Ride Development Engineer Sr

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.  Ride Development Engineers also must bring a passion for maintaining and developing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion within Ride Engineering and their project teams.

Education/Experience: 

BS or above in an engineering field, or have PE license

5-15 years relevant/hands-on experience

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 & mock up efforts; design/fabricate/test
• Serve as the Ride Studio representative on the core Project team

• 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
• Domestic and international travel
• Working variable hours and shifts

• Contribute to recruiting and talent development
• Participate in culture and community of the Ride Studio

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
• Passion for maintaining and promoting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
• Positive and optimistic influence on team, department, and community
• Comfortable working in a creative/chaotic environment

Desired 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
• Technical certifications (EIT, FE, PE)

• 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
• Attention to detail // Optimism and Enthusiasm // Perseverance and grit // Desire to question the status quo…