Ride Development Engineer Senior

1 Week ago • 5-10 Years • Research & Development • $124,900 PA - $167,500 PA

Job Summary

Job Description

The Senior Ride Development Engineer at Walt Disney Imagineering will manage the complete lifecycle of complex ride systems, from initial concept and design to installation and testing. Responsibilities include conceptual design, collaborating with stakeholders to define requirements, supervising engineering teams, managing vendor contracts, leading prototype development, and overseeing field installation and testing. This role requires a strong understanding of mechanical design, structural analysis, and various engineering principles. Experience with themed entertainment and life safety design is highly preferred.
Must have:
  • 5-10 years mechanical design experience
  • Advanced engineering knowledge (statics, dynamics, etc.)
  • Proficiency in SolidWorks, AutoCAD, ANSYS
  • Excellent design sensibilities and problem-solving
  • Manage entire scope of ride system development
  • Collaborate with diverse teams
Good to have:
  • Themed entertainment experience
  • Life safety design experience
  • Prototype development experience
  • Technical certifications (EIT, FE, PE)
  • PE license
Perks:
  • Health and savings benefits
  • Educational opportunities
  • Disney extras

Job Details

Job Posting Title:

Ride Development Engineer Senior

Req ID:

10120264

Job Description:

About the Role & Team

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 Imagineers are responsible for the creation - from concept through installation - of all Disney Resorts, theme parks, and attractions. Disney Imagineers are uniquely talented individuals who 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.

What You Will Do

  • 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 rides that meet creative intent and partner 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.

  • Be responsible for the development of scope, inspection, testing, hazard, and report documents.

  • Be responsible for Vendor/contractor management and oversight.

  • Be responsible for digital model and drawing, development & release.

  • Lead large-scale proof of concept prototype & mock-up efforts; design/fab/test.

  • Collaborate with the project procurement team to evaluate, bid, & award outside vendor contracts.

  • Lead 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.

Required Qualifications & Skills

  • 5-10 years hands-on mechanical design engineering experience

  • Broad range of experience designing for various materials and processes.

  • Advanced engineering knowledge (e.g., statics, dynamics, tolerances, kinematics, stress/strain).

  • Ability to perform structural analysis by hand calculations and finite element methods.

  • Advanced engineering expertise (e.g., machine design, weldments, power train, materials).

  • Proficiency with design tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Navisworks, AutoCAD, SketchUp, ANSYS, FEA, Matlab).

  • Outstanding design sensibilities and creative problem-solving.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Previous themed 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).

  • PE license

Education

  • Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering

Additional Information

This role is located on-site in Glendale, CA. Domestic or International travel may be required.

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.

#DXMedia

#LI-KK2

The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $124,900 to $167,500 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.

Job Posting Segment:

WDI Global Business Operations & Strategy

Job Posting Primary Business:

Ride Engineering (WDI)

Primary Job Posting Category:

Ride Mechanical Engineering

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Glendale, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2025-04-30

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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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