Director, Software Engineering - Emerging Technology

Director, Software Engineering - Emerging Technology

Job ID: 10143046

Location: Orlando, Florida, United States

Business: Disney Experiences

Date posted: Mar. 02, 2026

Job Summary:

This position will report to the SVP, Products & Experiences and based in Orlando, Florida. Emerging Tech & Product is where Disney Experiences (DX) identifies, prioritizes, explores, tests, and productizes the cutting edge technologies shaping our future. We leverage deep technical expertise and strategic rigor to identify high impact opportunities and turn them into scalable, value-driving solutions.

Responsibilities:

• Guide the exploration and evaluation of emerging technologies in alignment with the quarterly Emerging Product prioritized opportunity map.
• Oversee the development of proofs of concept and stakeholder testing to validate technical feasibility, user experience, and business value.
• Facilitate the transfer of validated insights, prototypes, and technical guidance to delivery teams and the Initial Tech Implementation team.
• Engage with key stakeholders, users, and partners to ensure alignment, gather feedback, and support early-stage validation efforts.
• Communicate emerging technology strategies, findings, and recommendations to senior executives, translating complex concepts into actionable insights.
• Manage sponsor and stakeholder expectations, ensuring transparency around scope, outcomes, and value realization.
• Provide technical leadership to the Emerging Technology team, ensuring adherence to sound engineering and architectural practices.

Basic Qualifications:

• Proven innovation leader with experience managing specialized, diverse teams pursuing challenging and ambiguous goals.
• 12+ years of software development experience with at least 8 years managing medium to large technology projects.
• 5+ years experience in delivering projects involving emerging tech such as Mobile/Wearables, IoT, Game Engines, CV, NLP, and Advanced ML.
• Track record of leading and driving initiatives to the next level, with a focus on delivering business value, being on time and within budget.
• Ability to deconstruct complex problems and help teams create clarity out of ambiguous or conflicting requirements.
• Ability to simultaneously manage teams on multiple engineering projects of significant complexity.
• Ability to navigate a large, complex stakeholder environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Recent experience delivering Next Gen projects using emerging technologies such as CV, NLP, ML, IoT, Recommendations and Predictions, Robotics and Automation, Game Engines, Mixed Reality, Mobile and Wearables, advanced Security and Privacy, Wireless Networks (5G).
• Proven professional networking among technology companies across the Silicon Valley.

Required Education:

• BS or MS in Computer Science or equivalent quantitative field OR equivalent experience.

Preferred Education:

• MSCS/Engineering or related work experience.

About Disney Experiences:

Disney Experiences brings the magic of Disney stories and franchises to life through theme parks, resorts, cruise ships, unique vacation experiences, products and more around the world. Disney shines in the travel industry with six resort destinations in the United States, Europe and Asia; a top-rated cruise line; a popular vacation ownership program; and an award-winning guided family adventure business. Plus, Disneys global consumer products operations include the worlds leading licensing business; the worlds largest childrens publishing brands; one of the worlds largest licensors of games across all platforms; and Disney store locations around the world and on the web.

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.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

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, 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.