Ride Development Engineer Senior

Job Summary:

Walt Disney Imagineering is the master planning, creative development, design, engineering, production, project management, and research & development arm of The Walt Disney Company. Its talented corps of Imagineers is responsible for the creation – from concept through installation – of all Disney Resorts, theme parks, and attractions. Disney Imagineers are uniquely talented individuals that bring together the best aspects of creativity, innovation, and passion. At Ride Engineering, it is our responsibility to move people through our stories in magical ways that bring these experiences to life! Ride Engineers bring optimism and solutions to design challenges that often seem impossible and partner with diverse creative talent to define and build one-of-a-kind experiences that bring fun and joy to millions of people all around the world. We Create to Inspire!

Ride Development Engineers work within a Project Engineering team and are responsible for every aspect of mechanical ride system design & development from concept through installation. They work on various innovative ride platforms, that include unique requirements for extreme duty cycles, high reliability, and inherent life safety. They must collaborate on diverse teams with technical and creative members and be comfortable in environments where scope and requirements change frequently.

The Ride Development Engineer Sr. will report to the Executive Ride Development Engineering.

You Will:

• Manage the entire scope to conceive, design, & deliver a wide variety of complex & innovative ride systems and related equipment, ensuring durability, reliability, and safety.
• “Clean sheet” concept design of entire Rides that meet creative intent and stakeholder requirements.
• Distill & negotiate technical requirements from high-level experience/story descriptions and artwork.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to define system requirements and interface specifications.
• Supervise the daily activities of an engineering & design team through all phases of work; design, mockups, production, installation, testing, turnover, and close-out efforts.
• Responsible for the development of scope, inspection, testing, hazard, and report documents.
• Responsible for Vendor/contractor management and oversight.
• Responsible for digital model and drawing, development & release.
• Lead large-scale proof of concept prototype & mock-up efforts; design/fab/test.
• Serve as the Ride Studio representative on the core Project team.
• Collaborate with the project procurement team to evaluate, bid, & award outside vendor contracts.
• Lead/oversee the installation of ride mechanical equipment, field support, and testing.
• Perform field installation/testing activities, including; equipment/site surveys, use of active fall protection equipment, and navigating the construction site with catwalks, ladders, scaffolding, lifts, and confined spaces.
• Domestic and international travel.
• Working variable hours and shifts.
• Contribute to recruiting and talent development.
• Participate and further enhance the culture and community of the Ride Studio.

You Will Have:

• Advanced engineering knowledge (e.g., statics, dynamics, tolerances, kinematics, stress/strain).
• Advanced engineering expertise (e.g., machine design, weldments, power train, materials).
• Proficiency with design tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Navisworks, AutoCAD, SketchUp, ANSYS, FEA, Matlab).
• Superior design sensibilities and creative problem-solving.
• Excellent written & verbal communication skills.
• Work collaboratively within a large and diverse team environment.
• Highly dependable, strong work ethic, with excellent time management skills.
• Willingness to learn new things and continually improve capabilities/skills.
• Positive and optimistic influence on team, department, and community.
• Comfortable working in a creative/chaotic environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Previous Disney or entertainment experience, with advanced knowledge of the industry.
• Experience with life safety design/requirements.
• Experience with prototype, development, and/or innovative products.
• Technical certifications (EIT, FE, PE).
• Ability to communicate complex technical concepts with non-technical audiences.
• Hands-on experience with equipment assembly, fabrication, and installation.
• Proactive/self-sufficient/able to work and add value with minimal oversight.
• Desire and ability to mentor others.
• Attention to detail // Optimism, Enthusiasm // Perseverance, and grit.
• Desire to question the status quo…

Required Education:

• BS or above in an engineering field, or have a PE license.
• 5-10 years of relevant/hands-on experience.

This position is located in Glendale, CA.

Additional Information

Benefits and Perks: Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

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The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $123,000 to $165,000 per year. 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.