Principal, Software Engineer, Payroll at Cast & Crew

Burbank, California, United States

Cast & Crew Logo
Not SpecifiedCompensation
Senior (5 to 8 years), Expert & Leadership (9+ years)Experience Level
Full TimeJob Type
UnknownVisa
Entertainment, TechnologyIndustries

Requirements

  • 10+ years of software engineering experience with strong expertise in backend and distributed system design
  • Advanced proficiency in .NET Core, C#, and microservices architecture
  • Proven experience with AI/ML and NLP integration in production systems
  • Hands-on experience building IDP-based workflows using AWS Textract, GCP Document AI, or similar platforms
  • Expertise in messaging systems (Kafka, AWS SQS), REST/gRPC APIs, and system observability
  • Deep knowledge of SQL and NoSQL technologies such as PostgreSQL and DynamoDB
  • Experience working with Redis, Elasticsearch, and scalable cloud-native infrastructure
  • Solid front-end understanding with React and integration best practices
  • Strong communication and documentation skills, with the ability to work independently in a collaborative environment
  • Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with payroll, finance, or labor compliance systems
  • Familiarity with domain-driven design (DDD), rule engines, and contract ingestion
  • Prior involvement in designing systems to ingest and apply union labor contracts and rate sheets
  • Exposure to RPA tools, automated testing frameworks, and platform observability patterns
  • Entertainment/media tech experience is a plus

Responsibilities

  • Architect scalable, event-driven microservices using .NET Core and AWS
  • Design resilient backend systems and services focused on high throughput, fault tolerance, and low latency
  • Build and optimize data pipelines using PostgreSQL, DynamoDB, Redis, and Elasticsearch
  • Implement AI/ML and NLP models to power smart payroll features
  • Integrate Intelligent Document Processing (IDP) pipelines to extract structured data from labor union contracts, including pay rules, deduction rules, and scale rates
  • Design systems that learn, adapt, and validate contractual logic in real time
  • Write production-grade code and frameworks in C#, React, and AWS infrastructure
  • Contribute to DevOps automation, CI/CD pipelines, and observability tooling
  • Collaborate closely with cross-functional teams to ensure architectural alignment and technical quality
  • Serve as a technical mentor and thought leader within the engineering organization
  • Integrate messaging platforms like Kafka or AWS SQS for distributed service communication
  • Implement RPA tools and APIs for automating manual processes in payroll workflows
  • Work with product and compliance teams to validate ingestion logic against real-world contracts

Skills

Key technologies and capabilities for this role

.NET CoreAWSPostgreSQLDynamoDBRedisElasticsearchAI/MLNLPmicroservicesevent-driven architectureIntelligent Document Processing

Questions & Answers

Common questions about this position

What is the salary for this Principal Software Engineer role?

This information is not specified in the job description.

Is this position remote or does it require office work?

This information is not specified in the job description.

What technical skills are required for this role?

The role requires 10+ years of software engineering experience with strong expertise in backend and distributed system design, advanced proficiency in .NET Core, C#, and microservices architecture, and proven experience with AI/ML and NLP integration.

What does the company culture at Cast & Crew look like?

Cast & Crew empowers creativity and supports the global entertainment industry, operating as a combined entertainment technology and services provider with a family of brands, and positions itself as a production’s best ally with the motto #OneCastOneCrew.

What makes a strong candidate for this Principal Engineer position?

A strong candidate has 10+ years of software engineering experience, advanced proficiency in .NET Core, C#, and microservices, proven AI/ML and NLP integration experience, and thrives in designing enterprise-grade platforms for complex domains like payroll compliance.

Cast & Crew

Digital solutions for entertainment production management

About Cast & Crew

Cast & Crew provides a range of digital solutions tailored for the entertainment industry, focusing on production management for film, television, and live events. Their tools help streamline administrative tasks such as payroll, human resources, and production management, making it easier for production companies, studios, and independent filmmakers to operate efficiently. The company's offerings include payroll management tools, purchase order management, screenwriting software, and digital onboarding solutions, all designed to simplify complex processes. Unlike many competitors, Cast & Crew emphasizes a comprehensive suite of services that integrate various aspects of production management, ensuring accurate and timely payments, efficient document handling, and insightful data reporting. The goal of Cast & Crew is to enhance the operational efficiency of entertainment productions while supporting the industry, including initiatives for the Canadian entertainment sector.

Burbank, CaliforniaHeadquarters
1976Year Founded
ACQUISITIONCompany Stage
Data & Analytics, Enterprise Software, EntertainmentIndustries
1,001-5,000Employees

Benefits

PTO
Family-leave time off
401(K)
Hybrid & remote work flexibility
Health, dental, & vision insurance
Employee referral program
Tuition reimbursement
Health and wellness programs

Risks

Shift towards blockchain solutions may disrupt traditional services like Cast & Crew.
WGA strike in 2023 causes production delays, impacting Cast & Crew's revenue.
AI-driven scriptwriting tools threaten traditional software like Final Draft.

Differentiation

Cast & Crew offers 24/7 online support and electronic payroll interfacing.
PSL3 software integrates internet convenience into production accounting.
Cast & Crew's staff expertise is a hallmark of their service quality.

Upsides

Increased demand for remote production tools boosts Cast & Crew's digital solutions.
Expansion of tax incentive programs enhances demand for tax credit management services.
Rise of independent creators increases need for scalable production management solutions.

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