Production Designer Principal (Internal Assignment/Project Hire)

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!

The Production Designer’s primary goal is to ensure that the content and integrity of the concept is maintained throughout the design, production and installation process. The demands of this role require an in-depth understanding of the creative intent and the ability for realizing it through the effective execution of the theatrical design process. The Production Designer is the overall representative of the theatrical design team interfaces and is responsible for supporting their interests and sharing their efforts.

You will report to the Executive Production Design.

This is a Project Hire position without any guarantee of permanent placement.

What You Will Do:

• The Production Designer Principal is responsible for "E" ticket or multiple attractions or areas.

• Partners with Show Design and Production Manager in creation of show design and production strategies.

• Lead teams, collaborate and make decisions across divisions.

• Provide leadership to other disciplines on cross-functional teams.

• Provide day-to-day art direction to production and installation crews.  Oversee dimensional design teams.

• Make decisions on day-to-day and strategic planning of projects, including problem resolution, risk mitigation, and recommendations that impact project objectives for multiple attractions or areas and across project teams of diverse disciplines.

• Oversee design and production progress to schedule and budget and advise on impact of all proposed changes.

• Develop strategies for production of show elements.

• Research new/existing materials relative to company standards and applicability to project goals.

• Oversees Show Art disciplines at scope level, partnering with DOW leads.

• High level responsibility for providing information to be included in executive level summary reports and presentations communicated out to Senior Leadership.

• Travel to vendor locations, domestic and international, to review vendor’s scope of work.  

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Minimum of 7 years’ experience in theme park design, production and installation.

• Extensive knowledge of dimension design, set decoration and production.

• Strong knowledge of fabrication techniques and materials.

• Knowledge of show requirements for special effects, lighting, media design.

• Domestic and International travel required.

Specialty Production Designers and Field Art Directors to have experience and expertise in 1 of the following 3 disciplines:

• Rockwork: Some experience in the field on Disney rockwork projects. Specific skills include knowledge and mastery of methods and materials particular to rockwork, including development of rockwork models and coordination of corresponding show elements, application and articulation of plaster, cage construction and installation.

• Facades: Proven experience in the field on Disney themed façade projects. Specific skills include knowledge and mastery of methods and materials particular to themed plaster, including appropriate use of tools, application and articulation of products and materials, and knowledge of substrate requirements. Ability to read CAD files and to develop and document scope packages is preferred.

• Themed Paint: Proven experience in the field on Disney projects. Specific skills include knowledge of materials and application techniques for varied painted scenic effects. General aesthetic knowledge in the blending and use of color palettes is mandatory.

Education:

• Degree in theater, fine arts or environmental design or equivalent professional experience 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 this position in Glendale, CA is $139,200.00 to $186,600.00 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.