Engineer I, Controls

Universal Studios; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Universal Studios in Orlando seeks a skilled engineer to redesign and develop ride and show control software systems, enhancing reliability and operating efficiency.

You will troubleshoot, analyze faults, and lead design through installation while aligning with applicable standards and safety requirements. Strong collaboration with engineering and operations is essential for downtime recovery and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering or related field preferred.
• 3+ years of engineering experience in control systems and installation using PLCs, ladder logic, VFDs, servo controls and fault analysis in a theme park.
• 5+ years in equivalent engineering environment with similar responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Provides detailed design solutions to improve ride & show systems for reliability, safety and serviceability.
• Troubleshoots electromechanical systems and analyzes faults for downtime recovery during operations.
• Manages projects from design through installation including schedules, testing, training and budgets.
• Generates engineering documentation and Acceptance Test Procedures per UDX standards.
• Coordinates project status updates with attraction management, operations and engineering teams.
• Performs electrical/control system calculations for design and implementation.
• Follows Environmental, Health & Safety policies and team involvement activities.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills

PLC & automation

Motor controls & VFDs

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Documentation & lifecycle

Programming languages

Electrical standards

Education

BS in Electrical Engineering / Computer Engineering or related field

Related field acceptable

Tools

Rockwell Automation

Siemens

Beckhoff

Omron

Pilz

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 required; 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.

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

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