Lead Media Systems Engineer (Supervisory Duties)

Job Overview

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Compensation

Salary
Range $123,000.00 - $165,000.00
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Benefits

Health Insurance
Dental Insurance
Vision Insurance
Retirement Plan
Paid Time Off
Employee Discounts
Tuition Assistance

Job Description

Disney Entertainment and ESPN Product & Technology is a dynamic global organization that stands at the intersection of creativity and technology. Part of The Walt Disney Company, this group is comprised of engineers, product developers, designers, technologists, data scientists, and other experts who collaborate to build and evolve the technological infrastructure powering Disney's expansive media business worldwide. The team’s mission is to marry technology with storytelling to create world-class digital products that enhance the consumer experience across Disney’s portfolio including Disney+, Hulu, ESPN, ABC, and ABC News. These brands and platforms serve millions of people globally, extending the reach and impact of Disney’s unmatched storytelling legacy.

Within Disney Entertainment and ESPN Product & Technology, the Content Platforms & Operations team plays a pivotal role in the technical execution and operational management of Disney’s media content distribution and monetization. This includes managing media supply chains, theatrical and network transmission, localization, and maintaining the integrity and performance of Disney’s broadcasting networks on a global scale. This team's collaboration spans international regions such as EMEA, APAC, and LATAM, ensuring seamless content delivery and technological alignment worldwide.

The role of Lead Media Systems Engineer is a senior, highly skilled position that demands extensive expertise in media engineering. Focused on acquisition, production, and distribution of media content, the Lead Media Systems Engineer operates at the critical nexus of hardware and software technologies. They are responsible for supporting and advancing systems such as production control rooms, contribution/distribution infrastructure, cloud computing platforms, production software, and virtual environments. This position requires problem-solving for complex technical incidents, leadership within sustainment teams, and active participation in the design and implementation of innovative technology solutions to maintain Disney’s competitive edge.

The Lead Media Systems Engineer provides strategic oversight and hands-on expertise in technologies involving SDI and IP video routing, cloud platform management, broadcast control room equipment, and integrated broadcast networks. They manage incident escalations, interface with internal teams and external partners, and contribute to long-term technical planning and policy development with a focus on operational efficiency, scalability, and business alignment.

This full-time position is based in The Woodlands, TX, and offers a competitive salary ranging from $123,000 to $165,000 annually. The compensation package may also include bonuses, long-term incentive units, and a comprehensive suite of medical, financial, and other benefits tailored to the candidate’s experience and geographic location. Disney fosters a collaborative, innovative work environment where media engineers are encouraged to grow professionally while contributing to the evolution of Disney’s global media technology landscape. The Lead Media Systems Engineer acts not only as a technical expert but also a key influencer and leader within a fast-paced, evolving industry, driving solutions that have both operational impact and strategic business value.

Job Requirements

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
  • Minimum of 7 years relevant experience in media engineering leadership roles
  • Expert knowledge of broadcast control room equipment and infrastructure
  • Proficiency in microservices and DevOps tools
  • Scripting proficiency preferred
  • SMPTE standards certification required
  • Foundational cloud certification required
  • Advanced knowledge of compression technologies
  • Expertise in Evertz control and monitoring systems
  • Experience with media systems and vendors
  • Expert knowledge of broadcast and audio-visual equipment
  • Ability to read AutoCAD and technical documentation
  • Proven troubleshooting skills in broadcast and cloud environments
  • Physical ability to climb ladders, work on raised structures, operate aerial lifts
  • Valid driver’s license required

Job Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
  • 7 plus years of relevant experience leading media engineering and live media production environments
  • Expert knowledge of broadcast control room equipment and infrastructure
  • Proficiency in microservices, DevOps tools, design principles, practices, standards, and guidelines
  • Scripting skills in Python, NodeJS, Bash, or PowerShell preferred
  • Proficient in SMPTE broadcast standards with current certifications such as ST 292M, ST 424M, ST 2110, ST 2059, IEEE1588, ST 2022-7, SCTE-104
  • Advanced knowledge of on-prem and cloud-based storage and compute infrastructure platforms
  • Foundational cloud certification such as Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, CompTIA Cloud+, or AWS Certified Solutions Architect
  • Deep understanding of compression techniques including MPEG2/4, HEVC, JPEG 2000, and JPEG XS
  • Expertise in Evertz software control systems and monitoring tools
  • Advanced knowledge of media systems including asset management, file-based workflows, transcoding/encoding, graphics, NAS/SAN technologies
  • Expert in Nielsen (NACAT), VANC, Linear Acoustics systems
  • Skilled in receiver decoders, timing of media systems, and media file formats
  • Ability to interpret AutoCAD and technical drawings
  • Demonstrated expert troubleshooting in IP broadcast equipment, studio technology, file-based workflows, production control systems, and transmission systems
  • Proven AWS and cloud technology troubleshooting experience

Job Duties

  • Respond to and resolve acquisition, production, and content distribution issues including system outages and technical problems
  • Utilize system health and performance monitoring tools to troubleshoot and repair system failures
  • Analyze and troubleshoot streaming audio/video signals in SDI and IP 2110 environments
  • Analyze and troubleshoot cloud platforms
  • Support third-party service providers ensuring compliance with service agreements
  • Select, train, motivate, and evaluate technical staff, providing training and corrective actions
  • Oversee procurement, maintenance, and inventory of media technology equipment and supplies
  • Lead long range planning for media technology improvements
  • Develop and implement technology policies and procedures to align with business goals
  • Lead operational support and preventative maintenance of broadcast and production systems
  • Participate in engineering projects and review system documentation
  • Engage in continuous training and development
  • Influence organizational strategy and program-level outcomes
  • Manage priorities and deliverables in a fast-paced environment
  • Exercise critical-thinking and innovative problem solving
  • Perform other duties to meet business objectives

Job Criteria

Experience

Expert Level (7+ years)


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