Lead Software Engineer-AI Licensing & Publishing Systems

Lead Software Engineer – AI Licensing & Publishing Systems

Location: Orlando, FL / Glendale, CA.

Job Summary:

At Disney, we’re storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. The Walt Disney Company (TWDC) is a world‑class entertainment and technological leader. Walt’s passion was to continuously envision new ways to move audiences around the world—a passion that remains our touchstone in an enterprise that stretches from theme parks, resorts and a cruise line to sports, news, movies and a variety of other businesses. Uniting each endeavor is a commitment to creating and delivering unforgettable experiences — and we’re constantly looking for new ways to enhance these exciting experiences.

This role sits within the Technology & Digital organization for Disney Experiences and collaborates closely with cross‑functional teams across the company. The Lead Software Engineer will report to the Sr Manager, Technology.

About the Role & Team

We are seeking a visionary Lead Software Engineer to drive the development of scalable, intelligent systems that support licensing financial operations and AI‑driven decision‑making. This role will be instrumental in shaping the architecture and delivery of next‑generation platforms that power financial licensing workflows and predictive analytics.

What You’ll Do

• Lead the design, development, and deployment of software solutions for licensing financial systems and AI‑powered applications.
• Architect and implement scalable services that integrate with internal and third‑party financial platforms.
• Collaborate with product, finance, and data science teams to define system requirements and deliver intelligent automation.
• Apply machine learning and AI techniques to optimize licensing workflows, forecasting, and compliance monitoring.
• Own the full software development lifecycle, including analysis, design, coding, testing, debugging, and documentation.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster a culture of innovation, inclusion, and technical excellence.
• Stay current with emerging technologies in AI, financial systems, and cloud‑native development to inform strategic decisions.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• 7+ years of software engineering experience, including leadership of complex projects.
• Proven experience with financial systems, licensing workflows, or royalty management platforms.
• Hands‑on expertise developing and deploying custom AI solutions using LLMs to automate business processes or improve business outcomes in enterprise environments.
• Excellent programming skills in languages such as Java and Python.
• Experience with cloud platforms (AWS, GCP) and container orchestration (e.g., Kubernetes).
• Agile development experience and familiarity with CI/CD pipelines.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with licensing systems in media, entertainment, or digital content industries.
• Familiarity with financial compliance standards and audit processes.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent experience).

Master’s degree in Technology is a plus.

The hiring range for this position in Glendale, California is $150,000–$180,000 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long‑term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Walt Disney Attractions Technology LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

Disability Accommodation For Employment Applications

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, email with your request. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or correspondence. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.