Senior Manager Platform Engineering

About the Role & Team

Walt Disney Imagineering is the creative force that imagines, designs, and brings to life all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions, and cruise ships worldwide. Working across a spectrum of disciplines that range from creative and conceptual to scientific and technical, Imagineers blend an innovative mixture of storytelling, art, science, and technology to create immersive experiences, memorable destinations, and innovative entertainment for families around the globe.

Nearly every project at Walt Disney Imagineering includes a first-of-its-kind. Innovation is in our DNA, and Imagineers constantly push the boundaries of technology and invent new goals as well as the solutions to achieve them. As Imagineers, one of our greatest rewards is knowing that the experiences and environments we create inspire others. The diversity of expertise at Imagineering makes us uniquely capable of influencing positive change in our communities and around the world. And knowing that we have helped make a difference is incredibly fulfilling and inspiring for all of us.

As the Sr. Manager of Platform Engineering in the Technology Studio at Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI), you will lead, strategize, and oversee the technical backbone powering our VFX (visual effects), BIM (Building Information Modeling), pre-Visualization pipelines, and Live Entertainment teams. This backbone allows Imagineers to create experiences across themed entertainment, immersive media, and advanced storytelling initiatives. This role requires a visionary leader with deep technical acumen and a passion for empowering creative teams to push the boundaries of what’s possible in visual storytelling.

You will report to the Software Development and Delivery Executive.

This is a Full-Time role.

What You Will Do

• Develop and implement the long-term vision, architecture, and roadmap for VFX infrastructure, ensuring scalability, reliability, and innovation to support current and future project needs.

• Balance the needs of the VFX team with the other users of the shared infrastructure backbone.

• Lead, mentor, and grow a multidisciplinary team of engineers, technologists, and pipeline specialists, fostering a culture of excellence, inclusion, and continuous improvement.

• Oversee day-to-day operations of technology platforms, including on-premises and cloud-based render farms, storage solutions, networking, and workflow automation.

• Collaborate with artists, supervisors, and production teams to design and refine asset management, rendering, and media pipelines that enable creative innovation while maintaining operational efficiency.

• Evaluate and adopt emerging technologies—such as real-time rendering, AI/ML tools, XR platforms, and new hardware—to enhance creative capabilities and production agility.

• Manage relationships with software/hardware vendors and service providers, ensuring alignment with WDI’s technology standards and project goals.

• Develop and manage departmental budgets, allocate resources effectively, and optimize investments in technology and infrastructure.

• Ensure all systems, platforms and data processes comply with Disney’s security, legal, and IP protection protocols.

• Work closely with creative leadership, project managers, IT, and other technical domains to synchronize project timelines and deliverables.

• Regularly present operational and project information to leadership.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• 8+ years of progressive experience in VFX, animation, or digital media technology roles, with at least 3 years in people management or technical leadership positions.

• Proven expertise in architecting and maintaining large-scale VFX or animation pipelines, infrastructure, and cloud solutions.

• Strong proficiency in programming/scripting languages such as Python, C++, or similar, and in relevant VFX software (e.g., Houdini, Maya, Nuke, Unreal Engine).

• Experience integrating real-time technologies, automation tools, and AI/ML workflows into production environments.

• Demonstrated track record of fostering innovation, adaptability, and operational excellence in technical teams.

• Excellent communication, collaboration, and leadership skills.

• Deep understanding of network architecture, data security, and intellectual property protection best practices.

• Experience working with both creative and technical stakeholders in high-pressure, deadline-driven environments.

• Proven experience initiating, managing, and completing $2m+ infrastructure projects.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Experience in themed entertainment, attraction development, or interactive/immersive media.

• Familiarity with cloud platform administration (AWS, Azure, or GCP).

• Knowledge of DevOps methodologies and CI/CD pipelines.

Education

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in computer science, Engineering, VFX Technology, or a related technical discipline (or equivalent experience).

Additional Information

Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits. 

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The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $155,700 to $208,700 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.