Skip to main content

Senior Ride Control Systems Engineer

Apply Now
Job ID 10078640 Location Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Apr. 01, 2024

Job Summary:

Ride Control Systems Engineers work within Walt Disney Imagineering’s Florida based Ride Studio. They perform in a highly collaborative environment on complementary teams which include technical, creative, and park operations members. These engineers are responsible for all aspects of delivering ride control systems for new attractions at the theme parks around the world. Our Imagineers conceive, design, engineer, and deliver control systems for a variety of sophisticated and innovative ride systems.

The Senior Ride Control Systems Engineers will collaborate with the Ride Engineering Executive.

You Will:

  • Define technical requirements, design, and implement operator intensive, safety-critical control systems and software.
  • Develop safety-critical control architecture, network architecture, and algorithms for ride attractions, ride vehicles, and motion systems that deliver high reliability.
  • Design operator interfaces and electrical control panels.
  • Perform Installation Validation, I/O Checkout, System Functions Testing, Fault Testing, Adjusting / Tuning, and Acceptance Testing of man-rated control systems, which may require the use of active fall protection, catwalks, ladders, scaffolding, lifts, and/or access to confined spaces.
  • Write technical documents such as Theory of Operation, Design Specifications, Hazard Assessments, Software Design Document, Debug / Software Integration Test Plans
  • Build hazard assessments, and failure modes & effects analysis.
  • Write testing requirements, strategies, safety plans, and testing procedure documents.
  • Research new products, technologies, and methodologies and conduct trade-off studies.
  • Develop mock-ups and prototypes as needed to prove-out concepts.
  • Secure third-party inspection and UL certification of ride control systems.
  • Ensure code compliance with local jurisdiction inspectors and officials.
  • Develop facility interface requirements in documents, drawings, and 3D models.
  • Analyze system performance to ensure requirements are satisfied.
  • Design, model, and analyze electrical, data communication, and dynamic systems.
  • Review Electrical (e.g. single line drawing) & Mechanical (e.g. pneumatic diagram) drawings.
  • Conduct reviews and quality checks to ensure requirements have been satisfied.
  • Conduct ride system factory testing and field-testing efforts.
  • Identify faults and tackle to find root cause.
  • Collaborate with attraction operators and project team members to define and deliver maintainable and reliable systems.
  • Be responsible for supplier design, engineering, testing, installation, and commissioning efforts at supplier locations and at project construction sites.
  • Manage a team of ride control engineers, software engineers, and other specialists, to develop and implement ride control systems that delivers the creative intent and meets operational requirements.

You Will Have:

  • Minimum 10 years of shown experience with design, engineering, installation, and commissioning of control systems for electromechanical systems.
  • Experienced with safety-related system design, including defensive design techniques, defensive programming, and fail-safe control systems.
  • Experience with control processors, components, and communication networks used in multi-processing real-time industrial and/or embedded applications.
  • Experience in industrial control system installation, integration and commissioning
  • Experience in broad application of control system theory (closed-loop control, MIMO systems, positioning and navigation)
  • Experience with software development tools (Integrated Development Environment (IDE), compilers, linkers, debuggers, etc)
  • Experience with real-time control systems (proficient at ensuring deterministic system)
  • Proficient in developing and reading electrical schematics and single line diagrams.
  • Proficient with engineering tools, including AutoCAD, Matlab, Simulink, Solidworks.
  • Proficient in choosing appropriate equipment control devices based on requirements for performance, reliability, maintainability, and ease of use (motors, drives, sensors, effectors, servo, …)
  • Proficient at crafting, implementing, and solving sophisticated systems, closed loop motion control.
  • Knowledge of pneumatic controls and devices
  • Experience with Safety Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and HMIs
  • Skilled in electrical solving skills (voltmeter, oscilloscope, etc.)
  • Electrical design standards and codes, including UL508a and NEC
  • Familiarity with amusement and automation industry standards, including ASTM F2291
  • Developing and reviewing electrical schematics, one-line diagrams, and technical documents
  • Experience with contractor/vendor management and technical contract documents
  • Develop implementation plans and budgets for ride control systems.
  • Experience in scheduling and estimating control systems development.
  • Ability to travel and work both domestically and internationally.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Ride control and theme park engineering experience
  • Familiarity with Configuration Management / Version Control Tool Usage
  • Proficient in software/system algorithm design and modeling methodologies such as Unified Modeling Language (UML) and System Modeling Language (SysML)
  • Understanding of communication technologies/protocols: TCP/IP, CAN, ProfiNET, Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT
  • Experience with Software Case Tools and coding in C++
  • Experience with Allen Bradley ControlLogix or GuardLogix (RSLogix), Siemens SIMATIC Step 7 or Total Integrated Automation (TIA Portal), Rockwell, and Beckhoff.
  • Experience in wireless communications for control and monitoring electromechanical system.

