Program Manager (Advanced Technology Sustainment) – 2-Year Project Role

Universal Orlando Resort; Orlando (FL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Universal Orlando Resort is seeking a Program Manager to lead planning and execution of complex attraction technology initiatives, including guest interface, gaming platforms, facial recognition, machine vision, and AI applications.

The role collaborates with Engineering, Maintenance, Creative, Attraction Technology, business partners, and external vendors to define scope, align schedules, budgets, and quality expectations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years in theme park and resort projects.
• Experience with large-scale technology projects including estimating, budgeting and bidding.
• Field experience in theme park and resort development and sustainment.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of projects for complex attraction systems.
• Coordinate with Engineering, Maintenance, Creative, Attraction Technology and external vendors.
• Manage project schedules, budgets and quality standards to align with business objectives.
• Develop roadmaps, define scope and maintain timeline integrity.
• Prepare program status updates for senior leadership.
• Follow Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities per policy and procedures.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support the team.

Skills

Program management

Cross-functional collaboration

Stakeholder communication

Budgeting and cost control

Vendor management

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree (Technology/Engineering/Business)

Or equivalent education and experience

Job description

JOB SUMMARY:

The Program Manager has overall responsibility for the successful planning and execution of complex attraction technology and sustainment initiatives. This role requires an understanding of attraction systems, including emerging platforms such as guest interface systems, gaming systems, facial recognition, machine vision, and AI applications. The Program Manager collaborates with Engineering, Maintenance, Creative, Attraction Technology, business partners, and external vendors to define scope, coordinate resources, manage project information, and support successful program execution in alignment with approved schedules, budgets, quality standards, and business objectives.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Program Manager has overall responsibility for the successful planning and execution of complex attraction technology and sustainment initiatives. This role requires an understanding of attraction systems, including emerging platforms such as guest interface systems, gaming systems, facial recognition, machine vision, and AI applications. The Program Manager collaborates with Engineering, Maintenance, Creative, Attraction Technology, business partners, and external vendors to define scope, coordinate resources, manage project information, and support successful program execution in alignment with approved schedules, budgets, quality standards, and business objectives.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead the planning and execution of projects for complex attraction systems. Drive innovation through integration of emerging technologies such as guest interface systems, gaming platforms, facial recognition, machine vision, and AI applications. Collaborate cross‑functionally with internal teams and external vendors to conduct comprehensive ride system assessments, including obsolescence studies and prioritized recommendations. Oversee project implementation schedules, ensuring alignment with deliverables, budgets, and deadlines. Facilitate stakeholder engagement and subject matter expert input to define scope, develop roadmaps, and maintain timeline integrity. Navigate and resolve conflicting feedback to achieve consensus and maintain project momentum. Ensure sustainment projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to established quality standards, while maintaining alignment across leadership and partner teams.
• Lead or actively participate in project kickoffs, presenting key deliverables, initial specifications, timelines, and budget frameworks. Oversee and manage assigned capital projects related to technical systems, ensuring alignment with budget estimates, cash flow forecasts, and milestone commitments. Conduct regular reviews with project managers to assess risks, track progress, and ensure achievement of quarterly targets. Collaborate with Finance and leadership to communicate budget changes and secure necessary approvals. Maintain accountability for staying within agreed‑upon budgets, proactively informing stakeholders of any changes to scope, assumptions, or emerging issues. Monitor project budgets and schedules daily, manage work‑back schedules, and process all project change orders. Identify and resolve potential delays or compliance risks, ensuring tactical quality across all client partner deliverables and facilitating smooth handoffs from vendors.
• Drive effective communication and informed decision‑making by developing and maintaining detailed project plans that promote awareness while preserving project scope. Facilitate cross‑functional collaboration across Engineering, IT, Creative, Ride & Show, and Operations teams to ensure strategic alignment and seamless execution. Prepare and deliver program status updates and strategic recommendations to senior leadership, ensuring transparency and accountability. Document all project opportunities with comprehensive scope definitions, visuals, and technical specifications.
• Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UDX policy, procedures, training, and team member involvement activities.
• Support broader team initiatives by performing additional duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree in Technology, Themed Entertainment, Film, Interactive & Games, Technical Theater, Engineering or Business Management is preferred
• Or equivalent education and experience

EXPERIENCE:

• 5+ years of experience working in theme park and resort projects
• Experience dealing with large scale technology projects along with experience in estimating, budgeting, and bidding
• Field experience dealing with all aspects of theme park and resort development and sustainment projects

Your talent, skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package.

Universal is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Universal Orlando via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from Universal Orlando HR/Recruitment will be deemed the sole property of Universal Orlando. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Universal Orlando as a result of the referral or through other means.

Here you can.

Universal Orlando is an equal opportunity employer. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2026 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. EOE