Animations Technician

Universal Studios; California (MO); Hybrid; USD 39,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

Universal Studios in Los Angeles seeks an Animations Technician to maintain and ensure safe operation of ride systems and show elements park-wide. You will inspect, repair, and perform preventive maintenance on show characters, effects, ride vehicles, and other animation components.

Reporting to the Animations Foreman, you will document work, manage inventories, and communicate status to supervisors and internal partners.

Qualifications

• College degree or technical training in applicable disciplines.
• Knowledge across Electrical/Electronic, Hydraulic/Pneumatic, Mechanical/Structural, PLCs; Machining and Welding/Fabricating.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physical tasks; flex schedule including weekends/holidays.

Responsibilities

• Assist in attraction maintenance; resolve issues affecting show quality and safety.
• Communicate operational status to Gang Boss and department heads.
• Support animations requests across operating groups within USH.
• Adhere to SOPs and safety policies; maintain documentation of inspections and repairs.
• Maintain inventories and ensure accurate records; promote efficiency.
• Provide excellent guest service and assist other technical staff in failures.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Teamwork

Communication

Problem-solving

Time management

Ability to multi-task

Education

College degree or Technical School Certification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Become an integral part of our technical team as an Animations Technician, where you’ll play a vital role in maintaining and ensuring the safe operation of ride systems and show-quality elements across the theme park. Reporting to the Animations Foreman/Gang Boss, you’ll collaborate closely with team members to monitor technical equipment, conduct daily inspections, perform repairs, and complete preventative maintenance on show characters, effects, ride vehicles, and other animation elements.In this role, you’ll be responsible for maintaining the accuracy of parts and ensuring accountability while adhering to strict safety protocols, guidelines, and quality control standards. Your problem-solving skills will be essential for troubleshooting technical issues, resolving conflicts, and addressing challenges in high-pressure situations. Additionally, you’ll support the team by organizing and allocating resources, completing administrative tasks, and providing timely and precise communication to internal departments and external partners. A strong working knowledge of technical disciplines—including mechanical/structural, hydraulic/pneumatic, electrical/electronic systems, and program logic controllers is essential. Your dedication to teamwork, precision, and delivering exceptional results will ensure immersive and memorable experiences for guests of all ages.

Responsibilities

• Assist in all attraction maintenance functions assigned. Respond and resolve maintenance issues that affect show quality of all characters, effects and ride vehicles in a timely manner. Allocate resources as needed. Ensure that work is performed correctly and follows approved procedures for ride system safety, show quality, operation and compliance of all rides, shows and effects in the park.
• Communicate accurately matters regarding the operational status of all attractions and show venues to the Gang Boss and/or Foreman as well as department heads as it pertains to the Animations department.
• Support animations requests of all operating groups/departments within USH in a timely and professional manner.
• Adhere to all Standard Operating Procedures within Technical Services and USH at large. Understand and demonstrate the proper use of safety practices and ensure department standards are maintained and safety policies for the Park upheld.
• Maintains machines and equipment in safe, operating order. Complete daily inspection sheets and related repairs. Ensure that work performed is correctly documented. Ensure that unscheduled work performed is correctly documented
• Assist in the development and implementation of processes which enhance system efficiencies and increase productivity
• Maintain proficiency in all areas as it pertains to his/her area(s) of responsibilities assigned.
• Maintains and controls inventories at levels adequate to sustain efficient operations.
• Promote and provide extraordinary guest service for both internal and external guests; answer questions and offer information in a courteous manner. Seek to provide assistance to guests, where appropriate.
• Assist other technical staff in assessing and resolving technical failures.
• Perform other duties as assigned

Desired Characteristics

• Theme Park Operations knowledge and experience
• Excellent organizational, verbal and written communication skills
• Demonstrated ability to work with all levels of employees and management, and willingness to give assistance to co-workers. Strong team player.
• Strong interpersonal and analytical skills
• Strong time management skills
• Ability to multi-task and be flexible is essential

Requirements

• Eligible candidates must be fully available to work early mornings, mid-day, afternoon, evening, late night, and/or overnight shifts, including weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
• College degree or Technical School Certification and/or Specialized Technical training in applicable disciplines
• Must possess a broad knowledge of the following disciplines: Electrical/electronic, Hydraulic/pneumatic, Mechanical/Structural, Welding/Fabricating, Program Logic Controllers (PLC), Machining, Inventory Control Inspection, Quality control procedures
• Experienced in metal fabrication, designs and technical blueprints for all the disciplines listed above
• Must possess excellent interpersonal communication skills both verbal and written on a technical level
• Flexible to daily/weekly schedule changes
• Able to work independently
• Requires moderate to heavy physical exertion
• Must be able to lift, carry, push, pull heavy materials and objects up to 50lbs.
• Must be able to stand, walk, bend, stoop, climb, etc. for extended periods of time
• 1-3 years technical and trade experience
• Basic understanding of the disciplines related to Electrical/Electronic Hydraulic/Pneumatic Mechanical/Structural and Program Logic Controllers (PLC)
• Basic understanding of metal fabrication, designs and blueprints
• Ability & willingness to work overtime, weekends and holidays.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint

Pay

• The pay rate for this role is $32.78 per hour

Additional Information

NBCUniversal’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law. NBCUniversal will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, where applicable.

NBCUniversal will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, or arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act, where applicable.

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