Senior Controls Engineer

The Walt Disney Company (Germany) GmbH; Anaheim (CA); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a leading company in amusement parks as a Sustaining Controls Engineer. In this role, you'll design and troubleshoot ride control systems, lead projects, and mentor early-career engineers. This on-site position in Anaheim offers a chance to innovate and ensure safety in thrilling environments. Ideal candidates have strong technical skills, a degree in Electrical Engineering, and passion for creating unforgettable experiences.

Benefits

Comprehensive health benefits

Savings and education support

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in control systems.
• Knowledge of electronic control systems and PLCs.
• Familiarity with ride element performance analysis.

Responsibilities

• Respond to attraction downtimes and support engineering services.
• Develop scope for reliability improvements and collaborate with teams.
• Perform hazard analyses and ensure compliance with standards.

Skills

Control systems

Troubleshooting

Communication

Hazard analysis

System reliability

Education

Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering

Master’s degree or MBA

Tools

AutoCAD

C/C++

Job description

We create happiness.” That’s our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, and it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you’ll help encourage that magic by enabling our company to push the limits and build the never-before-seen! Are you ready to join this team and make an impact?

As a Sustaining Controls Engineer, you will work on the Ride Control aspect of Registered Attractions for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts. Responsibilities include designing, developing, editing, troubleshooting PLC software, and hardware troubleshooting of PLC modules. This dynamic environment requires providing technical direction, troubleshooting, hazard analysis, and leading projects. The senior engineer role involves managing tasks independently and mentoring early-career staff. The ideal candidate is passionate about technology, safety, and innovation.

This role supports field engineering at Disneyland Resort, including troubleshooting, system reliability improvements, and documentation for ride and show control systems. You must recognize developing technical issues across disciplines and respond to mechanical and control emergencies during attraction downtimes.

This is a 24-month project-based, on-site role in Anaheim, CA, reporting to the Senior Manager, Sustaining Engineering.

What You Will Do

• Respond to attraction downtimes, supporting Engineering Services and Operations.
• Develop scope for reliability improvements, including design, installation, testing, and documentation.
• Select systems and equipment that meet design, safety standards, and codes.
• Monitor downtime trends and system performance to identify areas for improvement.
• Investigate, troubleshoot, and communicate system issues at both high and detailed levels.
• Plan, schedule, and coordinate engineering tasks and projects.
• Proficiently troubleshoot PLC software and hardware on complex ride systems.
• Understand ride system interfaces and their impact on overall operation.
• Collaborate with other engineering teams on design efforts.
• Work with maintenance and operations teams during downtime to improve reliability.
• Perform hazard analyses including fault tree analysis and FMEA.
• Ensure compliance with standards such as IEEE, NFPA, ASTM, NEC, etc.
• Follow department procedures and stay updated on ride control technology developments.
• Support off-hours and third-shift work as needed.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• 5+ years of experience in control systems within amusement parks or industrial settings.
• Experience in ride element performance analysis (dynamic, hydraulic, pneumatic).
• Knowledge of electronic control systems, relays, PLCs, motor controls, and relevant codes.
• Familiarity with AutoCAD, object-oriented programming (C/C++), wiring diagrams, and standards.
• Strong communication skills for stakeholder updates via various technologies.

Preferred Qualifications

• California Professional Engineer registration.
• Experience with control circuit design, safety PLCs, audio/visual systems, and scripting languages.

Education

• Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering or related field from an ABET-accredited program.
• Master’s degree or MBA preferred.

Additional Information

Disney offers comprehensive benefits, including health, savings, education, and unique perks. Learn more at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

About the Role & Team

Join us to create happiness and push technological boundaries in theme park attractions. This role involves designing, troubleshooting, hazard analysis, and project leadership in a fast-paced environment. You will support Disneyland Resort operations and lead efforts to improve system reliability, working independently and mentoring others.

This is a full-time, on-site position based in Anaheim, CA, for a 24-month project.