Principal Software Engineer

The Walt Disney Company; North Carolina; On-site; USD 175,500 - 235,400; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Bonus potential

Flexible work options

Job summary

The Walt Disney Company is seeking a Principal Software Engineer focused on innovative research and development in video coding using ML/AI methods. This role will involve collaboration with academic groups and standard organizations, driving technical advancements and shaping long-term strategy.

The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in video coding standards, strong algorithmic skills, and a proven history of IP generation. A degree in a related field with a minimum of 10 years of experience is required, alongside knowledge of C/C++ and Python.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in related field.
• Strong algorithm background for video coding tools.
• Proven track record of IP generation.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research and development for image and video coding.
• Represent Disney at conferences and standard bodies.
• Develop video algorithms for media enhancement and efficiency.

Skills

Video coding standards expertise (AV1, AV2, AVC, HEVC, VVC)

Deep learning techniques application

Research and advanced development in video processing

C/C++ knowledge

Python experience

Git/GitHub for release management

Web service development

Docker experience

Education

Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science or related field

Tools

gStreamer Media Framework

AI/ML optimization frameworks

Job description

Principal Software Engineer

Job ID: 10149993

Location: San Francisco, California; Morrisville, North Carolina, United States

Business: Disney Entertainment and ESPN Product & Technology

Date posted: Jun. 15, 2026

Job Summary

You will be focused on research and development for future generation image and video coding especially through the application of ML/AI methods. You will participate and represent Disney at AOM and connect with academic research groups, conferences and other standard bodies such as MPEG, IETF, and VQEG. You will be part of a team conducting innovative research and advanced development involving advanced computer vision algorithms and applied ML/AI techniques to address tasks such as media enhancement, understanding, analysis, compression, and enhancing storytelling through innovative media experiences. You will have the opportunity to conduct multidisciplinary research and implementation in video technologies, including video processing, encoding and E2E video streaming for both live and on-demand use cases, and design video algorithms and software workflows for the purposes of achieving velocity, scale and efficiency to further optimize our media platform. As a domain focused Principal Engineer, you are expected to be a thought leader and technical domain expert both within and beyond the organization. You will be driving architectural innovation and significant IP generation both internally and at the standards level, directly influencing our strategy and representing the organization in technical discussions. Your leadership is visionary and strategic and your decisions are expected to shape our long‑term strategy and product development with contributions critical to initiatives and innovation. You will be regularly working with senior leaders to drive major technical advancements. Our CMT team is global, with resources from Zurich, Bangalore, throughout the US and in Beijing; coordination and collaboration across these is expected.

Required Education, Experience / Skills / Training

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in related field
• Deep expertise in video coding standards such as AV1, AV2, AVC, HEVC, VVC
• Strong algorithm background for both traditional block based and emerging neural network based video coding tools
• A strong background in applying deep learning techniques to video processing tasks such as video enhancement, video understanding, video coding and analysis
• A proven track record of IP generation
• In‑depth understanding and experience with multimedia stack (e.g. video formats, encoders/decoders, video playback/players), multimedia frameworks, and video coding/processing methods
• A proven track record of success and demonstrable experience in research or advanced development in video coding / media processing or adjacent fields (video quality, computer vision, computer graphics)

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge and experience with C/C++ and Python
• Extensive experience in deploying and optimizing AI/ML models and frameworks, including state‑of‑the‑art latent variable generative models and optimization for finite‑precision operations, is strongly preferred
• Applied knowledge of Media Metadata and Processing
• Applied knowledge of ABR algorithms and transport formats
• Knowledge of gStreamer Media Framework
• Experience with building web‑apps/dashboards for data visualization
• Experience with working with Dockers
• Web service development, REST APIs, XML/JSON
• Release management, CD/CI tools, Git/GitHub
• High‑load, highly scalable and distributed applications

Required Education

• Degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or related field with 10+ years of directly related industry experience in video codecs

The hiring range for this position in San Francisco, CA is $206,400 - $276,700 per year and in Morrisville, NC is $175,500 - $235,400 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.

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 to search for a job opening or apply for a position, email [e-mail] with your request. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or correspondence. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Disney Entertainment & Sports LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law.