Rides Maintenance Supervisor

Merlin Entertainments; Winter Haven (FL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent Health Care Options

Outstanding PTO

Merlin Magic Pass

Recognition Programs

401(k) Program

Tuition Reimbursement

Learning and Advancement Opportunities

Job summary

Merlin Entertainments in Winter Haven, FL is seeking an experienced Rides Maintenance Supervisor to lead a team of Ride Maintenance Technicians and oversee day-to-day upkeep of world-class rides and attractions.

The role balances fieldwork with leadership, focusing on safety, preventive maintenance, and timely response to breakdowns to keep operations smooth and guests safe.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years in heavy industrial/maintenance, amusement park exp preferred.
• At least 2 years leading a technical/maintenance team.
• Strong mechanical engineering knowledge and troubleshooting ability.
• Experience with mechanical systems including roller coasters and control systems.
• Technical qualification in Mechanical Engineering or related field.
• High school diploma or equivalent; AIMS/NARRSO desirable.
• Proficient in preventive maintenance and CMMS systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise Ride Maintenance Technicians to ensure safety and reliability.
• Plan, schedule, and budget ride maintenance activities with the CMMS.
• Deliver preventive and corrective maintenance without compromising safety.
• Troubleshoot breakdowns and provide hands-on technical support.
• Coordinate inspections and ensure safe return of attractions to operation.
• Monitor maintenance performance and drive efficiency improvements.
• Manage annual maintenance budgets and part procurement.
• Lead team meetings and collaborate with resort departments for guest experience.
• Act as Technical Services Duty Manager as part of 365-day operation.

Skills

Leadership

Troubleshooting

CMMS

Preventive maintenance

Safety compliance

Engineering drawings

Communication

Budgeting

Education

Mechanical Engineering qualification

High school diploma/GED

AIMS or NARRSO certification

Tools

CMMS system

Maintenance management systems

Job description

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