Special Effects Designer - Project Hire / Internal Assignment
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10154353 Location Anaheim, California, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Jun. 22, 2026Job Summary:
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 Special Effects Designer is responsible for the development and implementation of practical and visual special effects systems, including fire, lighting, projection, water, air, gas, and illusion-based technologies. This team collaborates across creative and technical disciplines to deliver immersive show environments through innovative design, fabrication, installation, and commissioning.
You will report to the Senior Manager – Special Effects Design.
This is a Project Hire position or Internal Assignment without any guarantee of permanent placement.
This is a full-time position.
What You Will Do:
Support multiple attractions in the development, design, and implementation of practical special effects systems
Lead or support field installation activities, including supervision of contractors and vendors
Provide maintenance and operations training and post-opening support for installed effects systems
Coordinate with creative, technical, and project management teams to ensure design intent is achieved
Participate in mockup construction and prototype fabrication for special effects applications
Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges related to installation and system performance
Assist in integrating special effects systems into overall show and facility designs
Contribute to documentation and production processes throughout the project lifecycle
Required Qualifications & Skills:
3+ years of experience in themed entertainment special effects or a related technical field
Knowledge of a wide range of special effects systems including fire, projection, water, air, gas, and visual effects technologies
Ability to support multiple projects and manage competing priorities with guidance
Ability to work collaboratively with skilled craftspeople, creative teams, and technical disciplines
Strong communication skills and ability to coordinate across project teams
Experience supporting installation, testing, and system integration activities
Ability to travel domestically and/or internationally required
Preferred Qualifications & Skills:
Experience in mockup construction or prototype fabrication of special effects systems
Theatrical training and knowledge of stagecraft, illusions, or show systems
Experience mentoring or guiding junior team members
Laser safety, flame safety, or pyrotechnic safety training desirable
CAD, Sketchup, SolidWorks
3D modeling
Familiarity with Disney theme park special effects systems and processes
Education:
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Theater, Technical Production, or a related field preferred
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.
The hiring range for this position in Anaheim, CA is $95,500 - $128,000 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 Walt Disney Imagineering:
Founded in 1952 as WED Enterprises to design and build the world’s first theme park — Disneyland — Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is where imagination and creativity combine with cutting-edge technology to create unforgettable experiences. WDI is the creative force that imagines, designs and builds all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions and cruise ships worldwide. Imagineering’s unique strength comes from its diverse global team of creative and technical professionals, who build on Disney’s legacy of storytelling to pioneer new forms of entertainment. The Imagineers who practice this unique blend of art and science work in more than 100 disciplines to shepherd an idea all the way from “blue sky” concept phase to opening 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 Walt Disney Imagineering.
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.