Education:

  • Bachelor of Science Degree in a controls systems related engineering field from an accredited college or university.
  • Some coursework in the areas of Physics (Motion Equations / Dynamics), Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Control Theory.
  • Licensed professional engineer (State of Florida or other locale with means for Florida licensure through endorsement).

This position is located in Lake Buena Vista, FL

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.

#DXMedia

About Walt Disney Imagineering:

Founded in 1952 as WED Enterprises to design and build the world’s first theme park — Disneyland — Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is where imagination and creativity combine with cutting-edge technology to create unforgettable experiences. WDI is the creative force that imagines, designs and builds all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions and cruise ships worldwide. Imagineering’s unique strength comes from its diverse global team of creative and technical professionals, who build on Disney’s legacy of storytelling to pioneer new forms of entertainment. The Imagineers who practice this unique blend of art and science work in more than 100 disciplines to shepherd an idea all the way from “blue sky” concept phase to opening day.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., which is part of a business we call Walt Disney Imagineering.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, email Candidate.Accommodations@Disney.com with your request. This email address is not for general employment inquiries or correspondence. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

Sign up to receive the latest news and company information

Be you. Be here. Be part of story.

Global Opportunities

US & Canada

The Walt Disney Company entertains, informs and inspires people around the globe through the power of unparalleled storytelling, reflecting the iconic brands, creative minds and innovative technologies that make ours the world’s premier entertainment company.

Search All US & Canada Jobs

LATAM

The Walt Disney Company Latin America is the leading family entertainment company in Latin America and has been present in the region since the 1940’s when Walt Disney traveled to Brazil, Argentina and Peru.

Search All Latin America Jobs

EMEA

Disney EMEA aims to drive growth, innovation and brand affinity across an extremely diverse collection of countries with a team of over 6,000 employees operating in 59 markets with offices in 29 countries.

Search All EMEA Jobs

India

The Walt Disney Company entertains, informs and inspires people around the globe through the power of unparalleled storytelling, reflecting the iconic brands, creative minds and innovative technologies that make ours the world’s premier entertainment company.

Search All India Jobs

APAC

For over 70 years, The Walt Disney Company has been entertaining consumers in Asia Pacific – and enriching people’s lives. Today’s consumer can discover new branded experiences in many ways and in many markets across the APAC region.

Search All APAC Jobs
nighttime view of the Spaceship Earth attraction at Walt Disney World in Florida

The Walt Disney Company is a global community of unparalleled storytellers, creative minds, and innovative technologies, with offices located across the globe.

Sign Up for Job Alerts

Get the latest job opportunities as they become available.

Watch Our Jobs

Sign up to receive the latest news and company information based on your preferences. An asterisk indicates a required field.

Interested InSelect a job category from the list of options. Select a location from the list of options. Finally, click “Add” to create your job alert.

By clicking "Submit", you agree to our Terms of Use (opens in new window) and acknowledge that you have read our Privacy Policy (opens in new window).

By clicking "Submit", you agree to our Terms of Use (opens in new window) and acknowledge that you have read our Privacy Policy (opens in new window). If I have elected to receive marketing messages or newsletters, I may withdraw my consent for these marketing messages at any time.

By clicking "Submit", you agree to our Terms of Use (opens in new window) and acknowledge that you have read our Privacy Policy (opens in new window), Cookies Policy (opens in new window) and EU Privacy Rights (opens in new window).

How we use your personal information and your rights:

  1. Your personal information is controlled by The Walt Disney Company Limited of 3 Queen Caroline Street, London, W6 9PE, United Kingdom.
  2. When you visit or shop with Disney or use any Disney product, service or mobile application, other members of The Walt Disney Company Family of Companies may also use your information to provide you these services, personalise your experience and send you service related updates and communications.
  3. You have a number of rights including the right to request access to, change, or remove your personal information, or to change your marketing preferences (including withdrawing your consent at any time.) Please see our Privacy Policy (opens in new window) to learn more about managing your marketing preferences or deleting your account.
  4. Our Data Protection Officer can be contacted by emailing: dataprotection@disney.co.uk.
  5. You have a right to lodge a complaint with the UK Information Commissioner's Office: https://ico.org.uk/ (opens in new window).
  6. For more information about Disney's data collection and use practices please read Disney's Privacy Policy (opens in new window).

By clicking "Submit", you agree to our Terms of Use (opens in new window) and acknowledge that you have read our Privacy Policy (opens in new window) and Collection Statement (opens in new window).

For more information about our general data collection, use, and practices, including how to manage your preferences, please read our Privacy Policy (opens in new window). I have read and agree to the Terms of Use (opens in new window).