Job Posting Title:
Lead Software EngineerReq ID:
10159874Job Description:
Department Description
“We Power the Magic!” That’s our motto at Disney Experiences (DX). Our team creates world-class immersive digital experiences for the Company’s premier vacation brands including Disney’s Parks & Resorts worldwide, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, and Disney Vacation Club. We are responsible for the end-to-end digital and physical Guest experience for all technology & digital-led initiatives across the Attractions & Entertainment, Food & Beverage, Resorts & Transportation and Merchandise lines of business as well as other initiatives including MyDisneyExperience and Hey, Disney!
This role sits in the Retail, Restaurant & Supply Chain Technology organization within Technology & Digital for Disney Experiences. It works closely with a diverse team of engineers, business stakeholders, and service owners from across the company.
The Lead Software Engineer will report to the Manager, Software Engineering.
What You’ll Do
Lead and personally build (hands-on coding expected) scalable, well-documented software systems, applications, APIs, and RESTful services — from technical specs through delivery — using Java, AWS/cloud-native patterns, relational and NoSQL databases, messaging, and orchestration technologies.
Champion AI-driven development and architecture, embedding AI-powered tools (GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Amazon Q, Claude, Kiro) across the software lifecycle — from design and coding to testing and troubleshooting — to accelerate delivery and elevate quality, while shaping how the team adopts AI in its engineering practices.
Set architectural direction by translating complex functional, technical, and business requirements into solution architecture, coordinating with Architecture and IT stakeholders, evaluating technology choices (software, hardware, SaaS/PaaS), and developing proof-of-concepts and roadmaps that align applications with reference architecture.
Own dining and bookable experience reservation systems, maintaining deep expertise in inventory, availability, offers, and reservations, and proactively preventing overbooking issues that could impact guests.
Integrate and support complex systems across databases, messaging, and orchestration platforms, and manage AWS infrastructure to keep production and lower environments reliable.
Drive engineering quality and continuous improvement through code and design reviews, automated testing, end-to-end troubleshooting and root-cause analysis, and proactive recommendations to processes, technologies, and coding practices — maintaining focus and sound judgment in a dynamic, fast-paced, cross-functional environment.
Collaborate cross-functionally with product owners, engineering partners, delivery managers, business analysts, and other architecture teams to align solutions with current and future business needs, estimate delivery, and communicate the team's value.
Required Qualifications & Skills:
7+ years of experience building large-scale software systems and web applications, leading engineering teams and projects, with hands-on experience in solution and application architecture.
Expertise with enterprise architecture repository tools (e.g., tools similar to BlueDolphin or LeanIX)
Demonstrated ability to lead cross-domain architectural initiatives and guide decision processes
Experience developing and managing architecture taxonomies, patterns, and standards.
Proven ability to align architecture with strategic objectives, OKRs, and scorecards.
Hands-on familiarity with cloud platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP), API-led integration, security-by-design, and data architecture principles.
Strong hands-on skills in Java 21+, Spring, microservices, and RESTful APIs.
Deep experience with AWS, databases (DynamoDB, Aurora, MongoDB), Kafka, Docker, and CI/CD pipelines.
Solid understanding of object-oriented design, coding best practices, and Agile/Test-Driven Development.
Experience running and monitoring distributed production systems, including tools like Splunk, Grafana, or AppDynamics.
Knowledge of inventory optimization and preventing overbooking-type issues.
Hands-on experience using AI-powered coding tools (Copilot, Cursor, Amazon Q, Claude, etc.) to accelerate development.
Able to lead complex projects independently — setting direction, solving hard problems, and guiding testing and debugging.
Comfortable managing multiple projects at once and making fast decisions under pressure.
Experience working with distributed/remote teams.
Strong mentoring skills — able to train, guide, and review the work of junior engineers.
Good communicator who can work well with product owners, UI/UX teams, and other technical and business stakeholders.
Adaptable, thrives in fast-changing, sometimes ambiguous environments.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in Disney, Food & Beverage, Attractions & Entertainment domain
Required Education:
Bachelor's or foreign equivalent Degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Software, Electrical or Electronics Engineering, or comparable field of study, and/or equivalent work experience.
#DISNEYTECH
Job Posting Segment:
DX TechnologyJob Posting Primary Business:
CommercePrimary Job Posting Category:
Software EngineerEmployment Type:
Full timePrimary City, State, Region, Postal Code:
Lake Buena Vista, FL, USAAlternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:
Date Posted:
2026-09-09Skills Required
- 7+ years of experience building large-scale software systems and web applications, leading engineering teams and projects, with hands-on solution and application architecture experience
- Expertise with enterprise architecture repository tools such as BlueDolphin or LeanIX
- Ability to lead cross-domain architectural initiatives and guide decision processes
- Experience developing and managing architecture taxonomies, patterns, and standards
- Ability to align architecture with strategic objectives, OKRs, and scorecards
- Hands-on familiarity with AWS, Azure, or GCP; API-led integration; security-by-design; and data architecture principles
- Strong hands-on skills in Java 21+, Spring, microservices, and RESTful APIs
- Deep experience with AWS, DynamoDB, Aurora, MongoDB, Kafka, Docker, and CI/CD pipelines
- Understanding of object-oriented design, coding best practices, Agile, and Test-Driven Development
- Experience running and monitoring distributed production systems using tools such as Splunk, Grafana, or AppDynamics
- Knowledge of inventory optimization and preventing overbooking issues
- Hands-on experience using AI-powered coding tools such as GitHub Copilot, Cursor, Amazon Q, or Claude
- Ability to lead complex projects independently, set direction, solve difficult problems, and guide testing and debugging
- Ability to manage multiple projects and make fast decisions under pressure
- Experience working with distributed or remote teams
- Strong mentoring skills, including training, guiding, and reviewing junior engineers
- Strong communication and collaboration skills with product owners, UI/UX teams, and technical and business stakeholders
- Adaptability in fast-changing and ambiguous environments
- Bachelor's or foreign equivalent degree in Computer Science, Information Systems, Software, Electrical or Electronics Engineering, or a comparable field, and/or equivalent work experience
- Experience in Disney, Food & Beverage, or Attractions & Entertainment domains
The Walt Disney Company Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about The Walt Disney Company and has not been reviewed or approved by The Walt Disney Company.
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Pay Growth & Progression — Recent union agreements raised wage floors for large groups of park cast members—e.g., Disneyland’s $24/hour minimum rising to $26 over the contract and Walt Disney World’s path from $18 toward about $20–$20.50 by 2026—signaling upward movement in hourly pay. These steps are described as meaningful improvements for many frontline roles.
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Healthcare Strength — Company materials outline medical, dental, and vision coverage for many full‑time roles, wellness resources, and (in Central Florida) access to Centers for Living Well clinics and pharmacy. References to mental‑health support and paid time off reinforce a strong core health offering.
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Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Complimentary theme‑park admission and discounts on hotels, dining, merchandise, and recreation are positioned as signature perks. Education support through Disney Aspire adds notable lifestyle value for eligible hourly employees.
The Walt Disney Company Insights
What We Do
The Walt Disney Company is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that operates through segments including entertainment, sports, and experiences.
