Principal Software Architect

Job Posting Title:

Principal Software Architect

Req ID:

10117307

Job Description:

“We Power the Magic!” That’s our motto at Disney Experiences (DX). Our team creates world-class immersive digital experiences for the Company’s premier vacation brands including Disney’s Parks & Resorts worldwide, Disney Cruise Line, Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, and Disney Vacation Club.

The Principal Software Architect will drive strategic vision and innovation across the Digital Content domain by defining and evolving application development processes, standards, and best practices. This role involves architecting scalable, high-performance solutions aligned with industry-leading configuration principles to address complex challenges in digital content delivery, language localization, asset management, and personalized guest experiences.

Key responsibilities include providing architectural guidance to delivery teams while collaborating with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure solutions are technically robust and aligned with business objectives. Approximately 80% of the role focuses on architectural solutioning, with the remaining 20% dedicated to hands-on activities such as code reviews, technical validation, and knowledge sharing.

Success in this role requires deep expertise in digital content platforms, a strong grasp of agile development methodologies, and a track record of implementing enterprise-grade, content-driven solutions. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with a practical mindset, committed to enhancing development efficiency, scalability, and the delivery of exceptional digital experiences.

Responsibilities:

• Architect Sustainable Solutions: Partner with teams to design and implement cost-effective, scalable solutions adhering to Enterprise Content Management strategic standards.

• Technical Design and Integration: Translate business requirements into detailed technical designs, including blueprints, schemas, and integration with digital content and personalization systems.

• Maintain Technical Currency: Provide leadership to ensure all GCx components are up to date with the latest approved technologies and releases.

• Advance Technical Knowledge: Stay current with the latest development techniques, methodologies, and tools; apply innovative findings to projects.

• Enhance Platform Capabilities: Mature capabilities like content aggregation, multi-channel delivery, personalization, language support, asset integration, and workflow automation.

• Optimize Performance: Define best practices for maintaining performance, scalability, and reliability of digital content and guest contextualization solutions.

• Enable Continuous Delivery: Architect solutions that support continuous integration, delivery, and full system availability.

• Efficient Estimation: Provide high-level estimates for project planning and impact analysis, even in ambiguous scenarios.

• Collaborative Leadership: Guide diverse technical teams, challenge the status quo, and propose innovative solutions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Qualifications:

• Proven Expertise: 10+ years of experience in software architecture and development, with 5+ years influencing highly technical professionals across diverse portfolios.

• Leadership Excellence: Confidently lead multiple projects across teams and organizations, fostering creativity and innovation in an inclusive culture that values diverse perspectives and promotes belonging.

• Strategic Decision-Making: Agile and adept at making quick decisions to address complex technical and operational challenges, ensuring efficient and effective solutions.

• Technical Presentation Skills: Eloquent and professional communicator with demonstrated ability to present to groups, C-suite executives, and leadership in both in-person and virtual environments.

• Technical Mastery: Extensive experience in Java, .NET, C#, and integrated cloud solutions (AWS), as well as CI/CD platforms like Jenkins, Harness, and GIT source control.

• AI and Modern Solutions: Architect scalable solutions leveraging AI technologies, large language models (LLMs), and frameworks like Google Flutter for cross-platform development.

• Advanced Platform Expertise: Proficient in NoSQL and semi-structured databases (MongoDB, Snowflake, Couchbase), headless content management systems, server-driven mobile interfaces, and digital content platforms (RWS Tridion, OpenText, Adobe Experience Cloud).

• Operational Efficiency