Ride Control Systems Engineer Sr

The Walt Disney Company

The Walt Disney Company

Software Engineering
Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA
Posted on Aug 21, 2025

Job Posting Title:

Ride Control Systems Engineer Sr

Req ID:

10129313

Job Description:

Walt Disney Imagineering is the master planning, creative development, design, engineering, production, project management, and research & development arm of The Walt Disney Company. Its talented corps of Imagineers is responsible for the creation - from concept through installation - of all Disney Resorts, theme parks, and attractions. Disney Imagineers are uniquely talented individuals that bring together the best aspects of creativity, innovation, and passion.

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 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.

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

This is a full-time position.

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

Basic qualifications:

  • 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:

  • 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 or Computer Engineering from an accredited college or university.

Additional Information:

The base pay offered will consider internal equity and 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, depending on the level and position offered.

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.

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:

Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2025-08-20