Senior Manager, Systems Engineering

Senior Manager, Systems Engineering (New Build & Dry Docks) 

The Walt Disney Company is a world-class entertainment and technological leader. Walt’s passion was to continuously envision new ways to move audiences around the world—a passion that remains our touchstone in an enterprise that stretches from theme parks, resorts and a cruise line to sports, news, movies, and a variety of other businesses. Uniting each endeavor is a commitment to creating and delivering unforgettable experiences — and we’re constantly looking for new ways to enhance these exciting experiences. Bring your individual talents here and discover for yourself why a career with Disney is the opportunity you’ve been looking for. 

This role will report to Director, Technology — DCL New Build & Dry Docks.

About the Role 

The Senior Manager, Systems Engineering for Disney Experiences is a knowledgeable specialist and strategic leader responsible for shaping and delivering the systems engineering vision that powers magical guest and crew experiences across Disney Cruise Line new builds and related vacation offerings. You will lead multiple related engineering teams, set technical direction, and ensure our platforms and infrastructure are robust, secure, and ready to support innovative, large-scale experiences at sea and on shore. 

Focused on the standup and commissioning of all infrastructure and systems for a ship’s operations, this role spans both Disney Cruise Line New Build and Dry Dock Capital efforts—partnering with key stakeholders across all departments to deliver each ship from initial concept through final installation and go-live. 

Responsibilities 

In this management role, you will provide leadership to other leaders and professional staff, developing departmental plans and priorities that align with Disney Experiences’ strategic goals and the unique demands of Disney Cruise Line new builds. You will allocate resources across multiple systems engineering teams, guide complex initiatives from concept through delivery, and mentor leaders and engineers to think strategically, collaborate effectively, and prioritize work that advances both current operations and future guest experiences. 

• Lead and mentor multiple systems engineering teams, including other managers and senior engineers, ensuring clarity of vision, priorities, and performance expectations across all work streams. 

• Define and drive systems engineering strategies and roadmaps for Disney Cruise Line new builds, connecting team responsibilities to broader Disney Experiences objectives and long-term technology evolution. 

• Develop departmental plans, set organizational priorities, and allocate budget and resources to balance near-term delivery with strategic investments in infrastructure, reliability, and security. Own the financial planning, budget management, and capital stewardship of multi-million-dollar complex projects—including cost forecasting, variance management, vendor and contract spend oversight, and executive-level capital reporting from concept through commissioning. 

• Oversee the design, implementation, and operations of complex systems and infrastructure (compute, storage, networking, and cloud/on-prem platforms) that support shipboard and shoreside environments at scale. 

• Collaborate closely with product, operations, cruise, and technology partners to understand requirements, define project scopes and timelines, and ensure solutions are customer-focused, reliable, and service-minded. 

• Provide continuous coaching, feedback, and development opportunities for leaders and engineers, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and career growth. 

• Champion Disney values by creating an inclusive, team-oriented environment where diverse perspectives are encouraged, and creative problem solving is recognized and rewarded. 

• Partner with security, portfolio, and finance teams on capital planning, prioritization, and risk management for major systems engineering initiatives and platform transformations. 

• Guide continuous improvement of engineering practices, operational procedures, and observability to enhance system reliability, performance, and supportability across global locations. 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external partners, including vendors and cross-functional Disney teams, to align on priorities and deliver integrated solutions for cruise and resort experiences. 

• Lead performance plan