Lead Software Engineer (Java/Backend)

Disney Experiences; Bay Lake (FL); On-site; USD 151,000 - 202,000; Full time

Job summary

Disney Experiences in Orlando, FL is seeking a Lead Software Engineer to design and build backend services for high-volume ticketing and entitlements. You will lead API and microservice development, ensuring reliability, security, and scalability across guest transactions.

You will mentor engineers, drive Agile delivery, and collaborate with product, ops, and guest-facing teams to deliver innovative software solutions. This role reports to the Manager, Software Engineering.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of software engineering with a backend focus.
• Strong experience in Java, Spring Boot, and RESTful APIs.
• Hands-on with SQL Server, Oracle, and MongoDB.
• Experience building large-scale, high-availability enterprise apps.
• Strong understanding of cloud architectures and Agile development.
• Experience with AWS and/or Azure.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design, development, testing, and implementation of backend applications and services.
• Build and enhance scalable APIs, microservices, and distributed systems for admission and ticketing platforms.
• Drive technical solutions for high-throughput, customer-facing applications.
• Partner with stakeholders to define requirements and deliver software solutions.
• Mentor engineers, provide technical leadership, and support Agile delivery practices.
• Participate in on-call support and major release activities to ensure system stability.

Skills

Backend development

Java

Spring Boot

RESTful APIs

Microservices Architecture

SQL Server

Oracle

MongoDB

Cloud (AWS/Azure)

Agile methodologies

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Software, Electrical or Electronics Engineering, or related field

Job description

Job Requirements

“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 WDW Entitlements Software Engineering organization within Technology & Digital for Disney Experiences. It works closely with Product Management, Park Operations, and Guest-facing ticketing and admissions teams from across the company. The Lead Software Engineer will report to the Manager, Software Engineering.

About The Role & Team

This team develops and supports the high-volume entitlements and ticketing platforms that power guest admission, tickets, and passes across Walt Disney World. As a Lead Software Engineer, you will primarily focus on backend development, designing and building scalable, high-performance systems that support millions of guest transactions while ensuring reliability, security, and operational excellence.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the design, development, testing, and implementation of backend applications and services.
• Build and enhance scalable APIs, microservices, and distributed systems supporting admission and ticketing platforms.
• Drive technical solutions for complex, high-throughput, customer-facing applications.
• Partner with stakeholders to define requirements and deliver innovative software solutions.
• Mentor engineers, provide technical leadership, and support Agile delivery practices.
• Participate in on-call support and major release activities to ensure system stability.

Required Qualifications

• 7+ years of software engineering experience with a strong focus on backend development.
• Expertise in Java, J2EE, Spring Boot, RESTful APIs, and Microservices Architecture.
• Hands-on experience with SQL Server, Oracle, and MongoDB.
• Experience building and supporting large-scale, high-availability enterprise applications.
• Strong understanding of cloud-based architectures and Agile development methodologies.
• Experience with AWS and/or Azure environments.
• Excellent problem-solving, debugging, and technical leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with high-volume ticketing, admissions, entitlement, or transaction-processing systems.
• Familiarity with DevOps practices, CI/CD pipelines, and cloud-native application development.
• Experience integrating with POS, CRM, or operational systems.
• Scrum Master or other Agile certifications are a plus.
• Familiarity with AI technologies and concepts, including generative AI, large language models (LLMs), prompt engineering, and AI integration with enterprise applications.
• Experience reverse-engineering complex existing codebases to understand business logic, dependencies, and system behavior in support of troubleshooting, documentation, and modernization.

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

Disclaimer

PAY TRANSPARENCY

The hiring range for this position in Orlando, FL is $150,500 to $201,800 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 with Walt Disney Attractions Technology LLC, which is part of a business we call Disney 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. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

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