Job Posting Title:
Principal Ride Development Engineer
Req ID:
Job Description:
About the role and Team: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!
Ride Development Engineers work within a Project Engineering team and are responsible for every aspect of mechanical ride system design & development from concept through installation. They work on various innovative ride platforms, that include unique requirements for extreme duty cycles, high reliability, and inherent life safety. They must collaborate on diverse teams with technical and creative members and be comfortable in environments where scope and requirements change frequently.
The Ride Development Engineer Sr. will report to the Executive Ride Development Engineering.
This is a full time role.
What You Will Do:- Manage the entire scope to conceive, design, & deliver a wide variety of complex & innovative ride systems and related equipment, ensuring durability, reliability, and safety.
- "Clean sheet" concept design rides that meet creative intent and partner requirements.
- Distill & negotiate technical requirements from high-level experience/story descriptions and artwork.
- Collaborate with key stakeholders to define system requirements and interface specifications.
- Supervise the daily activities of an engineering & design team through all phases of work; design, mockups, production, installation, testing, turnover, and close-out efforts.
- Be responsible for the development of scope, inspection, testing, hazard, and report documents.
- Be responsible for Vendor/contractor management and oversight.
- Be responsible for digital model and drawing, development & release.
- Lead large-scale proof of concept prototype & mock-up efforts; design/fab/test.
- Collaborate with the project procurement team to evaluate, bid, & award outside vendor contracts.
- Lead the installation of ride mechanical equipment, field support, and testing.
- Perform field installation/testing activities, including; equipment/site surveys, use of active fall protection equipment, and navigating the construction site with catwalks, ladders, scaffolding, lifts, and confined spaces.
- Travel and/or relocate domestically and internationally to support Ride Development efforts across our portfolio of theme parks.
Required Qualifications & Skills:- 10 or more years hands-on mechanical engineering experience.
- Broad range of experience designing for various materials and processes.
- Advanced engineering knowledge (e.g., statics, dynamics, tolerances, kinematics, stress/strain).
- Ability to perform structural analysis by hand calculations and finite element methods.
- Advanced engineering expertise (e.g., machine design, weldments, power train, materials).
- Proficiency with design tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Navisworks, AutoCAD, SketchUp, ANSYS, FEA, Matlab).
- Outstanding design sensibilities and creative problem-solving.
- Ability to travel internationally and domestically to support the design efforts for our portfolio of theme parks around the world.
Preferred Qualifications & Skills:- Previous Disney or entertainment experience, with advanced knowledge of the industry.
- Experience with life safety design/requirements.
- Experience with prototype, development, and/or innovative products.
- Technical certifications (EIT, FE, PE).
- PE license.
Education:- Bachelor's in Engineering Field, Science, Math OR have a PE License, 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 $139,200.00-$186,600.00 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.
Job Posting Segment:
WDI Global Business Operations & Strategy
Job Posting Primary Business:
Ride Engineering (WDI)
Primary Job Posting Category:
Systems Engineer
Employment Type:
Full time
Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:
Glendale, CA, USA
Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:
Date Posted:
2025-10-14
