Ride Development Engineer Senior

3 Days ago • 5-15 Years • Physics Engine

Job Summary

Job Description

Walt Disney Imagineering is responsible for the creation of all Disney Resorts, theme parks, and attractions. This role involves working as a Ride Development Engineer within a Project Engineering team, overseeing mechanical ride system design and development from concept to installation. Responsibilities include conceiving, designing, and delivering complex, innovative ride systems, ensuring safety and reliability. The engineer will distill technical requirements from creative descriptions, collaborate with stakeholders, and supervise engineering and design teams through all project phases, including prototyping, production, and field installation.
Must have:
  • Manage entire scope to conceive, design, & deliver complex & innovative ride systems ensuring safety, reliability, and durability.
  • Distill & negotiate technical requirements from high level experience/story descriptions and artwork.
  • Collaborate with key stakeholders to define system requirements and interface specifications.
  • Prepare “Clean sheet” concept designs of ride components that meet creative intent and requirements.
  • Supervise daily activities of an engineering & design team through all phases of work.
  • Responsible for 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 & mockup efforts; design/fabricate/test.
  • Collaborate with project procurement team to evaluate, bid, & award outside vendor contracts.
  • Lead/oversee and/or perform mechanical field installation/testing activities.
  • Advanced engineering knowledge (statics, dynamics, tolerances, kinematics, stress/strain).
  • Advanced engineering subject matter expertise (machine design, weldments, power train, materials).
  • Proficiency with design tools (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.
Good to have:
  • Fluent in conversational English.
  • 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.
  • Ability to communicate complex technical concepts with non-technical audience.
  • 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.

Job Details

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!

Job Description:

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 a wide variety of innovative ride platforms that include unique requirements for extreme duty cycles, high reliability, and inherent life safety. They must collaborate on diverse teams that include both technical and creative members and be comfortable in environments where scope and requirements change frequently.

Responsibilities:

  • Manage entire scope to conceive, design, & deliver a wide variety of complex & innovative ride systems and related equipment ensuring safety, reliability, and durability
  • Distill & negotiate technical requirements from high level experience/story descriptions and artwork
  • Collaborate with key stakeholders to define system requirements and interface specifications
  • Prepare “Clean sheet” concept designs of ride components that meet creative intent and requirements
  • 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 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 & mockup efforts; design/fabricate/test
  • Collaborate with project procurement team to evaluate, bid, & award outside vendor contracts
  • Lead/oversee and/or perform mechanical field installation/testing activities which require; equipment/site surveys, use of active fall protection equipment, navigating a construction site with catwalks, ladders, scaffolding, lifts, and confined spaces
  • Working variable hours and shifts
  • Participate in culture and community of the Ride Studio
  • Occasional travel both internationally and within China

Required Qualifications:

  • Advanced engineering knowledge (eg. statics, dynamics, tolerances, kinematics, stress/strain)
  • Advanced engineering subject matter expertise (eg. machine design, weldments, power train, materials)
  • Proficiency with design tools (eg. 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

Desired Qualifications:

  • Fluent in conversational English
  • 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
  • Ability to communicate complex technical concepts with non-technical audience
  • 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

Education/Experience:

  • BS or above in an engineering field
  • 5-15 years relevant/hands-on experience

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About The Company

From classic animated features and exhilarating theme park attractions to cutting edge sports coverage, and the hottest shows on television, The Walt Disney Company has been making magic since 1923, creating unforgettable stories that connect with audiences around the world. And we’re just getting started!

The key to our success…. The Cast, Crew, Imagineers and Employees who honor Disney’s rich legacy by stretching the bounds of imagination to create the never-before-seen, bringing unparalleled entertainment experiences to people of all ages. Begin a career that delivers unparalleled creative content and experiences to audiences around the world and just imagine the stories you could be part of…

What is #LifeAtDisney like? It’s a series of magical moments with cast members and employees developing and telling our stories in the most innovative ways. Whether it’s a day spent as a Disney VoluntEAR, or celebrating the release of a new interactive experience, retail product or movie, our days are filled with the knowledge that we are creating entertainment experiences the whole family can enjoy. Follow @DisneyCareers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for a peek behind-the-curtain, and discover how you could connect to a world of stories with Disney!

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