Principal Ride Controls Software Engineer, Design Assurance

Job ID 10142324 Location Glendale, California, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Feb. 04, 2026

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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.

Ride Control Software Engineers work within Imagineering’s Ride Engineering Studio in a highly collaborative environment on diverse teams. Engineering activities cover all aspects of ride control software design and implementation, from concept to commissioning, for a wide variety of innovative ride platforms.

The role of Ride Control Software Engineer Principal (Design Assurance) focuses on design, analysis, system safety, and verification across multiple projects, supporting project teams in critical engineering quality activities.

This role will report to the Executive, Ride Controls Software Engineering.

This position is located in Glendale, CA OR Orlando, FL.

This is a full time role.

Responsibilities:

Conduct design assurance activities in standards and best practices development, partnering with ride engineering partners across Disney Experiences and the amusement ride industry.

Stay abreast of, and participate in the development of, company and industry standards and methodologies.
Participate in company committees and industry organizations involved in ride safety and design.
Maintain and improve engineering processes to meet project delivery and design assurance objectives.
Conduct design assurance activities for ride project design review and testing, partnering with ride project team members.
Review ride software designs for compliance with industry and company standards.
Assess whether designs are of appropriate quality and meet project requirements.
Advise project teams on optimal ride control software designs, safety analysis methods and results, and testing approaches.
Mentor and train ride control engineers.
Prepare and present Disney requirements and design practices for internal training.
Advocate the processes, standards, and practices that produce quality designs.
Mentor and assist design engineers with technical challenges, standards, and methodology.
Mentor ride engineers in design excellence.

Basic Qualifications:

At least 15 years of experience with ride control software design, engineering, installation, and commissioning
Proficient in fail-safe and safety-related control system design
Experience with requirements development, test plans/procedures, and test execution
Extensive knowledge of ride control software architectures
Solid understanding of communication protocols: TCP/IP, CAN, serial, ProfiNET, Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT
Proficient in automated control software design applying functional safety concepts and standards
Demonstrated practice in functional safety standards, including IEC 61508, IEC 62061, ISO 13849
Familiarity with amusement and automation industry standards, including ASTM F2291
Solid skills in technical document writing and communication
Ability to travel domestically and internationally for 1-week to 3-month durations
Ability to handle multiple complex efforts simultaneously, exert influence, and manage tasks and priorities

Preferred Qualifications:

Knowledge of amusement industry standards applicable in US, Japan, France, Hong Kong, and China
Proficient in Rockwell, Siemens, and Beckhoff automation software architecture and components
Expertise in motor and motion control methods and components
Solid understanding of kinematics as it pertains to ride systems and machines
Knowledge of pneumatic controls and devices
Knowledge of modeling methodologies using UML/SysML
Experience with multitasking software platforms and design approaches
Experience in broad application of control system theory (closed-loop control, MIMO systems, positioning and navigation)

Required Education:

Bachelor of Science Degree in an engineering field from an accredited university required.

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.

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The hiring range/pay rate for Principal Ride Development Engineer is $188,400.00-$252,600.00 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.

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