Senior Ride Control Systems Engineer

Walt Disney Imagineering; Celebration (FL); On-site; USD 115,500 - 165,300; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Educational opportunities

Special extras

Job summary

Walt Disney Imagineering in Orlando is seeking an experienced engineer to design and integrate ride control systems. You will apply automation principles, define use cases, and develop requirements while collaborating with cross‑functional teams to ensure safety and performance.

Travel domestically and internationally for durations from 1 week to multi‑year projects; strong documentation and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in engineering related to controlling automation and electromechanical systems.
• Extensive knowledge of control processors, components, and communication networks.
• Proficient in industrial control system installation, integration, and commissioning.
• Understanding of communication protocols: TCP/IP, CAN, serial, ProfiNET, EtherCAT.
• Experience with requirements management, test plans/procedures, and test execution.
• Knowledge of functional safety standards: IEC 61508, IEC 62061, ISO 13849.
• Familiarity with amusement/automation industry standards (ASTM F2291).
• Strong technical writing skills.

Responsibilities

• Apply engineering principles to design ride control systems and related equipment.
• Conduct systems engineering for ride control systems.
• Define system use cases and user needs; develop requirements and specifications.
• Ensure compliance with control system safety standards and perform design analyses.
• Develop control strategies and algorithms; test and validate concepts.

Skills

Control automation

Industrial networks

Requirements management

Functional safety standards

Testing & validation

Travel availability

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering

PE license

Tools

AutoCAD

MATLAB

Simulink

SolidWorks

Rockwell Automation

Siemens automation

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.

What You Will Do

• Creatively apply engineering principles to design control systems for a wide variety of complex and innovative ride systems and related equipment
• Conduct systems engineering for ride control systems
• Define system use cases and user needs
• Develop and capture requirements and functional specifications in documents, drawings, and models
• Ensure compliance with control system safety standards
• Perform engineering design and analysis for ride control systems
• Develop control strategies and algorithms
• Research new products, technologies, and methodologies
• Design, model, and analyze control systems, data communication, and dynamic systems
• Collaborate with other design and engineering professionals to implement ride control systems
• Develop and implement mock‑ups and prototypes for proof‑of‑concept efforts
• Develop test requirements and documents, and lead testing efforts

Required Qualifications & Skills

• 5+ years experienced in the engineering field as related to controlling automation and electromechanical systems
• 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
• Experience with requirements management, test plans/procedures, and test execution
• Knowledge and familiarity in functional safety standards, including IEC 61508, IEC 62061, ISO 13849
• Familiarity with amusement and automation industry standards, including ASTM F2291
• Solid skills in technical document writing
• 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

• Proficient with engineering design tools, including AutoCAD, MATLAB, Simulink, SolidWorks
• Proficient in Rockwell and Siemens automation systems architecture and components
• Expertise in motor and motion control methods and components
• Knowledge of pneumatic controls and devices
• Experience in broad application of control system theory (closed‑loop control, MIMO systems, positioning and navigation)
• Knowledge of international amusement industry standards applicable in France, Hong Kong, or China

Education

• Bachelor of Science Degree or above in engineering field, science or math or have a PE license.

Additional Information

• Benefits and Perks: 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.

Hiring range for this position in Orlando is $115,500 to $165,300 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.