Lead Media Systems Engineer

The Walt Disney Company • The Woodlands, TX

3d • Onsite

About The Position

Disney Entertainment and ESPN Product & Technology is seeking a Lead Media Systems Engineer to join their global organization. This team is responsible for building and advancing the technological backbone for Disney’s media business, blending technology with creativity to enhance storytelling and drive innovation. The Content Platforms & Operations division focuses on the development and advancement of technical and operational functions for worldwide distribution and monetization of Disney’s linear networks and theatrical content. This includes managing the media supply chain, storage, distribution operations, localization, and transmission. The Lead Media Systems Engineer will be an expert in media content acquisition, production, and distribution, with a deep understanding of hardware and software technologies. They will be part of a tiered sustainment model, acting as a key point of contact for escalated issues and focusing on the design and build of their areas of expertise to maintain Disney’s competitive technical edge. This role requires a strong understanding of the business context to make informed technical decisions and recommendations.

Requirements

• 7+ years of previous and relevant experience in leading others, developing technical strategies ensuring efficient sustainment, uptime, and overall stability of the technical environments of Media Engineering and live media production and distribution environments.
• Expert level knowledge and experience with integrating, implementing, or refreshing broadcast control room equipment, including familiarity with modern broadcast cabling infrastructure used in broadcast environments.
• Proficient with technologies like microservices, DevOps tools, design principles, practices, standards and guidelines.
• Scripting proficiency (Python, NodeJS, Bash, PowerShell) will be an advantage.
• Proficient in SMPTE standards for broadcast television and video production/streaming environments with a current certification such as ST 292M, ST 424M, ST 2110, ST 2059, IEE1588, ST 2022-7, SCTE-104, etc.
• Advanced level knowledge and experience with on-prem and cloud-based storage and compute infrastructure platforms and current technological offerings.
• At least one foundational cloud certification required (Microsoft Certified: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, CompTIA Cloud+, AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate).
• Advanced level knowledge and experience with compression techniques such as MPEG2/4, HEVC, JPEG 2000, and JPEG XS.
• Expert level knowledge and experience with Evertz software control systems such as frame control via VistaLink or Magnum, EQX/EXE routers, and their monitoring software VLPRO, SDVN, VIP, VUE, MVP.
• Advanced level knowledge and experience with major media systems and vendors in areas such as asset management systems, file-based workflows, media acquisition, transcoding/encoding, graphics, and NAS/SAN technologies.
• Expert level knowledge and experience with Nielsen (NACAT), VANC equipment, Linear Acoustics, and other related systems.
• Expert level knowledge and experience with coordinated receiver decoders IRDs, core devices, edge devices, timing of video and audio systems, audio and video media file formats are a plus.
• Ability to create, read and interpret AutoCAD and other technical drawing/documentation tools.
• Demonstrated expert troubleshooting and sustaining in one or more of the following: IP-based broadcast equipment (routers, switchers, audio boards, signal processers, encoder/decoder, video scalers, playback systems, etc.), Studio technology (video walls, cameras, VR set technology, image processing systems, touch screens, lighting, etc.), File-based workflows (enterprise Media Asset Management systems, storage, compute, encode and distribution), Production control systems (Imagine Communications or Grass Valley automation systems, Avid, Adobe, Viz, Dalet, Riedel trunking, Lawo, Calrec, Evertz, Ross, etc.), Transmission systems (RF, Satellite Distribution, Fiber Distribution, etc.).
• Proven track record for troubleshooting and sustainment knowledge of AWS Infrastructures and other cloud-based technologies including S3/Glacier storage and cloud compute (EC2) services.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent work experience

Responsibilities

• Respond to and resolve issues affecting content acquisition, production, and distribution across multiple DEE networks, including system outages and malfunctions.
• Conduct diagnostic testing, repair, and replacement activities to solve routine, specialized, and complex problems.
• Utilize system health and performance monitoring software to troubleshoot and repair system problems and failures.
• Participate in system maintenance, installing software patches and updates.
• Analyze and troubleshoot streaming audio/video signals in SDI and IP 2110 environments.
• Analyze and troubleshoot cloud platforms as necessary.
• Support third-party service providers by enforcing service agreements.
• Select, train, motivate, and evaluate technical staff, providing or coordinating training and addressing deficiencies.
• Support the procurement of equipment, supplies, and materials for Media technology systems within budget guidelines.
• Support long-range planning for future media technology needs, including capital improvements.
• Lead the development and implementation of policies and procedures for technology facilities, focusing on system integration.
• Lead operational support for all activities related to operating, maintaining, and programming audio and video production/distribution systems.
• Perform preventative maintenance on broadcast systems and equipment.
• Participate in engineering projects under the direction of more experienced engineers.
• Review and contribute to system/workflow documentation.
• Participate in regular training and development objectives.
• Act as an influencer, connecting organizational, strategic, program, project, and event levels.
• Persuade and change the thinking of others without damaging relationships.
• Operate in a fast-paced environment with minimal direction, delivering under tight deadlines while multitasking and prioritizing projects.
• Operate with limited resources, exhibit critical-thinking, and creatively solve problems.
• Contribute to business objectives through motivation and invention.

Benefits

• A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package.
• Full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Associate degree