This includes creating tests for playback features such as Live Streaming, Seamless Ads playback, and Ident innovation. We conduct A/B tests to thoroughly evaluate features and ensure they perform ...
This includes creating tests for playback features such as Live Streaming, Seamless Ads playback, and Ident innovation. We conduct A/B tests to thoroughly evaluate features and ensure they perform ...
This includes creating tests for playback features such as Live Streaming, Seamless Ads playback, and Ident innovation. We conduct A/B tests to thoroughly evaluate features and ensure they perform ...
This includes creating tests for playback features such as Live Streaming, Seamless Ads playback, and Ident innovation. We conduct A/B tests to thoroughly evaluate features and ensure they perform ...
Embedded Engineer
Philadelphia, PA · On-site
$40 - $50/hr
The ideal candidate should be comfortable reviewing run logs, identifying root causes, and working closely with engineering teams to improve media playback performance and reliability. Key ...
Embedded Engineer
Philadelphia, PA · On-site
$40 - $50/hr
The ideal candidate should be comfortable reviewing run logs, identifying root causes, and working closely with engineering teams to improve media playback performance and reliability. Key ...
OTT Test Engineer
Englewood, NJ · On-site
Validate video playback quality, UI/UX behavior, and overall application performance under different scenarios * Conduct testing for Live TV streaming, Video on Demand (VOD), and content metadata ...
OTT Test Engineer
Englewood, NJ · On-site
Validate video playback quality, UI/UX behavior, and overall application performance under different scenarios * Conduct testing for Live TV streaming, Video on Demand (VOD), and content metadata ...
You bring expertise across modern web technologies, video playback systems, streaming architectures, and consumer-facing applications at scale. You are passionate about engineering excellence ...
You bring expertise across modern web technologies, video playback systems, streaming architectures, and consumer-facing applications at scale. You are passionate about engineering excellence ...
OTT Test Engineer
Englewood, NJ · On-site
Validate video playback quality, UI/UX behavior, and overall application performance under different scenarios * Conduct testing for Live TV streaming, Video on Demand (VOD), and content metadata ...
Quick apply
OTT Test Engineer
Englewood, NJ · On-site
Validate video playback quality, UI/UX behavior, and overall application performance under different scenarios * Conduct testing for Live TV streaming, Video on Demand (VOD), and content metadata ...
The Product Leader will own driving the Prime Video playback roadmap that informs and drives actionable insights to deliver a world-class streaming experience for customers. Key job responsibilities ...
The Product Leader will own driving the Prime Video playback roadmap that informs and drives actionable insights to deliver a world-class streaming experience for customers. Key job responsibilities ...
This includes creating tests for playback features such as Live Streaming, Seamless Ads playback, and Ident innovation. We conduct A/B tests to thoroughly evaluate features and ensure they perform ...
This includes creating tests for playback features such as Live Streaming, Seamless Ads playback, and Ident innovation. We conduct A/B tests to thoroughly evaluate features and ensure they perform ...
The AVKit Engineering team within MGCT provides the media playback UI across Apple's innovative products. The team is responsible for implementing media application frameworks which support playback ...
The AVKit Engineering team within MGCT provides the media playback UI across Apple's innovative products. The team is responsible for implementing media application frameworks which support playback ...
This includes creating tests for playback features such as Live Streaming, Seamless Ads playback, and Ident innovation. We conduct A/B tests to thoroughly evaluate features and ensure they perform ...
This includes creating tests for playback features such as Live Streaming, Seamless Ads playback, and Ident innovation. We conduct A/B tests to thoroughly evaluate features and ensure they perform ...
Senior Software Engineer
$125K - $165K/yr
You'll focus on playback quality, startup time, latency, and cross-browser/device reliability, while making the SDK easy to integrate, observe, and extend. Success in this role requires strong ...
Senior Software Engineer
$125K - $165K/yr
You'll focus on playback quality, startup time, latency, and cross-browser/device reliability, while making the SDK easy to integrate, observe, and extend. Success in this role requires strong ...
The AVKit Engineering team within MGCT provides the media playback UI across Apple's innovative products. The team is responsible for implementing media application frameworks which support playback ...
The AVKit Engineering team within MGCT provides the media playback UI across Apple's innovative products. The team is responsible for implementing media application frameworks which support playback ...
Senior Principal Video Player and Video Encoding Engineer
Nashville, TN · On-site
$121K - $167K/yr
Define OVE playback and encoding architecture for live and linear streaming * Design encoding ladders, GOP structures, CMAF packaging profiles, and low-latency media preparation strategies * Develop ...
