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Principal Show Control Hardware Engineer

Job ID 10131585 Location Glendale, California, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Sep. 26, 2025
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Job Summary:

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.

Within the Show Systems studio is where we produce the magic. Our processes and tool sets take us from concept design or mock ups to full production, assembly and installation. A Principal show control hardware engineer is responsible for delivering control systems that integrate the entire show attraction and subsystems including animatronic figures, show elements. You will work as part of the team creating world-class attractions. Thinking outside of the box and creative problem solving is a must. We’re looking for professionals who are thirsty for diverse experiences, who are eager to learn and who are confident they can uphold the Disney quality that our quests expect. If this sounds like you, please apply today!

You will report into the Senior Manager, Show Control Hardware Engineering.

What You Will Do

  • Possess the skills necessary to execute the design of electrical and electronic systems and subsystems in accordance with accepted engineering practices, published codes, and regulations
  • Lead the design for show control from blue sky, through detailed design, production, installation, T&A, and opening to guests
  • Lead and mentor other engineers within team
  • Attend and lead design and peer reviews
  • Participate in all aspects of system design and testing
  • Produce engineering drawings based on Disney standards
  • Track personal and team progress on assignments comparing budget/schedule to actuals.
  • Extensive troubleshooting knowledge and skillset
  • Design management skills in a fast paced creative environment

Required Qualifications & Skills

  • 10 or more years of relevant experience
  • Leadership experience in your engineering discipline
  • Understanding of electrical / electronic principles
  • Understanding of computer, power, and communications theory
  • Understanding of techniques for fault finding electrical / electronic / control systems
  • Knowledge of general physics and mathematics
  • Schematic and assembly drawing of control systems
  • Scheduling methods / experience
  • Estimating methods / experience
  • Ability to present technical concepts in manner understandable by non-technical people
  • Creative translator - clean sheet design
  • System integration
  • Field integration (test & adjust)
  • Engineering analysis & simulation
  • Engineering specifications & requirements
  • Control systems design and troubleshooting
  • AutoCAD (or similar electrical design package)
  • Prototype design
  • Motor technology
  • Understanding of servo control / PID loops
  • Knowledge of relevant UL / NEC / ASTM / ISO / IEC

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

  • Disney show control system architecture
  • Knowledge of PLC programming
  • Understanding of mechanical and software systems

Education

  • Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent degree/experience) in Electrical/Electronic Engineering
  • Advanced degree and professional registration are preferred

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.


The hiring range for this position in California is $152,200.00-$204,100.00 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.

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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

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  • The Next Chapter

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Explore this Location Glendale, CA

The Los Angeles County city is home to authentic Middle Eastern food, culture, and its very own “Walk of Fame.”

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