Lead Software Engineer-Licensing/AI Systems

Lead Software Engineer-Licensing/AI Systems

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.

Please note that this role is not open to sponsorship of any kind at this time. (i.e.: OPT, H1B, TN)

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 of 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, CA is $155,700 to $208,700 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/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.