Executive - engineering

Walt Disney Imagineering's Technology Studio develops the software platforms and tools that power how Imagineers design and deliver world-class experiences. We are seeking an Executive, AI Platform Engineering to lead a transformative initiative: building the AI-first platform that will fundamentally change how Imagineering creates.

In this role, you will own two critical mandates. First, you will architect and deliver the AI platform that transforms Imagineering's design and delivery workflows-bringing modern AI capabilities directly into the hands of Imagineers. Second, you will lead the adoption of AI-powered developer infrastructure across WDI's software teams, radically improving engineering velocity and quality. You will inherit an existing engineering team while building out new capabilities, partnering closely with Disney Research and Advanced Development to bridge cutting-edge research with production-ready systems. The ideal candidate is a visionary builder who has scaled AI platforms before, brings an entrepreneurial mindset, and can rally teams around a new paradigm.

Position Responsibilities

• Define and execute the vision and roadmap for WDI's AI-first software platform, transforming how Imagineers design and deliver experiences

• Lead the implementation of AI-powered developer tools and infrastructure across WDI software teams

• Translate emerging AI capabilities into production-ready platform features that accelerate creative and engineering workflows

• Establish standards and best practices for AI-assisted development, improving engineering velocity and code quality

• Evaluate and integrate AI coding assistants, automated testing, and intelligent CI/CD capabilities

• Drive investment strategy and resource planning for AI platform initiatives

• Inherit and grow a high-performing engineering organization, recruiting top talent to expand platform capabilities

• Foster a culture of innovation, technical excellence, and rapid iteration

• Partner closely with Disney Research and Advanced Development to transition cutting-edge research into production systems

• Collaborate with Product Management to align platform capabilities with Imagineering priorities and user needs

• Engage with software development groups across WDI to drive adoption and gather feedback on AI infrastructure initiatives

• Build relationships with external technology partners and vendors to accelerate platform development

Basic Qualifications

• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in software engineering, platform development, or related technical fields

• Proven track record of building and scaling AI/ML platforms or infrastructure

• Experience leading and growing engineering teams, including hiring and developing technical talent

• Strong technical expertise in AI/ML systems, cloud platforms, and modern software architecture

• Demonstrated ability to translate research and emerging technologies into production-ready systems

• Experience driving organizational change and technology adoption across multiple teams

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels

• Strong strategic thinking and ability to balance long-term vision with near-term execution

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Computer Science, Machine Learning, or Artificial Intelligence

• Experience in entertainment, media, or creative technology industries

• Familiarity with AI-assisted developer tools and workflows

• Background partnering with research organizations to productize emerging technologies

Required Education

• Bachelor's degree in Computer Science or equivalent

The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $228,700 to $306,700 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.

Job ID: 10143457

Location: Glendale,California

Job Posting Company: Walt Disney Imagineering

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 [email protected] 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.