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Principal Show Programmer, Figure Animator

Job ID 10130938 Location Glendale, California, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Oct. 21, 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.

Show Programming’s Figure Animators facilitate development of animation for Audio-Animatronics figures and animated props. They develop animated performances and can assist in the creative development of their functionality. These positions require strong creative problem-solving skills and the ability to collaborate closely with Creative, Engineering, Ride, Manufacturing, Media Production, and Theme Park Maintenance teams.

This Principal Show Programmer – Figure Animator will report to the Show Programming Manager.

This is a full time role.

You Will:

  • Create quality animation for Audio-Animatronics figures with compelling performances that adhere to the requirements of the mechanical system.
  • Collaborate and take direction from Creative Directors and Show Programming Leadership.
  • Be able to function as an Animation Lead for projects, as well as being able to act as supporting animator depending on department needs.
  • Clear understanding of budgets and schedules to keep work on track with consistent communication with Show Programming Management.
  • As a member of the Figure Animation team, work through all phases of engineering design, production, installation, testing, and documentation while partnering with the Figure Programmers and the Creative Team to ensure the optimal creative performance and safety requirements.
  • Work closely with the creative teams (comprised of figure programmers, visual development, modeling, simulation, and look and scope development), iterating quickly and addressing notes accurately.
  • Partner with Engineering and Creative teams to animate Audio-Animatronics figures and Show Action Equipment to conform to safety requirements and to meet creative intent.
  • Assist in creating, debugging, and organizing Audio-Animatronics digital assets (character sheets, animation data, rigs, ride paths, shots, and/or models).
  • Collaboration with the broader animation team to continually improve the department’s quality of work.
  • Help mentor, train, and provide feedback to more junior team members

Required Qualifications & Skills

  • At least 10 years of production experience
  • Experience with animatronic animation
  • Knowledge of rigging and modeling
  • Experience in feature animation
  • Proficiency with Maya and/or Motion Builder, Adobe Creative Suite, and ShotGrid
  • Able to communicate (verbally and in writing) clearly and concisely, regularly keeping collaborators informed of status, risks, and issues.
  • Able to function in a dynamic work environment, handling multiple project activities.
  • Able to work with limited supervision and to integrate inputs from many individual team members.
  • Have a high tolerance for change and changing requirements.
  • Be a creative problem solver and demonstrate comfort with inventive solutions.
  • Have a valid passport and willing to travel domestically or internationally.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

  • Experience with motion-capture tools and processes

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Art, Illustration, Computer Graphics, Animation, Film, Television, Game Development related field or equivalent experience that demonstrates years of on-the-job experience in animation roles.

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 base salary for this position in California is $126,800.00 - $170,000.00 based on a 40 hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. 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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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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