Ride Control Systems Engineer Senior

Job ID 10129313 Location Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Aug. 27, 2025

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Job Summary:

About the Role and 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 changes 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.

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!

The position reports to the Executive, Ride Control Systems Engineering.

This is a Full-Time role.

What You Will Do:

Ride Control Systems Engineers work within Walt Disney Imagineering’s Florida based Ride Studio. They perform in a highly collaborative environment on complementary teams which include technical, creative, and park operations members. These engineers are responsible for all aspects of delivering ride control systems for new attractions at the theme parks around the world. Our Imagineers conceive, design, engineer, and deliver control systems for a variety of sophisticated and innovative ride systems.

Ride Control Systems Engineers work on all phases of ride control system design for innovative attractions. Collaborating with diverse teams to deliver safe, high-quality, and creative ride experiences.

As a Ride Control Systems Engineer Senior, you will:

Develop scope, inspection, and testing documents with oversight and review
Manage Hazard, FMEA, and timing analysis documents & reports
Distill technical requirements from high level experience/story descriptions and operation needs
Collaborate on "Blue Sky" initiatives & represent Ride Studio interests
Negotiate Stakeholder needs when in conflict with other requirements
Facilitate balanced decision making when creative scope and other project requirements are in conflict
Direct other designers and engineers
Customize Vendor products to deliver attractions with enhanced/unique guest experience
Plan and direct projects and provide technical inspiration, leadership and consultation to co-workers
Lead all technical aspects of system architecture, hardware, and software development; prototyping; simulation; capacity optimization and facility interfaces
Develop detailed task-based estimates (labor and material) for ride control systems from design through commissioning

Required Qualifications and Skills:

6+ years of experience with design, engineering, installation, and commissioning of automated control systems for electromechanical systems
Demonstrated experience directing the work of junior engineers
Experience with outside vendor management
Experience with hazard analysis techniques and system safety design
Demonstrated experience leading an entire project cycle from concept through completion.
Superior design skills supported by practical experience
Experience with hardware and/or software design, engineering, installation and commissioning
Knowledge and familiarity with amusement and automation industry standards, including ASTM F2291, and UL508A
Knowledge and familiarity with functional safety standards, including IEC 61508, IEC 62061, ISO 13849
Ability to travel and work both domestically and internationally, for varying durations

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

Licensed Engineer in the State of Florida
Demonstrated experience managing projects with budgets over $5M
TUV Functional Safety Certification
Previous Disney or themed entertainment experience, with knowledge of the industry
Proficient with engineering design tools, including AutoCAD, Matlab, Simulink, Solidworks
Proficient in Rockwell and Siemens automation systems architecture and components
Expertise in motor and motion control methods and components
Proficient in developing and reading electrical schematics and one-line diagrams
Knowledge of pneumatic controls and devices
Experience in broad application of control system theory (closed-loop control, MIMO systems, positioning and navigation)

Required Education:

Bachelor of Science in Electrical (BSEE) or Computer Engineering (BSCE) from an accredited college or university.

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 at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

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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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Explore this Location Lake Buena Vista, FL

Lake Buena Vista is home to the Disney Springs retail, dining and entertainment complex, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, Disney’s Lake Buena Vista Golf Course and several resort hotels are located with the City limits.