Principal Ride Control Hardware Engineer

Job ID 10082944 Location Glendale, California, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Aug. 22, 2025

Apply Now

Job Summary:

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.

A Ride Control Hardware Engineer, Principal works within WDI’s Ride Studio in a highly collaborative environment on diverse teams. Engineering activities cover all aspects of control system design and implementation, from concept to commissioning, for a wide variety of innovative ride platforms.

You will report to the Executive Ride Controls Systems Engineer

This is a full time role.

What You Will Do:

Manage programmable, electrical, and electronic hardware scope to conceive, design, & deliver control systems for a wide variety of complex and innovative ride systems and related equipment ensuring operational performance, reliability, and safety.
Perform engineering design and analysis for ride systems, focusing on electrical control systems.
Develop control system and network architectures for ride attractions, ride vehicles, and motion systems.
Design, model, and analyze electrical supply systems, and data communication systems.
Develop and capture facility interface requirements in documents, drawings, and 3D models.
Research new products, technologies, and methodologies and conduct trade-off studies.
Perform “blue sky” brainstorming and new ride concept development.
Lead a team of ride control engineers and collaborate with other design and engineering professionals to develop and implement ride control systems.
Collaborate with attraction development teams to define and deliver creative intent.
Develop and capture electrical and control equipment requirements and specifications in documents, drawings, and models.
Design operator interfaces and electrical control panels.
Develop implementation plans and budgets for ride control systems.
Develop and implement mock-ups and prototypes for proof-of concept efforts.
Participate in hazard assessments and failure modes and effects analysis.
Develop test requirements and documents and lead ride installation/commissioning efforts.
Manage vendors, contractors, and consultants conducting control system design and implementation for ride systems.
Define and oversee supplier and consultant design and delivery efforts.
Ensure all delivery and performance requirements have been satisfied.
Oversee and lead factory test and ride system installation/commissioning efforts.

Required Qualifications & Skills

At least 10 years of experience with design, engineering, installation, and commissioning of control systems for electromechanical systems
Demonstrated leadership in fail-safe and safety-related controls design, including application of functional safety concepts
Extensive knowledge of control processors, components, and communication networks used in multi-processing real-time industrial applications
Highly proficient in industrial control system installation, integration and commissioning
Solid understanding of communication technologies/protocols: TCP/IP, CAN, serial, ProfiNET, Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT
Extensive knowledge with electrical design standards and codes, including UL508a and NEC
Knowledge and familiarity with amusement and automation industry standards, including ASTM F2291
Expertise in motor and motion control methods and components
Expertise in designing and implementing closed-loop motion control
Proficient in developing and reading electrical schematics and one-line diagrams
Solid skills in technical document/drawing preparation and presentation
Demonstrated experience in scheduling and estimating control systems development and implementation scope
Demonstrated experienced in contractor/vendor management and technical contract documents
Ability to travel and work both domestically and internationally, for varying durations that could be over 1 year
Ability to handle multiple complex efforts simultaneously, coordinate team efforts, and manage tasks and priorities
Proficient with engineering design tools, including AutoCAD, Matlab, Simulink, Solidworks

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

Licensed professional engineer
Proficient in Rockwell and/or Siemens automation systems architecture and components
Demonstrated experience in wireless communications for control and monitoring electromechanical systems
Knowledge of pneumatic controls and devices
Electrical and troubleshooting skills (voltmeter, oscilloscope, etc.)
Demonstrated knowledge of international amusement industry standards applicable in France, Hong Kong, or China

Education

As a minimum a Bachelor of Science Degree in engineering, computer science, or related field from an accredited university, Electrical Engineering preferred
Some Physics Coursework (Motion Equations / Dynamics) highly preferred
Some Computer Science Coursework preferred
Some System Engineering coursework preferred
Control Systems Engineering and/or Control Theory a plus

Additional Information:

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

The hiring range for this position in California is $154,500.00 to $200,200.00 per year based on a 40 hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. 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.

Apply Now

About Walt Disney Imagineering:

Founded in 1952 as WED Enterprises to design and build the world’s first theme park — Disneyland — Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is where imagination and creativity combine with cutting-edge technology to create unforgettable experiences. WDI is the creative force that imagines, designs and builds all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions and cruise ships worldwide. Imagineering’s unique strength comes from its diverse global team of creative and technical professionals, who build on Disney’s legacy of storytelling to pioneer new forms of entertainment. The Imagineers who practice this unique blend of art and science work in more than 100 disciplines to shepherd an idea all the way from “blue sky” concept phase to opening day.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., which is part of a business we call Walt Disney Imagineering.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

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, visit the Disney candidate disability accommodations FAQs. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

Having technical issues? View the FAQs for help.

Hiring Process

Where Does Your Story Begin?

Explore Disney Careers and the Life at Disney blog to learn about all the amazing opportunities waiting to be discovered at The Walt Disney Company.
Be Part of the Story

There are many different brands and businesses to explore. Once you've found the opportunity that is right for you, take the next step by completing your application.
The Next Chapter

Once you've applied, you will receive an email allowing you to access your candidate dashboard. Create your login and make sure to check your dashboard often to see your application progress.