Senior Principal Video Player and Video Encoding Engineer
Nashville, TN · On-site
$121K - $167K/yr
Define OVE playback and encoding architecture for live and linear streaming * Design encoding ladders, GOP structures, CMAF packaging profiles, and low-latency media preparation strategies * Develop ...
Senior Product Manager Tech, Prime Video Experience Team
Seattle, WA · On-site
$144K - $190K/yr
The Product Leader will own driving the Prime Video playback roadmap that informs and drives actionable insights to deliver a world-class streaming experience for customers. Key job responsibilities ...
Senior Product Manager Tech, Prime Video Experience Team
Seattle, WA · On-site
$144K - $190K/yr
The Product Leader will own driving the Prime Video playback roadmap that informs and drives actionable insights to deliver a world-class streaming experience for customers. Key job responsibilities ...
Quality Engineer II - Fandango
Englewood Cliffs, NJ · Remote
$73K - $94K/yr
Fandango is seeking a Playback Quality Engineer to own quality strategy and execution for our cross-platform video streaming ecosystem. This role will be responsible for ensuring best-in-class ...
Quick apply
Quality Engineer II - Fandango
Englewood Cliffs, NJ · Remote
$73K - $94K/yr
Fandango is seeking a Playback Quality Engineer to own quality strategy and execution for our cross-platform video streaming ecosystem. This role will be responsible for ensuring best-in-class ...
Help ensure we provide a good playback experience across the different devices we support and help improve performance. * Mentor junior team members and provide constructive feedback such as in code ...
Help ensure we provide a good playback experience across the different devices we support and help improve performance. * Mentor junior team members and provide constructive feedback such as in code ...
ABOUT THE TEAM The Playback team at Audible owns the core playback logic and services, including players, content delivery, security, listening data, metrics and insights, and a unified SDK. This ...
ABOUT THE TEAM The Playback team at Audible owns the core playback logic and services, including players, content delivery, security, listening data, metrics and insights, and a unified SDK. This ...
Sr Video Streaming Engineer (Android)
Almont, CO · Remote
$70 - $80/hr
Build high-performance mobile experiences focused on video playback, streaming reliability, and application scalability * Develop and enhance features related to adaptive streaming, offline playback ...
Sr Video Streaming Engineer (Android)
Almont, CO · Remote
$70 - $80/hr
Build high-performance mobile experiences focused on video playback, streaming reliability, and application scalability * Develop and enhance features related to adaptive streaming, offline playback ...
ABOUT THE TEAM The Playback team at Audible owns the core playback logic and services, including players, content delivery, security, listening data, metrics and insights, and a unified SDK. This ...
ABOUT THE TEAM The Playback team at Audible owns the core playback logic and services, including players, content delivery, security, listening data, metrics and insights, and a unified SDK. This ...
AirPlay powers some of Apple's most beloved experiences, from multi-room audio playback to screen mirroring, and continues to scale to meet the demands of an ever-growing range of devices and ...
AirPlay powers some of Apple's most beloved experiences, from multi-room audio playback to screen mirroring, and continues to scale to meet the demands of an ever-growing range of devices and ...
Playback information
See salary details
$5.29 - $7.10
0% of jobs
$7.10 - $8.92
0% of jobs
$8.92 - $10.73
0% of jobs
$10.73 - $12.54
0% of jobs
$12.54 - $14.36
4% of jobs
$14.36 - $16.17
13% of jobs
$16.69 is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$16.17 - $17.99
27% of jobs
The median wage is $18.46 / hr.
$17.99 - $19.80
23% of jobs
$20.93 is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$19.80 - $21.61
12% of jobs
$21.61 - $23.43
12% of jobs
$23.43 - $25.24
8% of jobs
$5
$19
$25
How much do playback jobs pay per hour?
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Playback Engineer, and why are they important?
What does a Playback operator do?
What is the difference between Playback vs Sound Engineer?
| Aspect | Playback | Sound Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Credentials | Typically requires technical training or certification in audio/visual technology | Requires audio engineering certifications or degrees in sound design or related fields |
| Work Environment | Live events, theaters, concerts, and broadcast settings | Recording studios, live events, film sets, and broadcast stations |
| Industry Usage | Used in live performances to manage audio playback | Involved in recording, mixing, and sound design for various media |
While both Playback and Sound Engineer roles involve audio technology, Playback primarily focuses on managing pre-recorded audio during live events, whereas Sound Engineers handle recording, mixing, and sound design across different media. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and job expectations in the audio industry.
What are some common challenges faced by Playback Operators during live productions, and how can these be managed?

