Principal Ride Project Engineer

Walt Disney Imagineering; Lake Buena Vista (FL); On-site; USD 80,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Principal Ride Project Engineer to lead a dynamic team in delivering innovative ride systems. This role involves overseeing the entire design and development process, ensuring safety and quality standards are met, and collaborating with creative and technical teams. The ideal candidate will have extensive engineering experience, proven leadership skills, and a passion for creating unforgettable experiences. Join a forward-thinking company that values creativity and innovation, and be part of a team that brings magical experiences to life.

Benefits

Health Insurance

Savings Plan

Education Benefits

Exclusive Disney Perks

Qualifications

• 7+ years in engineering, with design, analysis, and project leadership experience.
• Proven leadership of technical teams through project phases.

Responsibilities

• Lead concept design of innovative Ride systems aligning with Creative intent.
• Manage bid packages, vendor contracts, and ensure safety standards.

Skills

Project Leadership

Communication Skills

Collaboration

Hazard Analysis

Safety Design

Education

Bachelor of Science in Engineering

Tools

Project Management Software

Engineering Design Tools

Job description

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About Us

The Principal Ride Project Engineer is the leader of a multi-discipline Ride Engineering team for a project, responsible for delivering ride systems on time and within budget. They oversee all aspects of ride system design & development from concept through testing and handover for a variety of innovative ride platforms, ensuring requirements for duty cycles, high reliability, and safety are met. Collaboration with diverse teams, including technical and creative members, and adaptability to scope changes are essential.

Responsibilities / You Will

1. Lead concept design of innovative new Ride systems aligning with Creative intent and requirements.
2. Represent on the project core team; provide accurate and timely information.
3. Collaborate with Creative directors on experience/story descriptions and artwork.
4. Support operations and maintenance teams to develop requirements.
5. Work with technical teams to develop integration requirements and interfaces.
6. Identify and secure resources, mitigate risks.
7. Define scope and requirements, provide team direction, and manage performance.
8. Facilitate stakeholder needs balancing and decision-making.
9. Develop and improve Ride Engineering standards and procedures.
10. Handle business interests, author strategies, estimates, resource and schedule plans.
11. Ensure standards for safety, quality, durability, and reliability are met.
12. Lead design reviews and safety processes.
13. Manage bid packages, vendor contracts, and serve as Responsible Individual for contracts.
14. Protect intellectual property, manage vendor activities.
15. Lead installation, testing, and turnover of ride systems.
16. Perform validation, surveys, and field testing, with safety considerations.
17. Participate in innovative initiatives and represent Ride Studio interests.
18. Lead multi-disciplinary engineering scope and resources.
19. Create project delivery strategies, specifications, budgets, schedules, staffing plans.

Basic Qualifications / You Will Have

1. Seven+ years in engineering, with experience in design, analysis, installation, testing, and project leadership.
2. Proven leadership of technical teams through project phases.
3. Experience in project and vendor management.
4. Strong communication, collaboration, and delegation skills.
5. Hands-on experience with equipment mockups, fabrication, and safety design.
6. Experience with hazard analysis and system safety design.
7. Expertise in complex machinery and engineering disciplines.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience in the amusement industry, especially with safety-related ride systems.
2. Knowledge of industry standards and emerging technologies.
3. Manufacturing and quality control familiarity.
4. Field installation and testing experience.
5. Willingness to travel domestically and internationally, and work variable shifts.

Required Education

Bachelor of Science in an engineering field from an accredited university. Professional Engineering License in Florida or eligibility for endorsement.

Additional Information

Includes accommodations for applicants with disabilities, equal employment opportunity statements, and contact for accessibility requests.

Benefits And Perks

Comprehensive rewards package, including health, savings, education, and exclusive Disney perks.

Additional Details

• Senior level: Mid-Senior
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job functions: Project Management, IT, Engineering
• Industry: Entertainment Providers