Staff Software Engineer

NBCUniversal; Orlando (FL); Remote; USD 200,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

NBCUniversal seeks a Staff Software Engineer to join their Platform Engineering & Playback team. The role involves developing cutting-edge video playback technologies and collaborating with multiple teams to enhance streaming performance. Ideal candidates will have extensive experience in software engineering, particularly with JavaScript and streaming protocols, and be passionate about creating high-performance video solutions.

Qualifications

• 6+ years in software engineering.
• Strong proficiency in JavaScript and TypeScript.
• Experience with MSE/EME and scalable playback solutions.

Responsibilities

• Lead development of a video player SDK for multi-format streaming.
• Architect advanced playback features like low-latency streaming and metadata extraction.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and mentor within the team.

Skills

JavaScript

TypeScript

Problem Solving

Collaboration

Video Playback

Job description

Company Description

SPORTS NEXT

NBC Sports Next is where sports and technology intersect. We’re fueled by our mission to innovate, create larger-than-life events, and connect with sports fans through technology. We’re a subdivision of NBC Sports and home to leading technology platforms and digital applications for Youth & Recreational Sports, Golf, and Emerging Media.

At NBC Sports Next, we equip more than 30 million players, coaches, athletes, sports administrators, and fans in 40 countries with over 25 sports solution products, including SportsEngine, the largest youth sports club, league, and team management platform; SportsEngine Play, the first streaming service for youth and amateur sports; GolfNow, a leading online tee time marketplace and golf course operations technology provider; and GolfPass, a golf membership connecting golfers to exclusive content, tee time credits, instructional content, and more.

FANDANGO

Over the past twenty years, Fandango has built a network of direct-to-consumer digital brands, where over 50 million fans celebrate their love for movies, TV, and streaming. Our portfolio includes the online movie ticketing platform Fandango, which tickets for more than 31,000 U.S. screens; the entertainment review site Rotten Tomatoes; and Fandango at Home (formerly Vudu), an on-demand streaming service with a vast library of 4K UHD titles, new releases, and TV shows.

Job Description

We are seeking a Staff Software Engineer with deep expertise in MSE/EME technologies to join our Platform Engineering & Playback team. In this high-impact role, you will architect and scale next-generation playback experiences supporting both live and on-demand content across formats. You will collaborate with engineering, product, and media operations teams to deliver performant, flexible player SDKs that set standards for streaming performance and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead development of a video player SDK, enabling multi-format streaming (HLS, DASH, CMAF) in browsers with seamless adaptive bitrate support.
• Architect and implement advanced playback features such as low-latency streaming, ISOBMFF parsing, content steering, and text track/metadata extraction.
• Build and improve a modern, modular video playback engine using JavaScript and TypeScript, designed for performance, reliability, and maintainability.
• Integrate deeply with Media Source Extensions (MSE), Encrypted Media Extensions (EME), DRM systems, and ad-insertion technologies.
• Collaborate with the Client Apps team to ensure high performance across browsers and devices like Chromecast.
• Serve as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) and mentor within the team, guiding standards and best practices.
• Partner with product managers and stakeholders to align scope, constraints, and deadlines—identifying trade-offs and communicating risks early.
• Maintain active participation in industry working groups and technical communities to help shape streaming media standards.

Qualifications

• 6+ years in software engineering
• Strong proficiency in JavaScript and TypeScript, with deep knowledge of video playback libraries and streaming protocols.
• Experience working with MSE/EME and developing scalable playback solutions.
• Ability to build and scale video libraries or SDKs used at large scale (e.g., 2.5M+ hours of daily playback).
• Passion for creating elegant, high-performance video libraries that simplify downstream development.
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills, with a collaborative attitude.

Desired Qualifications

• Commitment to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and growth-oriented engineering culture.
• Experience with open-source video player libraries like video.js, Shaka Player, or hls.js.
• Knowledge of server-side and client-side ad insertion ecosystems.
• Familiarity with player observability frameworks and playback analytics.
• Experience with A/B testing and optimizing playback UX at scale.

Remote Work & Compensation

This position is fully remote, expected to be performed from your residence.

Salary Range: $200,000 - $225,000 USD

Additional Information: The hiring process may include an in-person interview at an NBCUniversal location. NBCUniversal is an equal opportunity employer. Support for applicants with disabilities is available upon request at [e-mail]. Employment may transition to Versant in the future, offering exciting growth opportunities.