Senior Ride Control Hardware Engineer (Controls Automation)

Walt Disney Imagineering; Glendale (CA); On-site; USD 129,300 - 173,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Educational opportunities

Disney benefits

Job summary

Walt Disney Imagineering in Glendale, CA seeks a Senior Ride Controls Hardware Engineer to design, implement, and deliver advanced ride control systems for Disney experiences. You will collaborate across disciplines in Ride Studio to turn ideas into reliable hardware.

The role requires 5+ years in controls, safety‑critical design, and proficiency with networks and automation tools. Domestic and international travel may be required; the package includes benefits and a competitive salary.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering required.
• Licensed professional engineer preferred.
• Experience with amusement/automation industry standards (ASTM F2291) is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Support hardware scope to design and deliver control systems for ride systems.
• Perform engineering design and analysis for electrical control systems.
• Develop control system and network architectures.
• Design, model, and analyze electrical supply systems.
• Lead a team of ride control engineers and collaborate with other professionals to develop ride control systems.
• Define equipment requirements and specifications.
• Develop and implement proof‑of‑concept mock‑ups and prototypes.
• Conduct hazard assessments and failure modes and effects analysis.
• Manage vendors, contractors, and consultants developing and implementing ride control systems.
• Define and oversee supplier and consultant design and delivery.
• Ensure all delivery and performance requirements are satisfied.
• Conduct factory acceptance tests and ride system installation.

Skills

Controls Experience

Safety-related design

Industrial networks

Installation & commissioning

Electrical design standards

UL508A / NEC

ASTM F2291

Motor & motion control

Travel readiness

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

Licensed Professional Engineer

Tools

AutoCAD

Matlab

Simulink

SolidWorks

EPLAN

Rockwell Automation

Siemens automation

Oscilloscope

Multimeter

Job description

About The Role & Team

Walt Disney Imagineering is the creative force that imagines, designs, and brings to life all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions, and cruise ships worldwide. Working across a spectrum of disciplines that range from creative and conceptual to scientific and technical, Imagineers blend an innovative mixture of storytelling, art, science, and technology to create immersive experiences, memorable destinations, and innovative entertainment for families around the globe.

Nearly every project at Walt Disney Imagineering includes a first‑of‑its‑kind. Innovation is in our DNA, and Imagineers constantly push the boundaries of technology and invent new goals as well as the solutions to achieve them. As Imagineers, one of our greatest rewards is knowing that the experiences and environments we create inspire others. The diversity of expertise at Imagineering makes us uniquely capable of influencing positive change in our communities and around the world. And knowing that we have helped make a difference is incredibly fulfilling and inspiring for all of us.

Ride Control Hardware Engineers work within Walt Disney Imagineering’s Ride Studio in a highly collaborative environment on diverse teams. Engineering activities cover all aspects of control system design and implementation, from concept to commissioning, for a wide variety of innovative ride platforms.

The Ride Control Hardware Engineer will report to the Ride Control Systems Engineering Executive.

This is a full time role.

What You Will Do:

• Support programmable, electrical, and electronic hardware scope to design and deliver control systems for complex, innovative ride systems
• Perform engineering design and analysis for ride systems, focusing on electrical control systems
• Develop control system and network architectures
• Design, model, and analyze electrical supply systems
• Research new products, technologies, and methodologies
• Lead a team of ride control engineers and collaborate with other professionals to develop ride control systems
• Develop control equipment requirements and specifications
• Develop and implement proof‑of‑concept mock‑ups and prototypes
• Conduct hazard assessments and failure modes and effects analysis
• Manage vendors, contractors, and consultants developing and implementing ride control systems
• Define and oversee supplier and consultant design and delivery
• Ensure all delivery and performance requirements are satisfied
• Conduct factory acceptance tests and ride system installation

Required Qualifications & Skills

• 5+ years of Controls Experience
• Experienced in fail‑safe and safety‑related control system design
• Extensive knowledge of control processors, components, and communication networks
• Highly proficient in industrial control system installation, integration, and commissioning
• Solid understanding of communication protocols: TCP/IP, CAN, serial, ProfiNET, Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT
• Extensive knowledge of electrical design standards and codes, including UL508a and NEC
• Familiarity with amusement and automation industry standards, including ASTM F2291
• Expertise in motor and motion control methods and components
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally for 1‑week to 3‑year durations
• Ability to handle multiple complex efforts simultaneously, coordinate team efforts, and manage tasks and priorities

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

• Licensed professional engineer
• Proficient with engineering design tools including AutoCAD, Matlab, Simulink, Solidworks, EPLAN
• Proficient in Rockwell and Siemens automation systems architecture and components
• Electrical and troubleshooting skills (voltmeter, oscilloscope, etc.)
• Knowledge of international amusement industry standards applicable in France, Hong Kong, or China

Education

• Bachelor of Science Degree or above in engineering field required

Additional Information

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

The hiring range for The Senior Ride Controls Hardware Engineer in Glendale, CA is $129,300.00-$173,300.00 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.