Full-time
Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO
Posted 5 days ago
Netflix rating
5.8
Based on 15 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
57th of 65 rated media
Job description
The Team
The TV & Web Player Platform team is responsible for developing streaming video players that deliver industry-leading playback experiences within the Netflix app on consumer electronic devices and web browsers. Our players operate on millions of devices, including Smart TVs, streaming sticks, game consoles, set-top boxes, and browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. We aim to delight our members with innovative playback features and exceptional streaming quality.
Our team is at the forefront of testing a diverse set of innovative activities related to product feature expansion. This includes creating tests for playback features such as Live Streaming, Seamless Ads playback, and Ident innovation. We conduct A/B tests to thoroughly evaluate features and ensure they perform optimally without regressions. We are deeply involved in continuous integration and release management testing of our video player, which is core to our operations. This critical function ensures the delivery of the best streaming experience to our members by maintaining high standards of quality and performance. Our team collaborates with various cross-functional teams across Netflix, including UI, Encoding, Streaming Algorithms, Security, and Open Connect, to support product development and experimentation through rigorous testing.
This team consists of engineers from diverse backgrounds, bringing expertise across multiple disciplines, including embedded systems, streaming media playback, content protection, client-server communication, networking protocols, continuous integration, test automation, experimentation, and software engineering. Our success is driven by self-motivated, collaborative, and curious engineers who prioritize the team's goals.
The Role
We are seeking a senior software engineer with deep expertise in test development, automation, CI/CD pipelines, and build and release processes to join our team. Your primary responsibilities will include designing and implementing complex automated tests and strategies that ensure the highest quality streaming experiences on both TV and Web devices. You will lead efforts to optimize and automate our build, integration, and release workflows, ensuring rapid and reliable delivery of new features and fixes. You will drive technical direction for test automation, mentor other engineers, and partner with cross-functional teams to solve challenging problems at scale.
What sets you apart?
- You take technical ownership of test development and automation, designing robust solutions that address complex and evolving challenges..
- You have hands-on experience improving and maintaining CI/CD pipelines, build systems, and release automation, ensuring high velocity and quality in software delivery.
- You proactively identify opportunities to improve streaming quality and reliability, using data and experimentation to drive continuous improvement.
- You communicate clearly and collaborate effectively across teams and disciplines to align on technical direction and deliver high-impact results.
- Demonstrated experience utilizing GenAI to accelerate test automation and/or streamline CI/CD/release processes.
What skills are essential to us?
- Extensive experience in software engineering with focus on test development
- Exceptional proficiency in JavaScript and/or Typescript.
- Strong experience with CI/CD tools (such as Jenkins, Spinnaker, or GitHub Actions), and a proven ability to automate and optimize build, integration, and release processes.
- Proven ability to drive quality through experimentation, including designing, running, and analyzing A/B tests to inform product and platform improvements.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a data-driven approach to identifying root causes and implementing effective solutions.
- Exceptional communication and collaboration skills, enabling you to work seamlessly across cross-functional teams and influence technical direction.
- Experience mentoring and leveling up peers through code reviews, technical guidance, and knowledge sharing.
- Nice to have: Experience in streaming media playback, architecture, and industry protocols relevant to video streaming.
Generally, our compensation structure consists solely of an annual salary; we do not have bonuses. You choose each year how much of your compensation you want in salary versus stock options. To determine your personal top of market compensation, we rely on market indicators and consider your specific job family, background, skills, and experience to determine your compensation in the market range. The range for this role is $388,000.00 - $558,000.00.
Netflix provides comprehensive benefits including Health Plans, Mental Health support, a 401(k) Retirement Plan with employer match, Stock Option Program, Disability Programs, Health Savings and Flexible Spending Accounts, Family-forming benefits, and Life and Serious Injury Benefits. We also offer paid leave of absence programs. Full-time hourly employees accrue 35 days annually for paid time off to be used for vacation, holidays, and sick paid time off. Full-time salaried employees are immediately entitled to flexible time off. See more details about our Benefits here.
Netflix is a unique culture and environment. Learn more here.
Inclusion is a Netflix value and we strive to host a meaningful interview experience for all candidates. If you want an accommodation/adjustment for a disability or any other reason during the hiring process, please send a request to your recruiting partner.
We are an equal-opportunity employer and celebrate diversity, recognizing that diversity builds stronger teams. We approach diversity and inclusion seriously and thoughtfully. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, ancestry, national origin, caste, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy, genetic makeup, marital status, or military service.
About Netflix
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Netflix is the world's leading streaming entertainment service with 222 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries, feature films and mobile games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any Internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.
Industry
Arts, entertainment, and recreation
Company size
5,001 - 10,000 Employees
Headquarters location
Los Gatos, CA, US
Year founded
1997