Graphic Designer Principal

About the Role & Team:

Walt Disney Imagineering is the creative force that imagines, designs, and brings to life all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions, and cruise ships worldwide. Working across a spectrum of disciplines that range from creative and conceptual to scientific and technical, Imagineers blend an innovative mixture of storytelling, art, science, and technology to create immersive experiences, memorable destinations, and innovative entertainment for families around the globe.

Nearly every project at Walt Disney Imagineering includes a first-of-its-kind. Innovation is in our DNA, and Imagineers constantly push the boundaries of technology and invent new goals as well as the solutions to achieve them. As Imagineers, one of our greatest rewards is knowing that the experiences and environments we create inspire others. The diversity of expertise at Imagineering makes us uniquely capable of influencing positive change in our communities and around the world. And knowing that we have helped make a difference is incredibly fulfilling and inspiring for all of us.

Environmental Graphic Designers develop signage and show graphics that help tell the stories in Disney Theme Parks and Resorts worldwide.

The Graphic Designer Principal is responsible for leading the development, strategy, and execution of Environmental Graphic and Signage solutions for large and highly complex themed entertainment projects, ensuring design excellence, technical accuracy, and alignment with project goals from concept through construction.

You will report to Studio Executive, Lighting and Graphics

This is a Project Hire position without any guarantee of permanent placement.
 

What You Will Do:

• Lead Environmental Graphic Design for large or highly complex projects, including those requiring advanced technical expertise such as sign codes, construction methods, materials, and specifications.

• Develop and lead Graphic Signage fabrication and manufacturing specifications.

• Establish graphic design standards for projects and ensure adherence to department and divisional Standards of Practice.

• Lead development of graphic scope for code-required signage across domestic and international projects.

• Partner with Project Leadership to coordinate and communicate Graphic Design strategies, issues, and solutions.

• Support project goals through advanced problem-solving and development of design solutions.

• Provide graphic design leadership in partnership with Creative leadership and Park Operations.

• Direct in-house designers and Design Services consultants in development of design intent and contract documentation.

• Provide art direction and leadership during fabrication and implementation phases in collaboration with Art Direction, Project Management, Construction, and Operations teams.

• Lead and manage large teams of Environmental Graphic Designers and consultants across multiple or complex projects.

• Delegate work, perform peer reviews, and ensure quality of design output across the team.

• Develop scopes of work, soft cost estimates, budgets, schedules, and fabrication/installation strategies.

• Monitor team performance against project schedule, budget, and earned value.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• 12+ years of experience in Environmental Graphic Design.

• 5+ years of experience leading design teams in Environmental Graphic Design or Signage.

• Expert knowledge of Environmental Graphic Design and sign construction techniques.

• Expert knowledge of Sign Code requirements.

• Extensive experience with materials, fabrication methods, and thematic applications.

• Proven ability to plan complex projects including scheduling, budgeting, and staffing.

• Ability to develop and implement strategies to solve complex graphic design challenges.

• Strong leadership skills with ability to manage large teams and influence design direction.

• Ability to make strategic design decisions with minimal supervision.

• Strong communication skills and ability to represent the discipline in cross-functional environments.

• Knowledge and direct use of computer systems and software used by WDI for environmental graphic design and business communication: Adobe Creative Suite including Illustrator, Photoshop, Bluebeam Revu, Microsoft Office products: Outlook, Word, Excel.

• Strong familiarity with reading and using architectural documents.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

• Expert proficiency with signage code requirements including Fire, Safety, Health, and ADA/ADAG.

• Ability to develop fabrication and installation estimates from schematic design for complex projects.

• Experience influencing design direction in partnership with Project Leadership.

• Deep knowledge of theme park design, storytelling principles, and immersive environments.

• Expertise in analyzing and developing strategies for large-scale Environmental Graphic Design programs.

• Additional knowledge of the following programs preferred, but not required: Revit, AutoCAD, 3-D rendering software, PowerPoint.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited program is required.

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.

The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $115,500.00 - $154,800.00 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.