Manager, Technology Infrastructure

At Walt Disney Animation Studios (WDAS) we believe that creativity inspires technology, and technology inspires creativity. The Platform and Infrastructure group within the Technology department is responsible for the design, implementation, and support of the critical infrastructure behind the content our studio creates. We are looking for a Manager to join the team in these efforts.

The Manager, Technology Infrastructure role will lead the Data Center and Network Engineering teams, which are made up of engineers and systems administrators that partner with production stakeholders to support critical infrastructure required for content creation at the Studio. Managers are expected to demonstrate effective leadership, build strong relationships, and have a strong understanding of the domains they oversee. They must build partnerships with technical and non-technical users, understand their needs, and deliver relevant, sustainable solutions that align with initiatives for both our Burbank and Vancouver studio locations.

Our studio thrives from a wide variety of technical backgrounds and experiences, therefore we encourage applicants to apply even if they do not match all requirements listed below. Bring your unique talents and ideas to our team, and join Disney’s creative legacy.

The Data Center & Network Engineering teams at WDAS have an exciting variety of responsibilities. These include:

• Architecture and support of enterprise server infrastructure, data storage, and computer systems

• Infrastructure and services for Cloud systems, hardware backend for virtualization platforms like VMware

• Critical systems monitoring

• Data management & archiving, backup & disaster recovery

• Electrical and mechanical requirements for dedicated technology areas

• General data center and technical space operations

• Internal and external network architecture and implementation

• Connectivity to other studio locations, the broader Disney company, and service providers

• Maintaining a strong security posture across all Data Center and Network technologies

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the Data Center and Network Engineering teams, providing technical guidance for various efforts, and personnel management of team members

• Lead team members to drive overall direction and create short- and long-term vision for the team’s areas of responsibilities

• Track and manage all team projects using tools visible to stakeholders and collaborators (Jira), oversee delegation of efforts across different roles

• Provide mentoring to systems engineers, systems administrators and support roles on the team, ensuring a path of growth for each team member

• Achieve and maintain a working high-level knowledge of the technology and technical workflows used at the Studio

• Work with other technology and Studio leaders to create and execute a holistic strategy for Infrastructure technology

• Foster relationships with neighboring technology groups, ensuring successful collaboration when needed

• Oversee creation of relevant technology budgets each year, covering all major initiatives, renewal of equipment, expansion, and disposition

• Work with the team to keep track of all service contracts, maintenance schedules and other important timelines for equipment and services

• Manage and maintain relationships with 3rd party vendors, consultants and industry representatives

Requirements:

• 8+ years of related experience in an IT or Systems environment

• Advanced knowledge of common enterprise data center and network technologies and administration practices

• Proven experience managing technical teams and projects with competing priorities

• Experience with Project and asset management tools such as Jira or ServiceNow

• Excellent communication skills

Preferred:

• Prior experience working in a Media, Entertainment, Games, or Animation production environment

• Prior experience as a Network Engineer, strong understanding of network technologies architectural principles and protocols

• Prior experience as a System Engineer supporting enterprise environments with a large sever footprint and scale-out storage

• Prior experience supporting a data center, including large installations of equipment & operations

• Strong familiarity with commercial electrical and mechanical systems

Required Education:

• Bachelor's degree in computer science, Computer Engineering, Information Technology or other related technical field, or equivalent work experience

The hiring range for this position in California is $136,100.00-$182,400.00 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.