Principal Ride Development Engineer

The Walt Disney Company; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 139,200 - 186,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Educational opportunities

Special Disney perks

Job summary

The Walt Disney Company is seeking a Principal Ride Development Engineer to manage the design and development of innovative ride systems. Candidates should have extensive mechanical engineering experience and a strong background in various design processes.

This role requires collaboration with diverse teams to ensure durability, reliability, and safety of attractions. The position offers a full-time contract with competitive pay and substantial benefits.

Qualifications

• 10 or more years hands-on mechanical engineering experience.
• Broad range of experience designing for various materials and processes.
• Advanced engineering knowledge including statics and dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Manage scope to conceive and design complex ride systems.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to define system requirements.
• Lead the installation of ride mechanical equipment.

Skills

Mechanical engineering experience

Designing for various materials and processes

Advanced engineering knowledge

Structural analysis by hand calculations

Machine design proficiency

SolidWorks proficiency

Creative problem-solving

Ability to travel internationally

Education

Bachelor's in Engineering, Science, Math or PE License

Tools

SolidWorks

Navisworks

AutoCAD

SketchUp

ANSYS

FEA

Matlab

Job description

Principal Ride Development Engineer

Location: Glendale, California, United States

Date posted: Jun. 25, 2026

Job Summary

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.

At Ride Engineering, it is our responsibility to move people through our stories in magical ways that bring these experiences to life! Ride Engineers bring optimism and solutions to design challenges that often seem impossible and partner with diverse creative talent to define and build one‑of‑a‑kind experiences that bring fun and joy to millions of people all around the world. We Create to Inspire!

Ride Development Engineers work within a Project Engineering team and are responsible for every aspect of mechanical ride system design & development from concept through installation. They work on various innovative ride platforms, that include unique requirements for extreme duty cycles, high reliability, and inherent life safety. They must collaborate on diverse teams with technical and creative members and be comfortable in environments where scope and requirements change frequently.

The Ride Development Engineer Sr. will report to the Executive Ride Development Engineering.

This is a full time role.

What You Will Do:

• Manage the entire scope to conceive, design, & deliver a wide variety of complex & innovative ride systems and related equipment, ensuring durability, reliability, and safety.
• “Clean sheet” concept design rides that meet creative intent and partner requirements.
• Distill & negotiate technical requirements from high‑level experience/story descriptions and artwork.
• Collaborate with key stakeholders to define system requirements and interface specifications.
• Supervise the daily activities of an engineering & design team through all phases of work; design, mockups, production, installation, testing, turnover, and close‑out efforts.
• Be responsible for the development of scope, inspection, testing, hazard, and report documents.
• Be responsible for Vendor/contractor management and oversight.
• Be responsible for digital model and drawing, development & release.
• Lead large‑scale proof of concept prototype & mock‑up efforts; design/fab/test.
• Collaborate with the project procurement team to evaluate, bid, & award outside vendor contracts.
• Lead the installation of ride mechanical equipment, field support, and testing.
• Perform field installation/testing activities, including equipment/site surveys, use of active fall protection equipment, and navigating the construction site with catwalks, ladders, scaffolding, lifts, and confined spaces.
• Travel and/or relocate domestically and internationally to support Ride Development efforts across our portfolio of theme parks.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• 10 or more years hands‑on mechanical engineering experience.
• Broad range of experience designing for various materials and processes.
• Advanced engineering knowledge (e.g., statics, dynamics, tolerances, kinematics, stress/strain).
• Ability to perform structural analysis by hand calculations and finite element methods.
• Advanced engineering expertise (e.g., machine design, weldments, power train, materials).
• Proficiency with design tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Navisworks, AutoCAD, SketchUp, ANSYS, FEA, Matlab).
• Outstanding design sensibilities and creative problem‑solving.
• Ability to travel internationally and domestically to support the design efforts for our portfolio of theme parks around the world.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

• Previous Disney or entertainment experience, with advanced knowledge of the industry.
• Experience with life safety design/requirements.
• Experience with prototype, development, and/or innovative products.
• Technical certifications (EIT, FE, PE).
• PE license.

Education:

• Bachelor's in Engineering Field, Science, Math OR have a PE License, required.

Additional Information

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.

Hiring range/pay rate for Principal Ride Development Engineer is $139,200.00-$186,600.00 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

Disability Accommodation For Employment Applications

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, email [e-mail] with your request. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or correspondence. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.