Principal Ride Control Software Engineer (Controls Automation)

1001 Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc.; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 188,400 - 252,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Educational opportunities

Rewards program

Job summary

1001 Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. seeks a Principal Ride Control Software Engineer (Controls Automation) in Glendale, CA.

The role focuses on defining, validating, and implementing deterministic safety-critical control software for large-scale ride systems using RTOS and modern software practices. Located in Glendale, CA or Orlando, FL, the position requires up to 20% travel and potential relocation.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in software engineering
• Experience with real-time, safety-critical control systems
• Understanding of C++ and system architecture
• Experience with Ladder Logic and Structured Text
• Strong communication and leadership presentation skills
• Willingness to travel up to 20% and relocate for assignments

Responsibilities

• Define, analyze, and validate deterministic solutions for large-scale motion control systems
• Develop system definitions, performance analyses, and control architectures
• Prepare detailed design specs and test strategies
• Implement and test safety-critical control software using RTOS
• Coordinate installation, testing, and commissioning domestically and overseas
• Support acceptance testing and documentation for executive leadership

Skills

C++

Ladder Logic

Structured Text

Analytical Skills

Verbal Communications

Technical Writing

Self-Motivated

Executive Presentation

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Engineering/CS/Math

PE License (optional)

Tools

IDE

Compilers/Linkers/Debuggers

Job description

Job Posting Title: Principal Ride Control Software Engineer (Controls Automation) Req ID: 10144760

Job Description: About the Role & Team Walt Disney Imagineering is the creative force that imagines, designs, and brings to life all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions, and cruise ships worldwide. Working across a spectrum of disciplines that range from creative and conceptual to scientific and technical, Imagineers blend an innovative mixture of storytelling, art, science, and technology to create immersive experiences, memorable destinations, and innovative entertainment for families around the globe. Nearly every project at Walt Disney Imagineering includes a first-of-its-kind. Innovation is in our DNA, and Imagineers constantly push the boundaries of technology and invent new goals as well as the solutions to achieve them. As Imagineers, one of our greatest rewards is knowing that the experiences and environments we create inspire others. The diversity of expertise at Imagineering makes us uniquely capable of influencing positive change in our communities and around the world. And knowing that we have helped make a difference is incredibly fulfilling and inspiring for all of us.

This role will work with the Executive Ride Software Engineering. This is a full-time role.

What You Will Do:

• Define, analyze, and validate deterministic solutions for large-scale, fail-safe motion control systems
• System Definition
• System Performance Analysis
• Control System Architecture
• Detailed Design Specifications
• Hazard Analysis
• Test Strategies and Test Plans
• Specify, design, and implement operator-intensive, safety-critical control software using real-time operating systems
• Theory of Operation
• Software Design Document
• Debug / Software Integration Test
• Install, integrate, and test high-capacity, human-rated control systems domestically and overseas
• I/O Checkout System Functions Testing
• Fault Testing
• Adjusting / Tuning
• Acceptance Testing using Earned Value tracking

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• 10 or more Years of experience in the software engineering field
• Software Development Tools (Integrated Development Environment (IDE), compilers, linkers, debuggers, etc) experience
• Understanding of at C++
• Understanding of or experience with Ladder Logic and Structured Text
• Expert ability to present ideas and solutions to executive level leadership
• Strong Analytical Skills
• Strong Initiative / Self-Motivated
• Strong Verbal Communications
• Strong Technical Writing Ability
• Development and design are primarily in Glendale, CA, but installation, testing, and other support may require travel and/or relocation, up to approximately 20% of the time.
• Relocation for 1 year at a time is possible, to both domestic and international facilities.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

• Ride Control and/or Theme Park Experience
• Proficiency in Unified Modeling Language (UML)
• Control Theory Education
• Bachelor's Degree (B.S. or B.A.) in Engineering, computer science or math from an accredited college or university required OR a valid and current PE license required

Additional Information:

This position is Located in Glendale, CA OR Orlando, FL. Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

The hiring range/pay rate for Principal Ride Controls Software Engineer is $188,400.00-$252,600.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Job Posting Segment: WDI Global Business Operations & Strategy

Job Posting Primary Business: Ride Engineering (WDI)

Job Posting Primary Job Posting Category: Software Engineer

Employment Type: Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code: Glendale, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted: 2026-03-03

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