Senior Technical Director (Project Hire); Disney Live Entertainment

Disney Live Entertainment (DLE) is a world leader in creating and producing live entertainment experiences that bring joy and magic to audiences around the globe. Our team of talented professionals is dedicated to delivering unforgettable moments through innovative and immersive productions.

The Senior Technical Director will focus on parkwide systems of Disney Live Entertainment projects, primarily across the Asia region. This role requires a highly skilled, strategic and experienced individual who can manage complex sustainable long life technical projects, collaborate with creative teams, and ensure the highest standards of quality, reliability and safety across complex, integrated facilities and experiences.

This role will be based in Glendale, CA or Orlando, FL, with the likelihood of international relocation in the future.

This is a Project Hire role with no guarantee of permanent placement.

Position Responsibilities

• Meet company expectations, always prioritizing Safety as the first key in all decision making. Serve as the champion for Safety.

• Lead the technical direction for DLE experiences, including shows, parades, spectaculars, theatrical performance, and special events, with a focus on the show and theatrical elements in each entertainment offering. 

• Provide leadership oversight and strategic guidance for DLE projects through a project’s lifecycle: blue-sky; concept development; feasibility (develop and validate scope, schedule, and budget); design development; production (bid package, bid process, vendor selection, construction/fabrication, and factory acceptance testing); technical delivery (installation, programming, test & adjust, site acceptance testing, commissioning, training, rehearsal, and turnover); comprehensive final documentation and sustainment criteria.

• Collaborate with creative teams to develop and implement technical solutions that support the artistic vision, enhancing them according to technical progress; while integrating regulatory, safety, reliability, maintenance, and operational challenges.

• Facilitate and integrate all design disciplines; and maintain project files, design documents, bid packages, schedules, and punch lists

• Participate with local and government authorities for legal code compliance (including but not limited to Safety, Engineering, RCID [permitting], ADA, etc.)

• Coordinate bid processes and vendor selections with Contracts and/or Procurement; and managing vendor efforts including design development, construction, fabrication, shipping, integration with designers and other vendors, installation, acceptance testing, and turn-over

• Oversee the design, installation, and maintenance strategies of complex technical systems, including stage machinery, show control, OT & IT network, lighting, sound, video, and special effects.

• Manage technical budgets, schedules, resources, experts, and vendors to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.

• Ensure compliance with safety regulations across jurisdictions, company standards and Design Assurance / Hazard Assessment processes.

• Provide technical expertise and support to production teams during rehearsals and performances and ensure a smooth final completion handover to the operational and maintenance teams.

• Stay current with industry trends and advancements in technology to ensure Disney Live Entertainment remains at the forefront of innovation.

• Participate in the development of company standards.

• With direction and approval from his leader, build project teams to lead technical delivery of your designated projects.

• Provide functional leadership to these assigned technical resources (Technical Directors, Assistant Technical Director, Technical Producers, Coordinator, Designers, Engineers, etc.).

• Develop the practice of technical theatre in the International region.

• Regularly report to and take direction from project leadership.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Technical Theatre, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

• 5+ years’ experience in Technical Theater or Themed Live Show Entertainment

• Demonstrated knowledge and familiarity with entertainment industry state-of-the-art technologies

• Proven knowledge and understanding of the operation and artistic application of a wide variety of show systems and technology, including audio, special effects, lighting, show control systems, facilities, and rigging

• Proven experience with facility design, engineering, and construction

• Must possess working experience and knowledge in Theater architecture

• Demonstrated strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to express creative ideas

• Detail oriented with excellent organizational skills, ability to prioritize, and able to meet deadlines

• Strong troubleshooting, problem solving and decision-making skills, often under pressure

• Demonstrated leadership, partnering and strategic planning skills

• Highly motivated, requiring minimal direction and follow up

• Strong computer skills (Outlook, Excel, Word, AutoCAD)

• Proven ability to support the creative process by collaborating with other designers, directors, writers, and producers

• Ability to be flexible with work schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, and travel domestically and internationally

Preferred Qualifications

• Proven experience in international live show development

• Proven business management experience

• Proven knowledge and proficiency in some or all of the following engineering disciplines: structural, mechanical, electrical, software, safety, etc

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 for this position is Glendale, CA is $113,800-$152,500 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 medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.