Job Summary

At Walt Disney Animation Studios we have a deep commitment to the philosophy that creativity inspires technology, and technology inspires creativity. Engineers in our Production Technology department are charged with developing and implementing new algorithms to solve unique and challenging problems for all of our animated content. We do this working alongside a user base that shares a collaborative environment with us, and uses the code we develop to make our feature films.

We are looking for an engineer to join our Story & Editorial Tools team. This engineer will partner closely with artists, technical directors, and fellow team members to innovate the way our Story and Editorial teams work using a variety of technologies. Besides supporting our internal teams, this engineer will collaborate with other divisions at The Walt Disney Studios who also leverage our tools and technology. Exemplary communication skills, teamwork, and problem-solving abilities will be paramount to the success of this role.

Projects Include:

• Develop and Support Raconteur, our primary, macOS native, storyboarding application.
• Develop and support StoryPad our iPad-based storyboarding tool. This may include modifications to Meander, our Academy Award-winning drawing software.
• Develop applications and API’s that interface with the AVID Media Composer using AAF and OTIO.

What does it mean to be a developer at Walt Disney Animation Studios?

• Our engineers get the opportunity to work on the full stack of our tools, from developing the underlying algorithms through building intuitive artist-friendly interfaces.
• Work hand in hand with artists and a team of cross-site developers to make the tools we need for the incredibly complex characters/environments featured in our content.
• Develop on top of a highly performant, extendable in-house application framework.
• Develop new artist-centric interaction models using the latest hardware and technologies.

You will succeed in this role if you have:

• The ability to quickly produce clear, testable code, with excellent problem solving, troubleshooting, and debugging skills.
• Ability to collaborate with team members across different disciplines, including directly interfacing with stakeholders to understand requirements.
• Exemplary communication, teamwork, prioritization, and problem-solving skills, balancing the timeliness of solutions with their sustainability.

Key Qualifications:

• 1-5 years designing and developing complex user facing software
• Proficiency in C++ (or Objective-C)
• Knowledge of macOS development, specifically the frameworks used within
• Proficiency in Swift

Bonus Qualifications:

• An understanding of Story processes and workflows used in filmmaking, including any experience with Story Boarding tools.
• Python Experience
• Proficiency with a SQL Database such as Postgres
• Masters in Computer Science

Required Education:

• BS in Computer Science, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering or equivalent experience.

The hiring range for this position in California is $112,586.00 to $151,030.00 per year, which factors in various geographic regions. 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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