Media Systems Engineer II (Project Hire) at Disney Entertainment & ESPN Technology

Department / Group Overview

Disney Entertainment & ESPN Technology (DEET) mission is to delight consumers worldwide with the news, entertainment, and sports content they want most, with more choice, personalization, and convenience than ever before.

Comprised of Disney’s international media businesses and the Company’s streaming and linear services, the DEET Media Engineering segment aligns technology, content, and distribution platforms to expand the Company’s global footprint to deliver world-class, personalized entertainment experiences to consumers around the world.

DEET is responsible for The Walt Disney Company’s direct-to-consumer businesses globally, including the ESPN+ sports streaming service, programmed in conjunction with ESPN; Disney+, the Disney-branded direct-to-consumer streaming service; global advertising sales and ad technology for all of Disney’s media properties, including ABC, ESPN, Freeform, FX Networks, National Geographic, and the Disney Channels; HotStar, the leading over-the-top streaming service in India; and the Company’s majority ownership stake in Hulu.

Job Summary:

Disney Media Engineers have a clear charter: to transform the capability and flexibility of how Disney acquires, produces, and distributes content worldwide, all while ensuring the highest levels of quality, efficiency, and resiliency.

Disney Media Engineers often find themselves at the crossroads between hardware and software-based technology and must possess a comprehensive theoretical and practical understanding of the technology that powers the generation, monetization, and distribution of all forms of consumer- facing linear and digital video/audio content. Responsibility includes numerous systems such as Playout Technology, Studios, Production Control Rooms, Remote Production, Post-Production, Contribution/Distribution Systems, Networking, Cloud Compute, Production Software and Virtual Environment and more.

The Media Systems Engineer II - Project Hire position is another step toward technical proficiency. The Media Systems Engineer II (PH) primarily focuses on architecting, designing, and constructing the varied technical platforms that power our linear and digital platforms. The Media Systems Engineer II (PH)7 position will work closely under the direction of more senior engineers and 3rd party partners to develop technology that efficiently and effectively delivers on the requirements set forth by technical, business or operations leaders.

Responsibilities and Duties of the Role:

• Architect, design, source, and construct media technology environments that allow DEE Technology the ability to acquire, produce, store, stream, distribute our content.
• Resolve issues that affect production, broadcast, and content distribution across multiple DEET networks including system outages, malfunctions, and related technical problems, and conduct diagnostic testing, repair, and replacement activities necessary to solve routine, specialized, and complex problems.
• Analyze and troubleshoot streaming audio/video signals in traditional SDI and IP 2110 essence flow routing environments.
• Analyze and troubleshoot cloud platforms as necessary.
• Manage third-party service providers by enforcing the agreed upon scope of services within the various signed service agreements (i.e., full time, freelance, union agencies, maintenance providers, contractors, service providers, etc.).
• Select, train, motivate and evaluate technical staff; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement discipline procedures.
• Specify and procure equipment, supplies and materials for Media technology systems within budget guidelines; receive and maintain equipment and supplies.
• Develop long range plans for future media technology needs, including capital improvements, to enhance production and distribution capabilities.
• Assist in the development and implementation of policies and procedures regarding technology facilities with a focus on maximizing the integration of all systems to meet business, marketing, and entertainment goals.
• Provide operational support of all activities related to operating, maintaining, and programming the audio and video production/distribution systems across the enterprise and other connected properties.
• Utilize system software health and performance monitoring platforms; troubleshoot and participate in repairing system problems and failures, participates in maintenance of systems, installs software patches, updates etc., to resolve and avoid service problems, and troubleshoots system problems as they relate to these services
• Performs upgrades to system hardware and software workflows under the supervision of a more experienced engineer or supervisor.
• Participates in complex engineering projects at the direction of more experienced engineers.
• Reviews, maintains, and contributes to system/workflow documentation.
• Participates in training and development objectives. Conducts peer training and development sessions.
• Extraordinary influencer who is skilled at connecting the dots at the organization, strategy, program, project, and event levels. Able to persuade and change the thinking of others without damaging relationships.
• Comfort working in a fast-paced, growth environment with minimal direction, delivering under tight deadlines while multitasking, prioritizing projects, and communicating priority updates to team members.
• Able to operate with limited resources, exhibit dispassionate critical-thinking, and creatively solve problems. Motivated and inventive, always finds a way forward—eternal optimist with a committed drive for contributing and making a difference.
• Any other duties needed to help achieve Business Objectives

Required Education, Experience/Skills/Training:

Minimum Qualifications:

• 3-4 years years of demonstrated and relevant experience in leading others ensuring efficient design/build, uptime, and overall stability of the technical environments of live media production and distribution.
• Bachelor’s Degree in electrical engineering, computer science or equivalent major, and/or equivalent work experience.
• Competent with video, audio and graphics editing systems, software and related workflows.
• Ensures assigned service requests are completed in a timely manner, meeting or exceeding customer’s expectations.
• Scripting proficiency will be an advantage (Python, NodeJS, Bash, PowerShell)
• Knowledge and experience with integrating, implementing, or refreshing broadcast control room equipment, including familiarity with modern broadcast cabling infrastructure used in broadcast environments.
• Proficient in SMPTE standards for broadcast television and video production/streaming environments with a current certification such as not limited to ST 292M, ST 424M, ST 2110, ST 2059, IEE1588, ST 2022-7, SCTE-104, etc.
• 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, including but not limited to Microsoft Certified: Microsoft Azure Fundamentals, CompTIA Cloud+, AWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate.
• Knowledge and experience with compression techniques such as MPEG2/4, HEVC, JPEG 2000, and JPEG XS.
• 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.
• Knowledge and experience with major media systems and the vendors that supply them in areas such as asset management systems, file-based workflows, media acquisition, transcoding/encoding, graphics, and NAS/SAN technologies
• Knowledge and experience with Nielsen (NACAT), VANC equipment, Linear Acoustics, and other related systems.
• 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. Proficiency in at least one of the following languages: Perl, Python, Ruby, Shell, C or C++.
• Advanced track record for designing and building IP-based broadcast equipment including one or more of the following:
  •  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 like enterprise Media Asset Management systems (Cloud-based Cloud Compute or Local Network-based) including storage, compute, encode and distribution.
  • Production control systems such as Imagine Communications or Grass Valley automation systems, Riedel trunking, Lawo, Calrec, Evertz, Ross and others.
  • Transmission systems such as RF (Radio Frequency), Satellite Distribution, Fiber Distribution, etc.
  • AWS Infrastructures and other cloud-based technologies including S3/Glacier storage and cloud compute (EC2) services.
• Physical requirements and work environment: Ability to climb ladders, work on raised structures and building roofs, operate areal lift platforms and have valid driver’s license.

#DisneyTECH

The hiring range for this position in California is $78,900 to $105,700 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.