Principal Core Systems Engineer

1 Week ago • 12 Years + • Game Engine

Job Summary

Job Description

As a Principal Core Systems Engineer, you will drive innovation and set technical direction for game engine and rendering technology at Disney Digital Entertainment. Responsibilities include developing technical design specifications, creating core software for new engine modules, enhancing existing functionality, solving complex challenges, influencing cross-organizational initiatives, establishing technical standards, and mentoring engineers. You will work extensively with Unreal Engine 5 and Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN), optimizing performance and contributing to cutting-edge projects. The role involves strong collaboration across multiple departments and requires expertise in C++ programming, game engine architecture, and rendering pipelines.
Must have:
  • 12+ years software development experience
  • Game engine and rendering systems expertise
  • C++ programming mastery
  • Technical design and leadership
  • Unreal Engine 5 and UEFN expertise

Job Details

Job Summary:

About the Role & Team

Disney Digital Entertainment, a division of Disney Experiences, is redefining how audiences interact with The Walt Disney Company—creating the ‘digital front door’ that unites all of Disney’s magic into a cohesive, interactive universe.

Disney Digital Entertainment is seeking a Principal Core Systems Engineer to drive innovation and set technical direction for game engine and rendering technology.

As a principal individual contributor, you will develop technical design specifications, create core software for new engine modules, and enhance existing functionality. Your expertise will solve the most complex challenges, influence cross-organizational initiatives, and establish technical standards for engine development.

This role can be based remotely in Sweden, Denmark, Finland or Norway.

What You Will Do

  • Technical Leadership: Develop and drive technical designs for game engine software systems, ensuring scalability, performance, and reliability.

  • Game Engine Expertise: Build and optimize core systems for Unreal Engine (UE) and Unreal Editor for Fortnite (UEFN), elevating engine capabilities to new heights.

  • C++ Mastery: Write and review clean, maintainable, and extensible C++ code, setting standards for quality and best practices.

  • Complex Problem Solving: Solve the most challenging software problems in innovative ways, leveraging deep technical expertise.

  • Technical Standards: Lead the creation and adoption of technical standards for engine programming across teams.

  • Cross-Organizational Initiatives: Contribute to initiatives that impact multiple departments, collaborating with peers and management to deliver cutting-edge solutions.

  • Performance Optimization: Architect solutions to improve system performance, including profiling and optimizing for speed and memory across CPU and GPU.

  • Mentorship and Evangelism: Guide and mentor engineers of all experience levels, fostering technical growth and advocating for new technologies and solutions.

  • Strategic Contribution: Drive leading-edge projects and initiatives, aligning efforts with organizational objectives and setting the technical direction for future development.

Required Qualifications & Skills

  • Expertise and Vision: 12+ years of progressively complex experience in software development, with a focus on game engine and rendering systems.

  • Technical Mastery: Recognized expertise in C++ programming, technical design, and building scalable, feature-rich engine systems.

  • Leadership and Influence: A proven track record of driving technical innovation and setting organizational standards.

  • Strategic Problem-Solving: The ability to tackle unique challenges and deliver impactful solutions across teams and departments.

  • Collaboration and Communication: Exceptional skills in working with internal and external stakeholders to align on complex technical initiatives.

  • Innovation and Mentorship: A passion for mentoring engineers and evangelizing new technologies and methodologies.

  • UE and UEFN Expertise: Deep experience with Unreal Engine 5 and the UEFN toolchain, with an understanding of modern rendering pipelines and techniques.

  • Education: A Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field is preferred.

Why Disney Digital Entertainment?

  • Be part of an innovative mission to deliver the next generation of Disney’s digital magic to fans around the globe.

  • Collaborate with premier talent to build scalable systems powering Disney’s most iconic franchises, including Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars.

  • Shape the backend systems for a groundbreaking new interactive experience and impact millions of players worldwide.

  • Work in a collaborative, global environment where innovation, creativity, and technical excellence thrive.

The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. Disney is committed to forming a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided the necessary accommodations to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive all benefits of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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About The Company

From classic animated features and exhilarating theme park attractions to cutting edge sports coverage, and the hottest shows on television, The Walt Disney Company has been making magic since 1923, creating unforgettable stories that connect with audiences around the world. And we’re just getting started!

The key to our success…. The Cast, Crew, Imagineers and Employees who honor Disney’s rich legacy by stretching the bounds of imagination to create the never-before-seen, bringing unparalleled entertainment experiences to people of all ages. Begin a career that delivers unparalleled creative content and experiences to audiences around the world and just imagine the stories you could be part of…

What is #LifeAtDisney like? It’s a series of magical moments with cast members and employees developing and telling our stories in the most innovative ways. Whether it’s a day spent as a Disney VoluntEAR, or celebrating the release of a new interactive experience, retail product or movie, our days are filled with the knowledge that we are creating entertainment experiences the whole family can enjoy. Follow @DisneyCareers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for a peek behind-the-curtain, and discover how you could connect to a world of stories with Disney!

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