Senior Manager, Software Development

Job ID 10117595 Location Burbank, California, United States Business The Walt Disney Studios Date posted Apr. 08, 2025

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Job Summary:

Senior Manager, Software Development – Motion Picture Labs

About The Team

It’s the magic of immersing yourself in a motion picture masterpiece, or a new track from your favorite band, or the spectacle of a live Broadway show. It’s hard to define and even harder to create, but that’s what we do at The Walt Disney Studios. Ours is a culture of innovation, collaboration, and creativity. We raise the bar, then step over it, blazing trails through the production and distribution of world class entertainment around the globe. If you want to help, tell compelling, enduring stories through movies, music or stage plays, then we want to hear from you.

As part of the Studio Technology organization, you will join a group of seasoned technologists dedicated to solving a range of creative problems through innovation, strategy, and forward thinking. This role sits within the Motion Picture Labs at Walt Disney Studios, which is a group of specialty film making labs in Production Technology providing production services, research, development, innovation and support required for civilized filmmaking.

Job Overview

As a Senior Manager, Software Development, you will oversee the design, development, and delivery of high-quality software solutions while ensuring alignment with our company’s strategic goals. You will manage multiple projects, mentor and guide engineers, and collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and deliver exceptional products for The Walt Disney Studios live action banners (i.e. Marvel Studios, Disney Live Action, Twentieth Century Studios). You will report to the VP, Production Technology within the Motion Pictures Lab in Burbank, CA.

Role & Responsibilities

Manage scalable automation and software development for The Walt Disney Studios' live-action banners, including Marvel Studios, Disney Live Action, and Twentieth Century Studios.
Oversees architecture, software and pipeline Technical Director teams responsible for all aspects of the production pipeline, including on-set operations, plate processing, rendering, color correction, review, finishing, stereo, and editorial.
Directs and mentors’ architecture, software, and pipeline team leaders working on core backend, microservice development, along with web and desktop applications for film production.
Responsible for the performance and results of these architecture, software, and pipeline teams.
Partners with film production stakeholders and other teams to deliver solutions efficiently under tight deadlines.
Manages priorities and objectives for engineers, designers, and project managers to address evolving business needs in film production.
Leads collaboration between engineering leadership to define requirements and ensure effective architecture, deployment, and distribution of Motion Picture Labs products.
Defines how software integrates with film production pipelines and ensures smooth connectivity through succinct routes.
Plays a key role in integrating innovative solutions into film production pipelines.
Develops and enforces software standards and best practices, maintaining high code quality, performance, and security.
Lead initiatives and events to boost workplace morale and culture, including recognizing team members for their achievements and successes.
Mentor team members to support career growth, providing guidance on skill development, and professional opportunities.
Conducts performance reviews, provides feedback, and supports career development for team members.
Oversees the software development budget, allocates resources effectively, and ensures the team has the necessary tools and infrastructure.

Basic Qualiﬁcations and Experience

10+ years in software development
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field.
Leadership: Proven experience in leading development teams and delivering software solutions to stakeholders.
Experience with Dailies, VFX, animation, or film production related fields.
Knowledge of key software development aspects supporting production, such as asset management, rendering, review, and editorial.
Proficiency in development languages and frameworks (e.g., Python, Django, Postgres, RabbitMQ).
Experience with modern development frameworks, cloud platforms, and agile methodologies.
Strong problem-solving, decision-making, and interpersonal skills with a demonstrated ability to inspire teams.
Familiarity with project management tools and methodologies (e.g., Jira) and the ability to handle multiple projects and priorities.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, capable of presenting technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders through visual aids and presentations.

Preferred Qualiﬁcations

Actively participates in the open-source production software community to introduce new innovations and ideas to the team.
Keeps up to date with industry trends and emerging technologies to drive innovation and maintain a competitive advantage.
Thorough understanding of various systems and workflows, with the ability to adapt to changing business environments.
Evaluates significant business challenges and leads the development of innovative solutions or the resolution of complex issues using analytical judgement.
Influences outcomes with considerable autonomy, effectively addressing complex issues with a strong awareness.

The hiring range for this position in Los Angeles, CA is $184,300.00-$247,100.00. 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.

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About The Walt Disney Studios:

For over 95 years, The Walt Disney Studios has been the foundation on which The Walt Disney Company was built. Today it brings quality movies, episodic storytelling, music, and stage plays to consumers throughout the world. The Walt Disney Studios encompasses a collection of respected film studios, including Disney, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Pixar Animation Studios, Marvel Studios, Lucasfilm, 20th Century Studios, and Searchlight Pictures. It is also home to Disney Theatrical Productions, producer of world-class stage shows.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with Walt Disney Pictures, which is part of a business we call The Walt Disney Studios.

Walt Disney Pictures is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, 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, visit the Disney candidate disability accommodations FAQs. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

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Explore this Location Burbank, CA

Billed as the "Media Capital of the World," Burbank boasts more than 1,000 media and entertainment companies, including the main headquarters for The Walt Disney Company.