Engineer II, Controls

Universal Studios; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation package

Opportunities for professional development

Job summary

A leading theme park operator is seeking a Control Systems Engineer to enhance the reliability of ride control systems at their Orlando location. The role involves troubleshooting, system design, and project management while ensuring compliance with safety standards. Applicants should have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering along with 5+ years of related experience, especially in control systems and PLCs. This is a full-time position that offers a competitive salary and benefits.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of engineering experience in control systems using PLCs.
• Knowledge of Electrical standards UL 508A, NFPA, and NEC.
• Certification in Functional Safety is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Implement and improve system diagnostics of Ride & Show systems.
• Support downtime recovery efforts during day-to-day operations.
• Generate engineering documentation including Acceptance Test Procedures.

Skills

Electromechanical systems troubleshooting

Project management

Analytical skills

Effective communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field

Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering or related field (preferred)

Tools

PLC Programming (Rockwell, Siemens, Beckhoff)

Variable Frequency Drives (Rockwell, ABB)

SCADA Systems

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.

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 and 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 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