Principal Ride Control Systems Engineer at Walt Disney

Job Posting Title:

Principal Ride Control Systems Engineer:

Req ID:

10149234

Job Description:

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.

At Ride Engineering, it is our responsibility to move people through our stories in magical ways that bring these experiences to life! Ride Engineers bring optimism and solutions to design challenges that often seem impossible and partner with diverse creative talent to define and build one-of-a-kind experiences that bring fun and joy to millions of people all around the world. We Create to Inspire!

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

This is a full time role.

What You Will Do:

• Manage entire scope to conceive, design, & deliver control systems for a wide variety of complex and innovative ride systems and related equipment

• 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

• Create 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 solve to find root cause.

• Collaborate with attraction operators and project team members to define and deliver maintainable and reliable systems.

• Oversee supplier design, engineering, testing, installation, and commissioning efforts at supplier locations and at project construction sites.

• Lead 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.

• Develop test requirements and documents, and lead testing efforts

Required Qualifications & Skills

• 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 (competent 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 designing, implementing, and troubleshooting complex systems, closed loop motion control.

• Knowledge of pneumatic controls and devices

• Experience with Safety Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and HMIs

• Skilled in electrical troubleshooting 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 & Skills

• 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 Control Logix or Guard Logix (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 or above in engineering field, science or math or have a PE license. Post-Graduate Engineering degree preferred.

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.

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The hiring range/pay rate for Principal Ride Control Systems Engineer is $148,300.00-$198,800.00 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.

Job Posting Segment:

WDI Global Business Operations & Strategy:

Job Posting Primary Business:

Ride Engineering (WDI)

Primary Job Posting Category:

Systems Engineer

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-04-29