Principal Systems Engineer-Design Assurance, Mechanical Systems
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10136767 Location Anaheim, California, United States Business Disneyland Resort Date posted Dec. 04, 2025Job Summary:
About the Role & Team
We create happiness.” That’s our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, and it permeates within everything we do. At Disney, you’ll help make that magic by enabling our company to push the limits and build the never-before-seen! Are you ready to join this team and make an impact?
The successful candidate will perform as Principal Systems Engineer – Design Assurance within Disneyland Resort’s Global Engineering and Technology (GE&T) division. This person will be responsible for providing oversight and guidance to the engineering teams, including leadership, which includes approximately 150 total team members. The Design Assurance charter is to ensure that the safety of Guests and Cast is the number one focus of our engineering work by overseeing and driving a culture of technical excellence and global consistency. These objectives are accomplished by providing training, mentorship, supporting project reviews, fostering the development and integration of engineering standards and rigor, as well as supporting and applying best practices. While direct administrative responsibilities are limited, effective collaboration with the engineering leadership team and global Design Assurance remains critical for achieving both technical excellence and favorable business outcomes.
The Principal Systems Engineer – Design Assurance role is a Full-Time in-person role based in Anaheim, CA, reporting to the Director of Global Engineering & Technology at the Disneyland Resort.
What You Will Do
Work with the Mechanical Systems leadership team and individual team members as well as other Design Assurance Cast, both domestically and internationally to:
Advocate for the application of great engineering practices in the areas of safety and risk reduction, requirements development, hazard & safety analysis, engineering assumptions, design & engineering analysis, installation & implementation, testing and verification, maintainability, reliability, etc.
Participate throughout the entire engineering review process, from feasibility studies and concept reviews to final development and implementation strategy discussions, while partnering with the leadership teams to provide technical oversight.
Utilize extensive expertise to mentor and coach team members and project teams, enabling them to deliver innovative and effective designs that surpass expectations in safety, quality, compliance, performance, sustainability, and cost.
Assess routine & sustaining work content, direction and process through strategic review & analysis to reduce risk and facilitate successful outcomes.
Arbitrate and resolve technical issues and differences of professional opinion.
Aid in the development, interpretation, and application of Disney and relevant industry standards within team deliverables.
Support the safety bulletin process, including completion of related tasks and other special projects as needed by the Director of Engineering.
Assist with forensic investigations to inform engineering strategies, ensure global consistency, and enhance communication.
Serve as a technical liaison, providing insights and guidance to senior management.
Remain informed of advancements and trends within the industry, technological innovations, and notable incidents, and regularly communicate these updates to Cast and leadership teams.
Required Qualifications & Skills
This is what you will need to be successful in the role:
Minimum of 15+ years of experience in technical roles focused on the design, troubleshooting, and maintenance of complex, safety related mechanical systems.
Extensive experience in Themed Entertainment, specifically in the design and sustainment of Ride Systems.
Advanced engineering knowledge (e.g. statics, dynamics, kinematics, stress/strain/fatigue).
Advanced engineering expertise (e.g., machine design, weldments, power train, materials).
Proficiency with engineering tools (e.g., Solid Modeling, FEA, Engineering calculation software, Engineering programming and modeling software - e.g. MatLab).
Comprehensive knowledge of themed entertainment standards (e.g. ASTM F24, Cal OSHA 6.2…) and their effective application.
Comprehensive knowledge of industrial standards (e.g. ASME, SAE-AMS, AWS, ANSI…).
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Skilled at identifying priority system-level risks and resolving team technical conflicts.
Ability to read and understand integrated drawing packages including detailed and tolerance part through assembly drawings, system level documents including theory of operations, maintenance and installation manuals.
Preferred Qualifications
It would be helpful if you also had:
Hands-on experience with gear train, conveyor, and transportation systems.
Hands-on experience with pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
Hands-on experience with water systems including open channel flow.
Hands-on experience with equipment fabrication, assembly, installation and testing.
Experience with prototype, development, and/or innovative product design.
Education
Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering.
Professional Engineering License in Mechanical Engineering.
Preferred: Master’s degree in mechanical engineering or related area.
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 Anaheim, CA is $170,900.00 to $208,700.00 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.
About Disneyland Resort:
When Walt Disney opened Disneyland on July 17, 1955, he said he hoped it would be “a source of joy and inspiration to all the world.” Since then, the Disneyland Resort has welcomed more than 800 million guests, expanding to become an approximately 500- acre, multifaceted, world-class family resort destination, complete with two renowned Disney theme parks, three hotels and the exciting shopping, dining and entertainment area known as Downtown Disney District. Through a combination of creativity, technology and innovation, the resort brings storytelling to new heights, and Disneyland Resort cast members play an integral part in bringing that Disney magic to life for thousands of guests every day.
About The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., which is part of a business we call Disneyland Resort.
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.
