Senior Ride Development Engineer

Company: Walt Disney Imagineering
Location: Glendale
Posted on: May 8, 2025

Job Description:

About the Role & TeamWalt 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 Senior Ride Development Engineer 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 licenseEducation
      • Bachelor's in Mechanical EngineeringAdditional InformationThis 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 candidates 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.Required
        Preferred

        Job Industries

        • Other

Keywords: Walt Disney Imagineering, Prescott Valley , Senior Ride Development Engineer, Engineering , Glendale, Arizona