Principal Ride Controls Systems Engineer (Expression of Interest)

Job Description

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!

**This posting is an opportunity to submit your resume for future consideration; this is not a role that is open at this time. We anticipate this role may be open in the future, but we are not actively hiring for the position. If you would like to be considered for this potential role, please submit your resume. If the role becomes available, you may receive an email or call from a recruiter**

Ride Control Systems Engineers work within Walt Disney Imagineering’s Florida based Ride Studio. They perform in a highly collaborative environment on diverse teams which include technical, creative, and park operations members. These engineers are responsible for all aspects of delivering ride control systems for new attractions at the theme parks around the world. Our Imagineers conceive, design, engineer, and deliver control systems for a variety of sophisticated and innovative ride systems.

Requirements / You Will:

• Define technical requirements, design, and implement operator intensive, safety-critical control systems and software.
• Develop safety-critical control architecture, network architecture, and algorithms for ride attractions, ride vehicles, and motion systems that deliver high reliability.
• Design operator interfaces and electrical control panels.
• Perform Installation Validation, I/O Checkout, System Functions Testing, Fault Testing, Adjusting / Tuning, and Acceptance Testing of man-rated control systems, which may require the use of active fall protection, catwalks, ladders, scaffolding, lifts, and/or access to confined spaces.
• Write technical documents such as Theory of Operation, Design Specifications, Hazard Assessments, Software Design Document, Debug / Software Integration Test Plans
• Create hazard assessments, and failure modes & effects analysis.
• Write testing requirements, strategies, safety plans, and testing procedure documents.
• Research new products, technologies, and methodologies and conduct trade-off studies.
• Develop mock-ups and prototypes as needed to prove-out concepts.
• Secure third-party inspection and UL certification of ride control systems.
• Ensure code compliance with local jurisdiction inspectors and officials.
• Develop facility interface requirements in documents, drawings, and 3D models.
• Analyze system performance to ensure requirements are satisfied.
• Design, model, and analyze electrical, data communication, and dynamic systems.
• Review Electrical (e.g. single line drawing) & Mechanical (e.g. pneumatic diagram) drawings.
• Conduct reviews and quality checks to ensure requirements have been satisfied.
• Conduct ride system factory testing and field-testing efforts.
• Identify faults and solve to find root cause.
• Collaborate with attraction operators and project team members to define and deliver maintainable and reliable systems.
• Oversee supplier design, engineering, testing, installation, and commissioning efforts at supplier locations and at project construction sites.
• Lead a team of ride control engineers, software engineers, and other specialists, to develop and implement ride control systems that delivers the creative intent and meets operational requirements.

Basic Requirements / You Will Have:

• Minimum 10 years of shown experience with design, engineering, installation, and commissioning of control systems for electromechanical systems.
• Experienced with safety-related system design, including defensive design techniques, defensive programming, and fail-safe control systems.
• Experience with control processors, components, and communication networks used in multi-processing real-time industrial and/or embedded applications.
• Experience in industrial control system installation, integration and commissioning
• Experience in broad application of control system theory (closed-loop control, MIMO systems, positioning and navigation)
• Experience with software development tools (Integrated Development Environment (IDE), compilers, linkers, debuggers, etc)
• Experience with real-time control systems (competent at ensuring deterministic system)
• Proficient in developing and reading electrical schematics and single line diagrams.
• Proficient with engineering tools, including AutoCAD, Matlab, Simulink, Solidworks.
• Proficient in choosing appropriate equipment control devices based on requirements for performance, reliability, maintainability, and ease of use (motors, drives, sensors, effectors, servo, …)
• Proficient at designing, implementing, and troubleshooting complex systems, closed loop motion control.
• Knowledge of pneumatic controls and devices
• Experience with Safety Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and HMIs
• Skilled in electrical troubleshooting skills (voltmeter, oscilloscope, etc.)
• Electrical design standards and codes, including UL508a and NEC
• Familiarity with amusement and automation industry standards, including ASTM F2291
• Developing and reviewing electrical schematics, one-line diagrams, and technical documents
• Experience with contractor/vendor management and technical contract documents
• Develop implementation plans and budgets for ride control systems.
• Experience in scheduling and estimating control systems development.
• Ability to travel and work both domestically and internationally.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ride control and theme park engineering experience
• Familiarity with Configuration Management / Version Control Tool Usage
• Proficient in software/system algorithm design and modeling methodologies such as Unified Modeling Language (UML) and System Modeling Language (SysML)
• Understanding of communication technologies/protocols: TCP/IP, CAN, ProfiNET, Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT
• Experience with Software Case Tools and coding in C++
• Experience with Allen Bradley ControlLogix or GuardLogix (RSLogix), Siemens SIMATIC Step 7 or Total Integrated Automation (TIA Portal), Rockwell, and Beckhoff.
• Experience in wireless communications for control and monitoring electromechanical system.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science Degree in a controls systems related engineering field from an accredited college or university.
• Some coursework in the areas of Physics (Motion Equations / Dynamics), Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Control Theory.
• Licensed professional engineer (State of Florida or other locale with means for Florida licensure through endorsement).

This position is located in Lake Buena Vista, FL

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 .

Disability accommodation for employment applications

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, email Candidate.Accommodations@Disney.com with your request. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or correspondence. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

The Walt Disney Company is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.

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