Sr Entertainment Automation Specialist

About the Role & Team

Every day at Disney Cruise Line we take pride in bringing the magic of Disney to life. We find joy in creating cherished memories and form genuine connections with our guests. We hold each other to the highest degree and always act responsibly while ensuring the safety of fellow cast, crew and guests. United by our Disney values, we work toward excellence in all we do. As a part of our team, you can work in a diverse and inclusive environment amidst a professional and supportive community. If you are ready to create unforgettable experiences and grow as a person and as a professional, apply today.

Utilizing the latest entertainment technologies, we bring unparalleled entertainment to our guest across the Disney Cruise Line Fleet every single day. The Sr Entertainment Automation Specialist is a self-driven individual contributor, performing as part of a team. Partnering with the onboard teams to assist in troubleshooting of the entertainment automation systems/show action equipment inside the Walt Disney Theatre and other entertainment venues; they will regularly assist with operational issues to develop short-term and life-cycle sustainment solutions. This individual will perform tasks including running of shows, controls system maintenance, development of procedures and training. They will also project manage upgrades and other automation system installs as needed. A successful candidate must be able to work with multiple stakeholders and partners from all levels of the organization to ensure creative intent, show standards, consistency in operation, and documentation for all entertainment automation systems.

What You Will Do

• Act as the subject matter expert of all entertainment automation systems across the Disney Cruise line fleet

• Partner with Marine & Technical Operations and vendors to support the operation and maintenance of all Disney Cruise Line entertainment automation systems fleet-wide

• Perform testing, configuration, and troubleshooting of entertainment automation equipment to be used onboard Disney Cruise Line’s fleet of vessels in the Disney Cruise Line Resource Lab

• Act as the Disney Cruise Line representative for all entertainment automation controls system commissioning as part of: entertainment projects, show installations, new builds (when required), and dry docks

• Lead controls /electrical cabinet maintenance in partnership with the Marine and Technical Operations department as required

• Conduct regular SQS audits of Entertainment Automation Control Systems and documentation

• Regularly observe shipboard entertainment teams to ensure consistency of operation

• Conduct regular onboard training for entertainment technicians and engineering partners for safe and consistent operation of the entertainment automation controls system

• Prepare all technical and inspection documentation based on internal site audits/SQS sailings

• Review inspection reports provided by vendors and identify controls/ electrical problems

• Ensure all maintenance reports, documentation, and tickets are kept in order and up to date and closed appropriately

• Partner with the shipboard teams to configure solutions and instigate the resolution in partnership with the Marine and Technical department, and vendors as needed

• Function as project manager for all entertainment automation projects; including planning of and writing scope of works, developing schedules, and budgets

• Function as the onsite Disney Cruise Line representative for all entertainment automation system commissioning for entertainment technical funded projects

• Validate the safe installation of lifting systems during show installs and other entertainment projects

• Engage with all relevant partners to ensure successful handover of all entertainment technical projects

• Review and provide resolution of day-to-day challenges regarding the automation system.  Report findings back to the relevant stakeholders, and drive resolutions

• Engage in knowledge sharing process by creating and contributing to learning materials and manuals within the entertainment team and across onboard partners

• Attend vendor supplied trainings to maintain a basic understanding of all control’s integration-related technical fields

• Demonstrate continuous effort to improve operations, streamline work processes and work cooperatively to provide unparalleled entertainment offerings to our guest.

• Establish and cultivate good relationships with shipboard entertainment technicians, Marine and Technical Operations partners, Disney Live Entertainment Production teams, and Disney Cruise Line vendors

• Partner with the Technical Training Manager to develop best practices and training plans to be delivered to onboard automation operators and others of the entertainment team

• Function as the “in-house” automation operator trainer using systems available in the Disney Cruise Line Recourse lab.

• Partner with shoreside counterparts to develop long term replacement cycle budgets.

• Monitor equipment life cycles to ensure safety systems are replaced in a timeline consistent with their life expectancy

• Partner with shoreside counterparts to influence design ask in regard to new builds, show refreshes, or equipment replacement.

• Communicates frequently with the Entrainment Technical Operations team about tasks and risks

• Partners with Disney Cruise Line Safety team to ensure compliance with set policies and procedures as well as all maritime and ship safety standards and Flag compliance.

• Partners with Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Entertainment Standards team to ensure company standards compliance.

• Partners with Worldwide Safety team to ensure company safety standards are met.

• Function as subject matter expert with other safety and engineering partners to develop hazard analysis and risk management plans

• Partner with shoreside Entertainment Technical Leadership, Disney Cruise Line Safety partners and the Standards and Sustainment team to ensure Safety Management Systems and Operating Guideline documentation is up to date and in accordance with current safety and regulatory practices.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum five years show production experience in a similar role, preferably as a Controls Integrator or Lead Automation Operator/head of department.

• Experience working with complex, large entertainment automation machinery.

• Knowledge and understanding of entertainment/industrial automation technology and equipment.

• Working knowledge of PLC programming and control theory.

• Entertainment rigging and components.

• Ability to conduct equipment failure diagnosis and analysis.

• Understanding of mechanical systems.

• Formal Technical Background.

• Theatre/Entertainment Experience.

• Available and willing to work weekends, holidays and third shift, as needed.

• Willingness to travel extensively on various domestic and international assignments as needed for Disney Cruise Line and related projects.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge and understanding of SIL compliant safety solutions within a PLC/RTOS environment.

• Knowledge of Navigator by TAIT.

• Knowledge of epIQ and eCham.

• Knowledge of Wagner Biro Stage Automation Systems.

• Experience installing and troubleshooting electric motor, hydraulic and pneumatic actuators.

• Familiarity with show controller hardware (AMX, Navigator, Beckhoff TwinCAT, or similar devices).

Education

• BA in Theatre with focus in technical systems, or B.S. in Computer Science with entertainment experience.

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