Rides Maintenance Supervisor

Merlin; Winter Haven (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Paid time off

Merlin Magic Pass

Recognition programs

401(k)

Job summary

Merlin is seeking an experienced Rides Maintenance Supervisor to lead a team of Ride Maintenance Technicians in its fast-paced resort environment in Florida. The role focuses on daily operations, hands-on technical support, and ensuring rides are safe, reliable and guest-ready.

Ideal candidates bring 5+ years in heavy industrial maintenance, 2+ years in a leadership role, and strong mechanical engineering knowledge.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in heavy industrial, engineering or maintenance roles.
• At least 2 years leading a technical/maintenance team.
• Strong mechanical engineering knowledge and ability to troubleshoot complex equipment.
• Experience with multiple mechanical systems, including ride control systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead, coach and supervise Ride Maintenance Technicians and cultivate teamwork and accountability.
• Plan, schedule and budget ride maintenance using CMMS; ensure preventive/corrective work is effective.
• Troubleshoot ride breakdowns and provide hands-on technical support.
• Coordinate annual inspections and safety/compliance with OSHA/ASTM standards.
• Prepare and manage maintenance budgets and identify cost-saving opportunities.

Skills

Leadership

Mechanical engineering

Troubleshooting

Preventive maintenance

CMMS experience

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering

High school diploma/GED

AIMS/NARRSO certification desirable

Tools

CMMS software

Job description

What you’ll bring to the team

Are you an experienced engineering or maintenance professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment? Do you have the technical expertise, leadership skills and calm decision-making ability to keep world-class rides and attractions operating safely and efficiently?

We’re looking for an experienced Rides Maintenance Supervisor to join our Technical Services leadership team.

This is a hands‑on leadership role where no two days are the same. You’ll lead a team of Ride Maintenance Technicians, oversee day‑to‑day maintenance activities, respond to breakdowns and emergencies, and play a key role in ensuring our rides and attractions are safe, reliable and ready for guests.

Approximately 50% of your time will be spent in the field, working alongside your team and providing hands‑on technical support when required.

Qualifications & Experience

What you’ll be doing

As Rides Maintenance Supervisor, you’ll be responsible for the day‑to‑day operation and maintenance of our rides and related areas, while supporting the wider Technical Services and resort leadership teams.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading, coaching and supervising Ride Maintenance Technicians, creating a positive culture of teamwork, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Supporting the planning, scheduling and budgeting of ride and attraction maintenance using our CMMS system.
• Ensuring preventive and corrective maintenance programs are delivered effectively, minimizing downtime without ever compromising safety.
• Troubleshooting ride and attraction breakdowns and providing hands‑on technical support when required.
• Supporting inspections and making informed decisions regarding the safe return of attractions to operation.
• Coordinating annual inspections, statutory requirements and maintenance timelines.
• Completing and reviewing daily shift reports, ensuring follow‑up actions are identified and delivered.
• Ensuring rides and attractions comply with applicable OSHA, ASTM, federal, state and local requirements, as well as company standards.
• Supporting the development and delivery of comprehensive technical training programs.
• Monitoring maintenance performance, productivity and working practices, identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and reliability.
• Supporting the preparation and management of annual maintenance budgets, identifying cost‑saving opportunities while maintaining the highest safety standards.
• Ordering parts, materials, tools and equipment required to maintain rides, attractions and facilities.
• Conducting team meetings to communicate priorities, share information, develop skills and motivate the maintenance team.
• Working collaboratively with other departments across the resort to deliver an exceptional guest experience.
• Acting as a Technical Services Duty Manager, supporting the senior management team across the resort as part of a 365‑day operation.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for a confident technical leader who combines strong engineering knowledge with excellent people‑management skills.

You’ll ideally have:

• A minimum of 5 years’ progressive experience in a heavy industrial, engineering or maintenance environment. Experience within the amusement/theme park ride industry is highly advantageous.
• At least 2 years’ experience leading and managing a technical or maintenance team.
• Strong mechanical engineering knowledge and the ability to troubleshoot complex equipment and control systems.
• Experience working with a variety of mechanical systems, including metal and wooden roller coasters and associated control systems.
• A relevant technical qualification, preferably in Mechanical Engineering or a related discipline.
• High school diploma/GED or equivalent education and experience.
• AIMS or NARRSO certification/experience is desirable.
• Strong knowledge of preventive maintenance systems and practices.
• Experience reading and interpreting engineering drawings and blueprints.
• Excellent communication, delegation and people‑management skills.
• The ability to remain calm, logical and decisive during breakdowns and emergency situations.
• Strong computer skills and experience using maintenance management systems.
• A valid driver’s license and a safe driving record.

Most importantly, you’ll understand that safety comes first — for our guests, our colleagues and yourself.

A hands‑on role in an extraordinary environment

This is not a desk‑based management position. You’ll work across a dynamic theme park environment, both indoors and outdoors, in varying temperatures and conditions.

You must be comfortable:

• Standing and walking for extended periods.
• Working at height and accessing difficult or restricted locations.
• Climbing and carrying out inspections in challenging environments.
• Working in hot, cold, wet and humid conditions.
• Working around machinery, equipment and distracting background noise.
• Working flexible and rotating schedules, including nights, weekends and public holidays, to support a 24‑hour/365‑day operation.
• Maintaining the physical capability required for the demands of the role.

Safety is at the heart of everything we do

As a supervisor, you’ll play a key role in creating and maintaining a safe working environment.

You’ll ensure that risk assessments and safe working procedures are in place, that your team is appropriately trained and that maintenance activities are carried out in accordance with company policies and legal requirements.

You’ll also ensure incidents are reported and investigated appropriately and that corrective actions are implemented to prevent recurrence.

Benefits

• Excellent Health Care Options: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage.
• Outstanding Paid Time Off (PTO): Enjoy well‑deserved breaks to recharge!
• Merlin Magic Pass: Free entry for friends and family to our amazing parks & attractions.
• Recognition Programs and Rewards: Celebrate your achievements and hard work!
• 401(k) Program: Save for the future with company matching contributions.
• Tuition Reimbursement Programs: Get support for further education and career growth.
• Numerous Learning and Advancement Opportunities: Grow your skills and advance your career with us!

Pay Range

Competitive