Ride Control Hardware Engineer Principal

Job ID 10132824 Location Glendale, California, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Oct. 01, 2025

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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.

Ride Control Hardware Engineers work within Walt Disney Imagineering’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.

The Ride Control Hardware Engineer will report to the Ride Control Systems Engineering Executive.

This is a full time role.

What You Will Do:

Support programmable, electrical, and electronic hardware scope to design and deliver control systems for complex, innovative ride systems.
Perform engineering design and analysis for ride systems, focusing on electrical control systems.
Develop control system and network architectures.
Design, model, and analyze electrical supply systems.
Research new products, technologies, and methodologies.
Lead a team of ride control engineers and collaborate with other professionals to develop ride control systems.
Develop control equipment requirements and specifications.
Develop and implement proof-of-concept mock-ups and prototypes.
Conduct hazard assessments and failure modes and effects analysis.
Manage vendors, contractors, and consultants developing and implementing ride control systems.
Define and oversee supplier and consultant design and delivery.
Ensure all delivery and performance requirements are satisfied.
Conduct factory acceptance tests and ride system installation.

Required Qualifications & Skills

10+ Years experience in the Engineering field as related to controlling electromechanical systems
Experienced in fail-safe and safety-related control system design
Extensive knowledge of control processors, components, and communication networks
Highly proficient in industrial control system installation, integration, and commissioning
Solid understanding of communication protocols: TCP/IP, CAN, serial, ProfiNET, Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT
Extensive knowledge of electrical design standards and codes, including UL508a and NEC
Familiarity with amusement and automation industry standards, including ASTM F2291
Expertise in motor and motion control methods and components
Ability to travel domestically and internationally for 1-week to 3-year durations
Ability to handle multiple complex efforts simultaneously, coordinate team efforts, and manage tasks and priorities

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

Licensed professional engineer
Proficient with engineering design tools including AutoCAD, Matlab, Simulink, Solidworks, EPLAN
Proficient in Rockwell and Siemens automation systems architecture and components
Electrical and troubleshooting skills (voltmeter, oscilloscope, etc.)
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

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 $151,900 to $246,700 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.

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