Principal Software Engineer - Android

The Walt Disney Company; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 201,000 - 271,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking company as a Principal Software Engineer for Android, where you'll develop innovative applications enjoyed by millions. This role offers the chance to work on cutting-edge technology that powers iconic brands like Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN. Collaborate with talented engineers and enhance storytelling through technology, all while ensuring high code quality and performance. If you're passionate about building scalable solutions and leading projects to success, this is the perfect opportunity to make a significant impact in the entertainment industry.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience shipping production Android applications.
• Proficiency in Kotlin, Java, and architectural patterns.
• Exceptional coding, testing, and documentation skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead design, architecture, implementation, and deployment of complex systems.
• Support release processes and live production issues.
• Facilitate career growth among team members.

Skills

Android Development

Kotlin

Java

Reactive Programming

Dependency Injection

Architectural Patterns (MVI/MVVM)

Communication Skills

Testing and Documentation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science

Tools

Android SDK

Gradle

Android Profiler

Job description

Principal Software Engineer - Android

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Job ID: 10121025
Location: San Francisco, California, United States / Seattle, Washington, United States
Business: Disney Entertainment
Date posted: May 8, 2025

Job Summary:

Technology is at the heart of Disney’s past, present, and future. Disney Entertainment and ESPN Product & Technology is a global organization of engineers, product developers, designers, technologists, data scientists, and more – all working to build and advance the technological backbone for Disney’s media business globally.

The team marries technology with creativity to build world-class products, enhance storytelling, and drive velocity, innovation, and scalability for our businesses. We are Storytellers and Innovators. Creators and Builders. Entertainers and Engineers. We work with every part of The Walt Disney Company’s media portfolio to advance the technological foundation and consumer media touch points serving millions of people around the world.

Here are a few reasons why we think you’d love working here:
1. Building the future of Disney’s media: Our Technologists are designing and building the products and platforms that will power our media, advertising, and distribution businesses for years to come.
2. Reach, Scale & Impact: Disney’s technology and products serve as a signature doorway for fans' connections with the company’s brands and stories. Disney+. Hulu. ESPN. ABC. ABC News…and many more. These products and brands – and the stories they carry – matter to millions globally.
3. Innovation: We develop groundbreaking products and techniques that shape industry norms and solve complex technical problems.

Product Engineering is responsible for Disney Entertainment & ESPN digital and streaming products and platforms, including media engineering, quality assurance, personalization, commerce, lifecycle, and identity.

Disney's Android team seeks an experienced Principal Software Engineer to build apps enjoyed by millions worldwide. You will develop scalable, elegant solutions for Android applications on Disney+ and Star+ across various devices including phones, tablets, and TVs. Our collaborative group works with many cross-functional teams. We value excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, and a bias for action. We focus on high code quality with unit tests, automated tests, modern libraries, and a Kotlin codebase. Our goal is to build the best Live and VOD applications globally, and we are eager to learn how your skills can contribute to this mission.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the design, architecture, implementation, and deployment of complex systems.

• Support critical components such as release processes, remote configuration, and live production issues.

• Monitor the health of the team while understanding high-level project aspects.

• Seek leadership opportunities to improve processes with finesse and a positive attitude.

• Facilitate career growth among team members and support the company's long-term success.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or related field, or equivalent experience.

• 10+ years of proven experience shipping production Android applications.

• Proficiency with Reactive Programming and Dependency Injection.

• Knowledge of architectural patterns (MVI/MVVM or similar).

• Excellent communication skills for collaboration across teams.

• Exceptional coding, testing, and documentation skills.

• Experience resolving large-scale production issues.

• Successful project leadership from start to finish.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience coaching team members.

• Refactoring large, complex codebases.

• Experience with Android TV / Fire TV development.

• Knowledge of streaming video, codecs, and DRM.

• Maintaining large modular codebases.

• Using performance tools like Android Profiler.

• Proficiency with Kotlin, Java, Android SDK, Dependency Injection, Gradle, Databases, Reactive paradigms, and coroutines.

The salary range in Seattle, WA is $193,100 - $258,900; in San Francisco, CA is $201,900 - $270,700. Actual offers depend on internal equity, location, experience, and other factors. Compensation includes base salary, bonuses, incentives, and benefits.

About Disney Entertainment:

Disney Corporate unites the businesses behind the Company’s brands to create innovative entertainment. Join a team of leaders driving strategies that keep Disney at the forefront of entertainment. Collaborate with creative minds to create memorable experiences for families worldwide.

About The Walt Disney Company:

Disney is a leading global entertainment and media enterprise, operating in over 40 countries. From humble beginnings in the 1920s, Disney has become renowned for storytelling and entertainment experiences enjoyed worldwide.

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

Disney Streaming Technology LLC is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applicants regardless of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, or veteran status. We promote a diverse and inclusive work environment.

Disability Accommodation:

If you need accommodations to apply, email [e-mail]. This email is solely for accommodation requests related to accessibility during the application process.