Manager, Show Mechanical Engineering

Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is the master planning, creative development, design, engineering, production, project management, and research and development arm of Disney’s Parks and Resorts business segment. Representing more than 150 disciplines, its talented teams of Imagineers are responsible for the creation of Disney resorts, theme parks and attractions, hotels, water parks, real estate developments, regional entertainment venues, cruise ships, and new media technology projects.

About the Role & Team

Within the Show Systems studio, we bring magic to life. Our processes and tools transform concept designs or mock-ups into full-fledged production, assembly, and installation. Our show mechanical engineers are responsible for delivering our world-class Audio-Animatronic figures, show action equipment, and mechanical integration of show elements. They work through design, engineering, simulation, production support, and installation, ensuring that each step aligns with the project’s goals and budget.

We seek professionals who are passionate about diverse experiences, eager to learn, and confident in upholding the Disney quality that our guests expect. If you think you have what it takes, please apply today!

The Show Mechanical Engineering Manager reports to the Show Systems Studio Executive and oversees a team of 40 mechanical engineers, designers, and analysts. Show Mechanical Engineering is responsible for the engineering, design, and analysis of mechanical systems related to animatronic figures, show action equipment, and other show-related structural interfaces for our rides and attractions.

What You Will Do

• Manage a team of mechanical engineers and analysts focused on the development of advanced animatronics, show action equipment, and show facility interfaces.
• Review, perform, and manage engineering analysis and simulation, design drawings and facility prints, project plans, testing plans, and theories of operation.
• Direct and develop mechanical systems interfaces information to other groups within Imagineering.
• Develop and maintain departmental budgets and resource plans.
• Direct, author, and contribute to the development of show mechanical engineering standards and design practices.
• Identify and drive technology and innovation initiatives of mechanical engineering and design workflows that improve system performance, efficiency, or capabilities.
• Present technical concepts to a wide range of technical and creative stakeholders.
• Plan resources and provide installation support in the field (some travel required).
• Direct engineers and design teams through project requirements.
• Ensure consistency in engineering and design processes in project delivery.

 Required Qualifications & Skills

• Ten (10) plus years of engineering in high-tech environments, industrial automation, robotics, or themed entertainment.
• Five (5) plus years of managing multidisciplinary engineering teams.
• Diverse knowledge of animatronics, mechanical systems (mechatronics), controls, robotics, and/or special effects/projection equipment.
• Demonstrated experience in design engineering practices, mechanical component selection, and “blank sheet of paper” design.
• Experience in leading or managing multi-million-dollar capital efforts.
• Demonstrated project management skills such as resource loading, schedule development, multi-objective decision analysis, budgeting, and risk management.
• Demonstrated ability in authoring and managing technical documents such as Requirements Specifications, Theory of Operations, Scopes of Work, Hazard Analyses, and Acceptance Test Procedures.
• Familiarity with advanced CAD skills such as surface modeling, organic shapes, or generative design.
• Advanced knowledge of manufacturing processes such as machining and welding, 3D printing, plastics, and FRP tooling.
• Advanced knowledge of machine design and mechanical drawing dimensioning and tolerancing (ASME Y14.5).
• Demonstrated experience with mechanical simulation work in finite element analysis, multibody dynamics, modal analysis, fluid flow, hyper-elastic materials, etc.
• Experienced with mechanical or robotics systems simulation tools such as MATLAB & Simulink, Recurdyne, ANSYS, Gazebo.
• Proven ability to manage vendor and engineering consultants and deliver results while meeting key performance indicators.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience with Disney, Themed Entertainment, or Walt Disney Imagineering.
• Familiarity with Revit and Navisworks applications and BIM practices.
• Familiarity with Maya and animation applications for robotics systems.
• Sustaining and/ or park operations experience.
• Active member of related professional and technical societies.
• Strong familiarity with entertainment and creative workflows such as motion capture, animation development, puppetry, illusions, and effects.
• Professional Engineering License in the state of California.

Education

• Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering or equivalent from an accredited engineering school.
• Advanced degree in engineering or engineering management is preferred.

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.

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The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $151,000.00 - $202,500.00 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.