Controls Engineer II

Universal Orlando Resort; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Universal Orlando Resort is seeking a control systems engineer to redesign and enhance ride and show control software for improved reliability and safety across attractions. You will troubleshoot, analyze faults, and coordinate start-up integration in line with ASTM F24 guidelines and applicable codes.

A strong emphasis is placed on mentoring junior engineers and maintaining cohesive documentation with vendors and operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or higher in Electrical, Computer, or related field.
• 5+ years in control systems engineering for rides/attractions or 7+ in equivalent setting.
• Experience with PLCs, ladder logic, VFDs, servo controls and fault analysis.
• Certification in Functional Safety preferred.
• Knowledge of ASTM F24, ISO 12100/13849, NEC, NFPA standards.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement detailed solutions to improve ride and show system reliability, safety, and serviceability.
• Troubleshoot electromechanical control systems and perform fault analysis to support downtime recovery.
• Coordinate documentation, maintain configuration management of controls hardware and software, and prepare maintenance procedures.
• Mentor early-career controls engineers and collaborate with ride manufacturers, operations, and engineering teams.

Skills

Troubleshooting

Fault analysis

Project management

Mentorship

Cross-functional collaboration

Engineering calculations

Controls engineering

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering, or related field

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering, or related field

Tools

Rockwell PLC

Siemens PLC

Beckhoff PLC

Omron PLC

Pilz

PanelView

SIMATIC

Comfort Panel

FactoryTalk View Studio

ICONICS

Ignition

Job description

JOB SUMMARY: Performs moderately complex re-design and development efforts of show and / or ride control and software systems for theme park rides and attractions to provide increased reliability and operational improvements. Will be required to support downtime recovery efforts when necessary. Duties include troubleshooting, fault analysis, redesign assignments, test and start-up integration of Ride and Show systems. All work shall be in conformance with ASTM F24 Committee guidelines and compliant with applicable codes, regulations and standards including: AISC, ASME, ASTM, ANSI, AWS, JIC, NEC, and OSHA, among others.

JOB SUMMARY: Performs moderately complex re-design and development efforts of show and / or ride control and software systems for theme park rides and attractions to provide increased reliability and operational improvements. Will be required to support downtime recovery efforts when necessary. Duties include troubleshooting, fault analysis, redesign assignments, test and start-up integration of Ride and Show systems. All work shall be in conformance with ASTM F24 Committee guidelines and compliant with applicable codes, regulations and standards including: AISC, ASME, ASTM, ANSI, AWS, JIC, NEC, and OSHA, among others.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides and implements detailed design solutions ranging from moderate to complex in order to implement solutions focusing on the improvement of Ride & Show systems in the categories of operational reliability, safety, and serviceability of Ride & Show equipment. Places an emphasized focus on improving system diagnostics, technical training of Ride & Show and Engineering Team Members, and Preventative Maintenance improvement.
• Troubleshoots electromechanical systems while conducting fault identification and failure analysis to facilitate downtime recovery during the day-to-day operations of UO parks while being the main liaison between Engineering and our partners in Ride & Show and Operations.
• Utilizes project management skills to coordinate and document project status of assigned tasks to give regular and insightful updates to the appropriate attraction management, both operations and Ride & Show as well as Engineering Management. Maintains configuration management of controls hardware and software (drawings) documentation in accordance with Engineering’s guidelines and procedures for proper archiving and security.
• Generates engineering documentation to validate design solutions to be implemented by the engineer including but not limited to control system hardware analysis, firmware analysis, code comparison documentation, change bulletins, CAD drawing changes, and training procedures. Generates Acceptance Test Procedures to validate all system design changes in accordance with UDX standards and procedures. Prepares and conducts maintenance training on controls equipment. Performs engineering calculations for design, analysis, test, and implementation of electrical and control systems.
• Provides mentorship to early career controls engineers at the Associate and Engineer 1 levels.
• Monitors and interfaces with vendors/ride manufacturers to resolve problems and design issues. Prepares and reviews equipment specifications and performs technical evaluation of vendor products/services.
• Understands and actively participates in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering, or related field required
• Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electrical Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering, or related field preferred

EXPERIENCE:

• 5+ years of engineering experience in control systems and installation utilizing PLCs, ladder logic, variable frequency drives, servo controls and control fault analysis/isolation in a theme park; or 7+ years of engineering experience in control systems and installation utilizing PLCs, ladder logic, variable frequency drives, servo controls and control fault analysis/isolation in an equivalent engineering environment required
• Or equivalent combination of education and experience.

CERTIFICATIONS, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Certification in Functional Safety from a recognized institution is preferred.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Knowledgeable in ASTM and F24 standards
• Experience in the design of safety-critical systems utilizing ISO 12100, ISO 13849, IEC 60204, and IEC 62061.
• Experience with servo controls as applied to hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromotive motion control systems.
• Knowledge of the generation of control system specifications, and acceptance test procedures.
• "Hands-on" experience with PLC and automated control systems.
• Experience with motor control centers, motor starters, and variable speed drives.
• Experience working in diverse teams to accomplish a common goal.
• Experience communicating effectively across varying skill sets and knowledge bases to define tasks and project status.
• Experience keeping detailed records through a project lifecycle from initiation to completion.
• Knowledge of a high-level programming language ("C", Visual Basic or JAVA).
• Knowledge of electrical standards UL 508A, NFPA and NEC.
• Experience utilizing the following products and networks.
• Programmable Logic Controllers & Programming Software: Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Beckhoff, Omron and/or Pilz.
• Variable Frequency Drives: Rockwell Automation, ABB, Siemens, and/or Schneider Electric
• Human Machine Interfaces: Standalone HMIs (PanelView, SIMATIC, and/or Comfort Panel) and SCADA Systems (FactoryTalk View Studio Suite and Machine Edition, WinCC, ICONICS and/or Ignition)
• Industrial Communication Networks: Ethernet I/P, EtherCAT, PROFINET, PROFIBUS, DeviceNet, ControlNet, Data Highway Plus, Remote I/O and/or MODBUS)
• AC and DC motors and motor control systems.
• Experience with troubleshooting and problem-solving of electrical, mechanical, and/or control systems.
• Experience communicating and collaborating with diverse teams to complete complex tasks.
• Analytical skills to perform engineering calculations for design, analysis, test, and implementation of electrical and control systems.
• Proven ability to provide control system management.

• Your talent, skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package.

Universal is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Universal Orlando via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from Universal Orlando HR/Recruitment will be deemed the sole property of Universal Orlando. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Universal Orlando as a result of the referral or through other means.

Universal Orlando Resort. Here you can.

Universal Orlando is an equal opportunity employer. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2026 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. EOE