Principal Show Systems Engineer (Design Assurance)

The Walt Disney Company; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 137,000 - 184,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Principal Show Systems Engineer to ensure engineering excellence in themed projects. This role involves mentoring design teams, reviewing critical designs, and collaborating with various departments to uphold safety and quality standards. Join a dynamic team where your expertise in engineering and passion for creativity will contribute to creating magical experiences for guests. If you are ready to take on a pivotal role in a creative environment, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Health benefits

Dental and vision benefits

Retirement savings

Educational opportunities

Special extras unique to Disney

Qualifications

• 15+ years in engineering with a focus on industrial automation and themed entertainment.
• Strong background in mechanical structural analysis and validation testing methods.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical oversight to design teams and ensure compliance with safety regulations.
• Review and approve engineering designs to uphold Disney quality standards.

Skills

Engineering in high-tech environments

Hazard Analysis

Failure Modes and Effects Analysis

Mechanical engineering

Finite Element Analysis

Robotics

Collaboration with studios

Education

Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering

Advanced degree in engineering

Job description

Principal Show Systems Engineer (Design Assurance)

Principal Show Systems Engineer (Design Assurance)

Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10119572 Location Glendale, California, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted5月. 02, 2025

Job Summary:

Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is the master planning, creative development, design, engineering, production, project management, and research and development arm of Disney’s Parks and Resorts business segment. Representing more than 150 disciplines, its talented teams of Imagineers are responsible for the creation of Disney resorts, theme parks and attractions, hotels, water parks, real estate developments, regional entertainment venues, cruise ships, and new media technology projects.

Within the Show Systems Studio, we bring magic to life. Our processes and tools transform concept designs or mock-ups into full-fledged production, assembly, and installation. Show Systems range from deploying AUDIO-ANIMATRONICS, Show Action Equipment, Overhead Rigging, Special Effects, Lighting, Projection and Illusions Integration.

We seek professionals who are passionate about diverse experiences, eager to learn, and confident in upholding the Disney quality that our guests expect. If you think you have what it takes, please apply today!

About the Role & Team

The Principal Show Systems Engineer – Design Assurance reports to the Show Systems Studio Executive and plays a crucial role in ensuring that engineering designs for WDI Show Projects meet all applicable requirements, exceed stakeholder expectations, reduce risk, and provide exceptional value to The Walt Disney Company. The Design Assurance Representative (DAR) is responsible for providing technical guidance and mentoring during the design process, ensuring that engineering efforts produce the right products for the right needs. They play a role in ensuring our process (and safety processes) adherence, standards compliance, iteration and authoring and relevancy and core subject matter expertise in the selected field of practice.

What You Will Do

• Provide independent technical oversight and mentorship to project design teams, individual engineers and Show Technical Project Managers (STPM).
• Review and approve critical engineering designs and products, ensuring safety, compliance with regulations, and adherence to good engineering practices and the Disney brand.
• Partner with engineering and management to evaluate and guide the strategic direction of design assurance activities and departmental technical growth opportunities.
• Assess the success of design reviews and suggest local modifications to improve engineering products.
• Serve as the Engineer in Responsible Charge for Projects.
• Participate in iterative reviews of the HA program.
• Partner with Park Operations, Maintenance, Safety and others for consistant interpretation of requirements.
• Occasionally represent WDI Show Studio with SRTs (Ride/Show, Facility, Entertainment)
• Participate in iteration of and updates to Company Standards.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Fifteen (15) plus years of engineering in high-tech environments, industrial automation, robotics, or themed entertainment.
• Demonstrated background in Hazard Analysis, Failure Modes and Effects Analysis, and/or Functional Safety Assememnt process.
• Demonstrated knowledge in theme park operations, safety and quality engineering practices in theme park environments.
• Diverse knowledge of general show systems and controls, animatronics, mechanical systems (mechatronics), controls, robotics, and/or special effects/projection equipment.
• Strong background in mechanical engineering or systems-related disciplines.
• Strong background in mechanical structural analysis such as Finite Element Analysis and dynamics analysis such as Rigid Body Dynamics.
• Strong background in validation testing means and methods such as strain gauging or accelerometer based testing.
• Knowledge of safety, reliability, quality, efficiency, and human factors in design.
• Possess and keep current a professional engineering license in the state of Florida or California.
• Proven track record with coloberation with other Studios and Business Buits
• Ability to alter work schedule to support occasional cross over with Europe and Asia
• Ability to travel

Preferred Qualifications:

• P.E. License in the State of California
• Walt Disney Imagineering, Disney Parks and Experiences or Themed Entertainment Experience

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent from an accredited engineering school.
• Advanced degree in engineering or engineering management is preferred

Additional Information

Benefits and Perks: Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health, dental and vision benefits; retirement savings; educational opportunities and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

#LI-BC1 #DXMedia

The hiring range for this position in California is $137,200.00-$183,900.00 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.

About Walt Disney Imagineering:

Founded in 1952 as WED Enterprises to design and build the world’s first theme park — Disneyland — Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is where imagination and creativity combine with cutting-edge technology to create unforgettable experiences. WDI is the creative force that imagines, designs and builds all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions and cruise ships worldwide. Imagineering’s unique strength comes from its diverse global team of creative and technical professionals, who build on Disney’s legacy of storytelling to pioneer new forms of entertainment. The Imagineers who practice this unique blend of art and science work in more than 100 disciplines to shepherd an idea all the way from “blue sky” concept phase to opening day.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. , which is part of a business we call Walt Disney Imagineering .

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, visit the Disney candidate disability accommodations FAQs . We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

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