Manager, Application Engineering

The Disney Decision Science and Integration (DDSI) team leverages advanced technologies, data analytics, and scientific approaches such as optimization and statistical modeling to build innovative tools that shape business decisions across The Walt Disney Company. We support Disney Entertainment (ABC, The Walt Disney Studios, Disney+, Hulu), ESPN, Disney Experiences (Theme Parks, Cruise Line, Consumer Products, DVC), and Corporate Finance with strategic applications that enable data-driven decision-making. This is an in office role. As Manager, Application Engineering, you will lead application engineers, UX/UI engineers, and QA engineers that define, design, develop and deploy software solutions. You will use your experience to manage the entire software development lifecycle by setting goals for your team, managing risks, collaborating with other teams, and releasing internal applications that serve strategic needs for multiple TWDC business units. This role requires a results-oriented technical team leader, excellent analytical and quantitative skills, and flexibility to adapt in a dynamic business environment.What You’ll Do:Lead application engineering for multiple complex projects and initiatives to drive the implementation of internal cloud-based analytical systemsManage the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) using waterfall and agile techniques, including technical requirements definition, task prioritization, estimates, assignments, UX/UI designs, risks, environments, quality assurance, and releases for multiple ongoing projectsChampion the integration of AI and machine learning capabilities into internal applications to enhance decision-making tools and drive additional business valueCoordinate with infrastructure teamsLead direct reports and manage other team members in a matrixed organizationCollaborate with Product Owners to clarify, refine, and prioritize scope to align with business needsPartner with Decision Science teams to integrate data science advancements into end-to-end solutionsRepresent the application engineering team and respective projects with senior leaders and partnersWork with leadership and peers to advocate for software development best practicesDrive evaluation and adoption of emerging software tools, technologies, and platformsRequired Qualifications & Skills:8+ years of technology experience required5+ years of software development experience building web-based applications2+ years leading technical teams specializing in cloud-based web application developmentProven influential technical leadership experience in software development and project executionDemonstrated ability to champion team processes, balance priorities, manage risks, and ship products on-timeDemonstrated ability to champion AI adoption within an engineering team, setting direction on where AI tools can accelerate delivery and mentoring others in using them effectively.Demonstrated success in technical roles including hands-on coding, system design, and code/merge reviewsExcellent problem-solving skills, including ability to assess, prototype, and communicate solutionsExperience with serverless architectural patterns in AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, or similarExperience working with complex and large datasets; understanding of data storage patternsExperience leading other team members through mentoring and career planningExperience collaborating with product owners to define application requirements and prioritiesAbility to adapt to rapidly changing business environments and manage multiple prioritiesDemonstrated strong written and verbal skills with the ability to communicate with both technical and non-technical teamsPreferred Qualification:Proficiency in software development processes and project managementExperience integrating AI/ML or generative AI capabilities into analytic or web-based applicationsHands-on development experience with React, Python, Django, PostgreSQL, Snowflake, and Next.jsFamiliarity with AI/ML-assisted software development tools and practices, and an interest in applying AI capabilities to improve product and team efficiencyExperience automating software deliverables in a CI/CD environmentExperience leading UX/UI designStatistical and data science knowledge, and experience with analytic applicationsRelevant industry knowledge (media, entertainment, theme parks, resorts, etc.)Experience managing user scenarios and business requirementsExperience leading quality assurance efforts such as testing frameworks, test plans, and test casesMaster’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, Mathematics, a quantitative field, or equivalentEducation:Bachelor’s degree in computer science, Information Systems, Software, Electrical or Electronics Engineering, or comparable field of study and/or equivalent work experienceThe hiring range for this position in Orlando, FL $163,400 to $219,100 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.Reference: 10160611