology LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.
DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS
The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, visit the Disney candidate disability accommodations FAQs (opens in new window) . We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.
Having technical issues? View the FAQs for help. (opens in new window)
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world‑class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
Explore Disney Careers and the Life at Disney blog to learn about all the amazing opportunities waiting to be discovered at The Walt Disney Company.
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Lake Buena Vista is home to the Disney Springs retail, dining and entertainment complex, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course and several resort hotels are located with the City limits.
Our senior executives bring tremendous experience, visionary thinking and a shared commitment to excellence, creativity and innovation to the day to day operation of the company.
Explore our commitments and our work to create a better world through our stories, experiences, operations, and philanthropy.
At Disney, we want everyone to belong and thrive. Creating a welcoming and respectful environment for our employees and guests is core to our company culture and our business. We strive to build supportive work environments that drive innovation and reinforce a culture in which all employees feel welcome, respected, and valued.
Heroes Work Here reflects the long history of respect and appreciation Disney has for the U.S. Armed Services. We recognize the commitment and dedication it takes to serve your country, both as military personnel and military spouses, and value the leadership skills and sense of purpose it has instilled in you.
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