Sr. Ride Development Engineer

23 Minutes ago • 5 Years + • Research & Development • Systems Design

About the job

Job Description

Senior Ride Development Engineers at Walt Disney Imagineering are responsible for all aspects of mechanical ride system design and development, from concept to installation. This includes designing innovative ride platforms, collaborating with diverse teams, defining system requirements, and managing vendor contracts. Responsibilities involve "clean sheet" concept design, prototype development, testing, installation, and field support. The role demands expertise in mechanical engineering, design tools (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, ANSYS), and industry codes and standards. Domestic and international travel may be required. The ideal candidate possesses strong problem-solving skills, a collaborative spirit, and a passion for creating magical experiences.
Must have:
  • 5+ years relevant experience
  • Advanced engineering expertise (machine design, weldments)
  • Proficiency in design tools (SolidWorks, AutoCAD, ANSYS)
  • Knowledge of industry codes and standards
  • Collaborative teamwork skills
Good to have:
  • Previous Disney or entertainment experience
  • Experience with life safety design
  • Experience with prototype development
  • Excellent communication skills
  • Professional Engineering License in Florida
Perks:
  • Health and savings benefits
  • Educational opportunities
  • Disney-exclusive extras

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 experience that bring fun and joy to millions of people all around the world. We Create To Inspire!

Job Summary:

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 collaborate on teams with varied strengths that include both technical and creative members and be comfortable in environments where scope and requirements change frequently.

Responsibilities:

  • Participate in 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 ride systems and subsystems 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.
  • Coordinate 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 & mockups efforts; design/fab/test.
  • Serve as the Ride Studio representative on the core project team.
  • Collaborate with project procurement team to evaluate, bid, & award outside vendor contracts
  • Contribute to high value, unique solutions to complex design challenges.
  • Innovate in daily responsibilities to improve Project and Studio efficiency, productivity, and value.
  • Develop work and resource plans for unique and high-risk scope.
  • Develop new vendor capabilities and process’ to reliably deliver Disney quality systems and components.
  • Participate in all aspects of ride mechanical installation, field support, and testing.
  • Perform field installation/testing activities including equipment/site surveys, use of active fall protection equipment, navigating construction site with catwalks, ladders, scaffolding, lifts, and confined spaces.
  • Domestic and international travel may be required occasionally.
  • Working variable hours and shifts.
  • Contribute to mentoring, recruiting, and talent development.

Qualifications:

  • 5+ years relevant/hands-on experience
  • Sophisticated engineering knowledge (eg. statics, dynamics, kinematics, stress/strain/fatigue)
  • Advanced engineering expertise (eg. machine design, weldments, power train, materials)
  • Proficiency with design tools (eg. SolidWorks, Navisworks, AutoCAD, SketchUp, ANSYS, FEA, Matlab)
  • Knowledge of, and expertise with industry codes and standards
  • Superior design sensibilities and creative problem solving
  • Work collaboratively within a large and diverse team environment
  • Highly diligent, 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
  • Hands on experience with equipment assembly, fabrication, and installation

Additional 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
  • Ability to communicate complex technical concepts with non-technical audience
  • Proactive/self-sufficient/able to work and contribute with minimal guidance
  • Attention to detail // Optimism and Enthusiasm // Perseverance

Required Education:

Bachelor of Science Degree or above in an applicable engineering field from an accredited university

Professional Engineering License in the state of Florida or the ability to secure a Florida license through endorsement.

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 .

#DXMedia

#LI-DM1

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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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