Lead Software Engineer, Ad Platforms

The Walt Disney Company; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 152,000 - 224,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to innovate and enhance their advertising platforms. This role focuses on building high-performance, microservice-based solutions that serve millions daily across various platforms. You will lead the development of next-gen cloud-based big data infrastructure, ensuring scalability and availability while collaborating with cross-functional teams. Join a dynamic environment where your contributions will directly impact the future of media and entertainment, and be part of a team that values creativity and technology-driven solutions.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of programming experience with Scala, Java, or Python.
• 3+ years of big data development experience with Spark and AWS.
• Strong knowledge of system/application design and architecture.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development of large-scale data platforms for processing.
• Design cloud-based big data infrastructure to enhance performance.
• Promote best engineering practices and collaborate with teams.

Skills

Scala

Java

Python

Big Data

Machine Learning

Cloud Infrastructure

System Design

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science

Electronics Engineering

Tools

Spark

Hive

AWS

Kafka

Terraform

Grafana

React.js

Job description

Lead Software Engineer, Ad Platforms

Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10105535 Location San Francisco, California, United States / Santa Monica, California, United States / Seattle, Washington, United States Business Disney Entertainment Date posted Mar. 31, 2025

Job Summary:

At Disney Entertainment & ESPN Technology, we are reimagining how to create magical viewing experiences and transforming our media business for the future. Our work includes evolving streaming and digital products, powering advertising and distribution, and delivering Disney’s entertainment and sports content, impacting partners and audiences worldwide.

Reasons to work here:

• Building Disney’s media future: Designing infrastructure that powers our media, advertising, and distribution businesses.
• Reach & Scale: Serving millions daily across platforms like Disney+, Hulu, ABC, ESPN, etc.
• Innovation: Developing groundbreaking products and techniques to enhance audience experiences.

Our Ad Platforms team builds and maintains a high-performance, microservice-based Advertising Platform across Disney properties, including Hulu and ESPN+. We handle ad serving, campaign management, reporting, and integrations for a top-tier video advertising business.

The Forecasting team within Ad Platforms supports Ads Inventory Forecasting, providing unified modeling and data visualization solutions, utilizing machine learning, big data, and microservices.

We seek a Lead Software Engineer with extensive big data experience and backend/full-stack expertise. If you are proactive, hardworking, and enthusiastic, this is a great opportunity!

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Contribute to a team of big data and backend engineers on high-value projects.
• Lead the development of large-scale data platforms for batch and real-time processing, owning features to meet evolving business needs.
• Design next-gen cloud-based big data infrastructure, improving performance, scalability, and availability.
• Balance architectural considerations such as performance, scalability, reusability, and flexibility.
• Promote best engineering practices including design patterns, CI/CD, code review, and automated testing.
• Collaborate with program managers, product managers, SDET, and researchers in an open environment.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Electronics Engineering, or related field.
• At least 7 years of professional programming and design experience in Scala, Java, Python, etc.
• 3+ years of big data development experience with Spark, Hive, SingleStore, Airflow, Kafka, Flink, AWS.
• Strong system/application design and architecture knowledge.
• Experience building high-availability, scalable services.
• Experience processing petabyte-scale data.
• Passionate about technology and interdisciplinary work.

NICE-TO-HAVES

• Experience with cloud infrastructure tools like Terraform, K8S, Spinnaker, IAM, ALB.
• Experience with Grafana, Datadog.
• Experience with web frameworks (React.js, Vue.js, Angular) and web technologies (HTML, CSS, Webpack).
• Knowledge of Ads domain.

The salary range varies by location, from approximately $152,200 to $223,600 annually, with potential bonuses and benefits. Actual offers depend on experience, location, and other factors.

About Disney Entertainment:

Disney combines innovative storytelling with global reach, creating memorable entertainment experiences worldwide. Join us to work with industry-leading teams and create stories for families everywhere.

About The Walt Disney Company:

As a diversified media enterprise, Disney operates in over 40 countries, with core segments including Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. We are committed to creating world-class stories and experiences for all.

This position is with Disney Streaming Technology LLC, part of Disney Entertainment.

Disney is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability, and provide accommodations for applicants with disabilities upon request.

• Senior Software Engineer - Big Data roles available in multiple locations.