Software Engineer 4 - TV & Web Player

Netflix; Los Gatos (CA); On-site; USD 250,000 - 413,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans

Mental health support

401(k) with employer match

Stock option program

Disability programs

Health Savings and Flexible Spending

Family-forming benefits

Paid time off

Job summary

Netflix is seeking a Software Engineer to advance streaming playback on TV and Web Player teams. You will design and ship playback capabilities using TypeScript, Node.js and C++, across devices and browsers to deliver high QoE.

You will work on Live and Ads features, run A/B experiments, optimize startup time and rebuffering, and collaborate with UI, Encoding, Security and Open Connect teams. Full-time role based in Los Gatos, CA with strong compensation.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of software development experience with streaming media playback.
• Strong proficiency in TypeScript and Node.js; C++ is a plus.
• Solid analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Familiarity with MPEG-DASH, HTML5 MSE, and EME.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and ship playback foundational capabilities across TV and Web Player.
• Develop new features to expand Live and Ads playback experiences.
• Design and run A/B experiments to test hypotheses and features.
• Improve playback QoE: startup time, rebuffering, error rates.
• Extend reach to memory-constrained devices and browsers.
• Partner with UI, Encoding, Streaming Algorithms, Security, Open Connect, and device teams.
• Contribute to CI, test automation, and release management.
• Rethink and rebuild designs when data shows better approaches.
• Exemplify Netflix culture and values.

Skills

TypeScript

Node.js

C++

Streaming playback

Job description

At Netflix, our mission is to entertain the world. Together, we are writing the next episode - pushing the boundaries of storytelling, global fandom and making the unimaginable a reality. We are a dream team obsessed with the uncomfortable excitement of discovering what happens when you merge creativity, intuition and cutting-edge technology. Come be a part of what's next.

We are looking for a Software Engineer who is passionate about streaming playback to join the TV & Web Player team. Our team powers the player client engine behind Netflix streaming across hundreds of millions of living room CE devices (such as Smart TVs, STBs, and streaming sticks) and web browsers via www.netflix.com. In this role, you will work across the entire player client stack including developing player UX interfaces, managing streaming media download, Digital Rights management, enabling support for advanced media formats (such as AV1 HDR10+, DV8.1) and optimizing QoE to enable best in class streaming experience across SVOD, Live, Ads, and cloud game streaming.

About the Role

• Design, build, and ship playback foundational capabilities across both TV and the Web Player clients, leveraging TypeScript, Node.js and C++.
• Develop new features to expand our Live and Ads product initiatives, enabling innovative and differentiating playback experiences to delight our members and deliver on product priorities.
• Design and run A/B experiments to test hypotheses about new features, media encodes, player behavior, and streaming algorithms, then analyze the results and use them to decide what ships.
• Improve playback quality of experience (QoE) metrics such as play startup time, rebuffering, and error rates. Trace problems to their root cause across the player, device, network, and backend.
• Extend reach across the device ecosystem by bringing features to memory-constrained and low-power TV devices and to the range of browsers that run the Web Player.
• Partner with UI, Encoding, Streaming Algorithms, Security, Open Connect, and device partner teams on feature development and experimentation.
• Contribute to continuous integration, test automation, and release management for the video player.
• Rethink and rebuild existing designs where the data shows a better approach.
• Exemplify the Netflix culture by understanding, advocating, and demonstrating its values.

What Sets You Apart

• You have 3+ years of software development experience with streaming media playback or with software that manages audio and video playback on devices.
• You have strong proficiency in TypeScript and Node.js with a track record of writing clean, readable, and maintainable code. Experience with C++ is a plus.
• You have strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• You have a good understanding of adaptive streaming technologies such as MPEG-DASH, HTML5 MSE, and EME.
• Familiarity on networking protocols HTTP, TCP, UDP and WebSockets is nice to have.
• You have designed experiments to test hypotheses and analyzed the data to improve streaming quality, and you make decisions from that data.
• You have experience with developing software for embedded devices (such as Smart TVs, set-top boxes, or streaming sticks) and optimizing performance for memory-constrained hardware.
• You are curious, self-motivated, selfless, and willing to help colleagues when they need it.
• Proven ability to communicate complex technical issues cross-functionally.

Generally, our compensation structure consists solely of an annual salary; we do not have bonuses. You choose each year how much of your compensation you want in salary versus stock options. To determine your personal top of market compensation, we rely on market indicators and consider your specific job family, background, skills, and experience to determine your compensation in the market range. The range for this role is $250,000.00 - $413,000.00.

Netflix provides comprehensive benefits including Health Plans, Mental Health support, a 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer match, Stock Option Program, Disability Programs, Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts, Family-forming benefits, and Life and Serious Injury Benefits. We also offer paid leave of absence programs. Full-time hourly employees accrue 35 days annually for paid time off to be used for vacation, holidays, and sick paid time off. Full-time salaried employees are immediately entitled to flexible time off. See more details about our Benefits here.

Netflix is a unique culture and environment. Learn more here.

Inclusion is a Netflix value and we strive to host a meaningful interview experience for all candidates. If you want an accommodation/adjustment for a disability or any other reason during the hiring process, please send a request to your recruiting partner.

We are an equal-opportunity employer and celebrate diversity, recognizing that diversity builds stronger teams. We approach diversity and inclusion seriously and thoughtfully. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status, or military service.