Sr Software Engineer (Skywalker Sound)

1421 Lucasfilm Ent Co Ltd, LLC Payroll Svc; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 155,400 - 208,400; Full time

Job summary

The 1421 Lucasfilm Ent Co Ltd, LLC Payroll Svc is seeking a Senior Software Engineer for Skywalker Sound to develop innovative audio content tools. This role emphasizes close collaboration with master audio creators and requires experience in a cloud-native environment, software development, and robust database handling.

Hybrid work will be performed with occasional in-office presence at Skywalker Ranch. The hiring range for this position is between $155,400 and $208,400 annually, complemented by a slate of benefits including bonuses and medical coverage.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience designing and implementing audio and video post‑production workflows.
• Exceptional understanding of Kubernetes.
• Expert knowledge in object-oriented programming and design patterns.

Responsibilities

• Lead the software development lifecycle for media pipeline components.
• Mentor and coach junior and mid-level engineers.
• Drive the technical roadmap and architectural decisions.

Skills

Go

JavaScript/TypeScript

C/C++

Python

Kubernetes

Database design

Full-stack development

API architecture

CI and test automation

Education

Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or related field

Master's preferred

Tools

Docker

CMake

Message brokers

Job description

Sr Software Engineer (Skywalker Sound)

The Skywalker Sound Development Group is looking for a Senior Software Engineer to join our team.

The Development Group is developing next‑generation tools for audio soundtracks and media distribution, combining institutional wisdom of creative, high‑quality audio with cutting‑edge software engineering to bridge the divide between content creation and audience experience.

As a Senior Software Engineer, you will play a key role in conceiving and developing tools to usher in a new era of post‑production audio content creation, working in areas such as application development, cloud computing, databases, and state‑of‑the‑art security implementation. The team works closely with master audio content creators to produce novel technology for immediate use.

Location: SanFrancisco BayArea (Hybrid – on‑site at Skywalker Ranch and occasional remote work).

What you'll do

• Lead the software development lifecycle (design, implementation, testing, maintenance) for media pipeline components and modules.
• Mentor and coach junior and mid‑level engineers, fostering a culture of technical excellence.
• Drive the technical roadmap and architectural decisions for major components of the media pipeline.
• Implement and maintain secure code practices, utilizing security and scanning toolsets.
• Diagnose and resolve complex performance and scalability issues in a cloud‑native environment.
• Manage multiple projects in parallel while maintaining high‑quality code and attention to detail.
• Research and incorporate state‑of‑the‑art approaches to recognized challenges.
• Proactively identify and address areas for improved efficiency and product quality.
• Collaborate with product managers and designers to translate business requirements into technical specifications.
• Work closely with team members in shared libraries, techniques and code responsibilities.

What we’re looking for

• Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field (Master’s preferred).
• 5+ years of experience designing and implementing audio and video post‑production workflows.
• Proficiency with Go, JavaScript/TypeScript, C/C++, and Python.
• Solid experience with build systems such as Docker, Makefile, CMake, and Taskfile.
• Mastery of full‑stack development and secure programming.
• Strong knowledge of CI and test automation tools (Go Test, Google Test, PyTest).
• Exceptional understanding of Kubernetes.
• Expert knowledge in object‑oriented programming and design patterns.
• Vast experience in database design and implementation, including relational and in‑memory databases.
• Strong familiarity with open‑source and cloud‑based workflows, including message brokers and serverless technologies.
• API architecture expertise with REST and gRPC.
• Detail‑oriented, organized, strong communication skills, and efficient task management.

Compensation

The hiring range for this position in San Francisco is $155,400.00–$208,400.00 per year. The base pay will also account for internal equity and may vary based on geographic region, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. A bonus and/or long‑term incentive units may be provided, along with the full range of medical, financial, and other benefits.