Video Play Architect

NBCUniversal • New York, NY

23h • Hybrid

About The Position

The Global Video Engineering team is looking for a technically strong Architect to design next-generation playback systems that serve millions of users worldwide. In this role, you architect and guide solutions with a focus on achieving world class playback quality of experience, with expertise in video player workflows. This position will focus on video player solutions, including defining player framework API boundaries, optimizing device/network utilization, creating seamless ad experiences, and utilizing best software design practices with 3rd party integrations. The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator and collaborator who thrives in cross-functional environments and values diverse perspectives. We believe that inclusive teams create better solutions and welcome candidates who are passionate about building technology that reflects and serves a global, diverse audience. We are committed to building a workplace where everyone feels empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work.

Requirements

• 2+ years of experience in video player architecture or 4+ years in video player development.
• Hands-on experience implementing a major media playback framework, such as Media Source Extensions (web app), MediaCodec (Android), AVFoundation (iOS/tvOS), or Video node (Roku SceneGraph).
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to engage both technical and business audiences.
• Understands the needs of business, product, and technology.
• Demonstrates the ability to apply this knowledge to architecture design.

Nice To Haves

• Contributions to open-source video projects or participation in industry standards bodies.
• Proficiency in video formats and streaming protocols (e.g., HLS, MPEG-DASH, CMAF, H.264/H.265, AV1).
• Enhanced video technologies (UHD, HDR, Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos).
• OTT Video delivery to diverse clients (mobile, tablet, web, Connected TV, Game Consoles, STB) over varied access networks.
• Experience with DRM, watermarking, and token-based access control.

Responsibilities

• Design and document scalable, resilient, and high-performance video player workflows across Linear Channels, Live Events, and VOD Playback.
• Create and maintain detailed workstream level designs, sequence diagrams, and interface contracts for cross-team alignment.
• Incorporate non-functional requirements (performance, availability, security, and observability) into designs from the start.
• Partner with engineers to validate designs through prototypes, integration testing approaches, and rollout plans.
• Collaborate with engineering teams to translate design intent into implementable plans and acceptance criteria.
• Coordinate dependencies for your designs and surface risks/assumptions early.
• Participate in architecture reviews and incorporate feedback to improve quality and consistency.
• Evangelize best practices and interests of the video player in architecture and feature discussions.
• Contribute to shared documentation and operating procedures; improve how the organization captures decisions and system workflows.
• Stay current on streaming protocols, video delivery best practices, and emerging streaming technologies to apply them to your area.

Benefits

• medical, dental and vision insurance
• 401(k)
• paid leave
• tuition reimbursement
• a variety of other discounts and perks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed