Job Requirements

Technology is at the heart of Disney’s past, present, and future. Disney Entertainment and ESPN Product & Technology is a global organization of engineers, product developers, designers, technologists, data scientists, and more – all working to build and advance the technological backbone for Disney’s media business globally.

The team marries technology with creativity to build world-class products, enhance storytelling, and drive velocity, innovation, and scalability for our businesses. We are Storytellers and Innovators. Creators and Builders. Entertainers and Engineers. We work with every part of The Walt Disney Company’s media portfolio to advance the technological foundation and consumer media touch points serving millions of people around the world. 

Here are a few reasons why we think you’d love working here:

1. Building the future of Disney’s media: Our Technologists are designing and building the products and platforms that will power our media, advertising, and distribution businesses for years to come.

2. Reach, Scale & Impact: More than ever, Disney’s technology and products serve as a signature doorway for fans' connections with the company’s brands and stories. Disney+. Hulu. ESPN. ABC. ABC News…and many more. These products and brands – and the unmatched stories, storytellers, and events they carry – matter to millions of people globally. 

3. Innovation: We develop and implement groundbreaking products and techniques that shape industry norms, and solve complex and distinctive technical problems.

Content Platforms & Operations is responsible for the development and ongoing advancement of the technical and operational functions driving the worldwide distribution and monetization of Disney’s linear networks and theatrical content. This includes Disney’s media supply chain and storage, network and theatrical distribution operations, media localization, network transmission and origination, and more. The global team also plays a critical role as the primary collaboration point for Product & Technology with Disney’s EMEA, APAC, and LATAM regional business teams.

Job Summary:

The DC3 Disney Entertainment & ESPN Transmission team supports the 24/7 monitoring and operational sustainment of ABC linear and digital distribution, along with the Disney Kids and Family Cable Networks (Disney Channel, Freeform, Disney XD, and Disney Junior), including National Geographic and the FX family of networks.

The DC3 Transmission Team is responsible for ABC Television Network distribution to more than 200 over-the-air affiliate stations from our primary uplink site. The team also manages ABC-OTTO over-the-top operations distribution for DMVPD (Digital Multichannel Video Programming Distributor) partners, including Hulu + Live TV and others. As part of the cable and satellite distribution portfolio of services, this data center also houses disaster recovery systems for ESPN, ESPN2, SEC Network, and ACC Network.

As a member of our highly skilled, 24/7 DC3 Transmission Team, you can expect to work with cutting-edge technology and be responsible for high-profile content supporting our linear and digital networks. In 2023, our Transmission team acquired more than 23,000 contribution feeds in support of studio shows and live sports and entertainment events across ABC, ABC-OTV, FX, Disney, Disney XD, and Disney+ networks.

If you are looking for a fast-paced operational environment where you will be challenged every day to work at a high level on high-profile events, Disney Entertainment & ESPN Technology and the Transmission Team is the right place to bring your talents, experience, and expertise!

• Demonstrate an understanding of signal measurement and related procedures.
• Apply fundamental knowledge of MPEG-2, MPEG-4, and HEVC digital compression systems to support distribution for TWDC’s family of networks, including ESPN, ABC, Freeform, Disney Channels, FX, and National Geographic.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of satellite, fiber, and IP-based transport, including HLS, RTMP, SRT, unicast, and multicast.
• Interact with internal departments and external service providers to plan day-to-day live feed acquisition.
• Troubleshoot and resolve daily operational issues, working closely with other Disney Entertainment and ESPN departments and external business partners.
• Recommend corrective actions when appropriate.
• Perform quality control and take corrective action to enhance the product.
• Understand and follow applicable SOPs and workflows for assigned Transmission areas of responsibility.
• Develop an understanding of the operational functionality of the Evertz IRM operating system, a critical component of Transmission operations.
• Demonstrate a basic understanding of streaming technology and workflows associated with digital offerings, including ESPN+, STAR+, ESPN3, TVE, and ABC OTTO.
• Participate in interdepartmental meetings involving projects or issues affecting the Transmission department.
• Assist with special projects as assigned by department management.
• Stay current on industry trends and emerging technologies.

Responsibilities and Duties of the Role:

• Develop proficiency across the various disciplines and areas of expertise within Transmission, including video, RF, IP transport stream analysis, affiliate reception issues, and FCC compliance, as well as the tools and signal flows supporting these areas.
• Provide suggestions for modifying procedures and processes to create more streamlined workflows.
• Take diagnostic and corrective action to resolve transmission issues associated with contribution or distribution signals.
• Monitor network signals and initiate corrective actions as needed.
• Maintain knowledge of new technologies and workflows to support various assignments.
• Comply with company and departmental SOPs and other applicable policies.
• Contribute to analysis and problem-solving efforts needed to support the operation.
• Understand routine technical and operational information and demonstrate comprehension through operational accuracy.
• Stay current on industry trends and next-generation technology.
• Work a 24/7 schedule in a fast-paced, high-profile Technical Operations Center (TOC).
• Work nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Demonstrate strong teamwork and contribute positively to accomplishing team goals.

Basic Qualifications:

• 1+ years of experience in broadcasting, military training, or related high-tech experience in a multimedia facility.
• Awareness of digital distribution equipment used in audio and video satellite uplinks and downlinks for television broadcast transmission.
• Awareness of MPEG-2, MPEG-4, and HEVC digital compression systems.
• Awareness of encryption systems used for front-haul and back-haul transmission applications.
• Basic knowledge of over-the-top streaming distribution.
• Basic knowledge of RF-related test equipment.
• Basic knowledge of IP-based transport, including HLS, RTMP, SRT, unicast, and multicast.
• Basic knowledge of bonded cellular technology.
• Basic computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience working as a technical individual contributor in a 24/7 Technical Operations Center (TOC) environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• College technical degree, military experience, or equivalent practical experience preferred.

Required Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

PAY TRANSPARENCY

The hiring range for this position in The Woodlands, TX is $70,700 -$94,800 per year based on a 40 hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. 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.

This position is with Disney Entertainment & Sports LLC, which is part of a business we call Disney Entertainment and ESPN Product & Technology.

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Disney Entertainment & Sports LLC is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, visit the Disney candidate disability accommodations FAQs. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

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