Engineer I, Controls

Universal Orlando Resort; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Universal Orlando Resort is seeking an Engineering Specialist to perform design and development for show and ride control systems, enhancing operational reliability and safety. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering and have at least 3 years of experience in control systems within a theme park or similar environment.

The position includes responsibilities like troubleshooting electromechanical systems and managing projects, with a focus on communication and collaboration across diverse teams. Experience with PLCs and knowledge of electrical standards are essential.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of engineering experience in control systems and installation.
• Or 5+ years of engineering experience in an equivalent environment.
• Certification in Functional Safety preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provides detailed design solutions for Ride & Show systems.
• Troubleshoots electromechanical systems during operations.
• Manages assigned projects from design to installation.
• Generates engineering documentation for design validation.
• Utilizes project management skills for regular updates.
• Performs engineering calculations for electrical systems.
• Participates in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities.

Skills

Hands-on experience with PLC and automated control systems

Troubleshooting and problem-solving of electrical, mechanical, and/or control systems

Experience communicating effectively

Knowledge of high-level programming language

Experience with motor control systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree (BS) in Electrical Engineering or related field

Tools

PLCs and programming software

Variable frequency drives

Human Machine Interfaces

Industrial communication networks

Job description

Job Summary

Performs basic 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. May support downtime recovery if 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 detailed design solutions ranging from basic 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 UDX parks while being the main liaison between Engineering and our partners in Ride and Show and Operations.
• Manages assigned projects from design through installation to include project schedules, testing, training, and budget demands.
• 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.
• 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.
• Performs engineering calculations for design, analysis, test, and implementation of electrical and control systems.
• 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 (BS) in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering required, or related field preferred.

Experience

• 3+ 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 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 an equivalent engineering environment, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Certifications, Licenses, Registrations

• Certification in Functional Safety from a recognized institution is preferred.

Additional Information

Preferred

• Knowledgeable in ASTM and F24 standards.
• Experience in the design of safety‑critical systems.
• 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.

Required

• "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, 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.

EEO Statement

Universal is an equal opportunity employer. EOE.