Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from ESPN
Job overview
The Principal Software Engineer at ESPN leads the design and development of cross-platform video player software, significantly impacting the streaming experience for Disney's media brands.
Responsibilities and impact
The role involves developing and maintaining the Rust and C/C++ player, optimizing performance on resource-constrained platforms, owning large features, collaborating with other teams, leading quality and stability strategies, and mentoring engineers.
Compensation and benefits
The salary ranges from approximately $184,300 to $270,700 depending on location, with potential bonuses, long-term incentives, and comprehensive medical and financial benefits.
Experience and skills
Candidates need 10+ years in software development, proficiency in C/C++ or Rust, embedded software and video playback experience, multi-threaded application development skills, and strong communication; streaming technology experience is preferred.
Career development
The position offers leadership opportunities, technical mentorship roles, and involvement in cutting-edge streaming technology projects within a major entertainment company.
Work environment and culture
The company culture emphasizes innovation, collaboration, high development standards, and delivering exceptional direct-to-consumer experiences in a dynamic tech environment.
Company information
ESPN is part of Disney Entertainment & ESPN Technology, focusing on evolving streaming and digital products for global audiences across multiple media brands.
Team overview
The candidate will join the native player engineering team responsible for cross-platform player development across devices like gaming consoles and set-top boxes.
Job location and travel
The job is based in USA tech hubs including New York City, Seattle, Morrisville NC, San Francisco, Santa Monica, and Glendale, with options for remote work not specified.
Unique job features
This role involves working on a cross-platform player using Rust and C/C++, targeting resource-constrained devices, and contributing to industry-leading streaming technology for major Disney brands.
Company overview
ESPN, or the Entertainment and Sports Programming Network, is a leading global sports media brand that provides a wide range of sports content through television, radio, digital platforms, and live events. They generate revenue primarily through advertising, subscription fees from cable providers, and licensing deals. Founded in 1979 by Bill Rasmussen, ESPN has grown to become a dominant force in sports broadcasting, known for its flagship program SportsCenter and its extensive coverage of major sports leagues and events.
How to land this job
Tailor your resume to highlight your extensive experience in C/C++ and Rust development, especially your work on video playback technologies and embedded software, as these are core to ESPN's Principal Software Engineer role.
Emphasize your expertise in cross-platform development, multi-threaded applications, and familiarity with streaming protocols like HLS or DASH, along with DRM technologies, to align with the job's preferred qualifications.
Apply through ESPN's official career site as well as LinkedIn and other job boards where ESPN listings appear to maximize your application reach and visibility.
Connect with current ESPN engineers and technical leads in the Media Engineering or Streaming Technology teams on LinkedIn; initiate conversations with ice breakers such as commenting on recent Disney+ or ESPN streaming innovations or asking about challenges in optimizing playback on resource-constrained devices.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'Rust', 'C/C++', 'video playback', 'embedded software', 'multi-threaded applications', 'HLS', 'DRM', and 'cross-platform development' to ensure it passes automated screenings.
Use Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate and tailor your applications, ensuring you apply through multiple platforms with an ATS-optimized resume and connect with relevant ESPN contacts efficiently, saving you valuable time during your job search.
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