Associate Show Mechanical Engineer (Project Hire/Internal Assignment)
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10150281 Location Glendale, California, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted May 26, 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 Show Systems team helps to dream and create many of the magical moments that our guests enjoy. Our team is responsible for delivering world class Audio-Animatronic figures, show action equipment and special effects through their full lifecycle. We partner with various disciplines to help deliver quality products and our processes and tools help to take us from concept design to production and installation.
You will report to Sr Mgr-Show Mechanical Engineering .
This is a Project Hire position without any guarantee of permanent placement.
What You Will Do:
Within the department, Mechanical Engineers drive the design and development of animatronic figures and show action equipment, where durability, long life, reliability, and safety are a must. We are responsible for various engineering tasks: concepts, mockups, organic surface & mechanical part design, hazard analysis, FMEA & system safety, FEA, design reviews, documentation, and the overall functionality to fulfill the creative intent.
Mechanical Engineers package machine elements within complex organic forms leveraging areas such as tooling design, digital sculpting, mesh modeling, organic and complex surface modeling, materials science, and 3D printing. Additionally, they support various phases of the engineering process which includes design from concept development through final design, production, test, installation, and commissioning for a variety of theme park attractions.
As an Associate Mechanical Engineer, you will:
Conduct Finite Element Analysis (FEA) to evaluate mechanical designs and ensure structural integrity.
Develop and analyze Rigid Body Dynamic (RBD) models for animated figures to optimize their movement and performance.
Perform Failure Modes and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to identify potential issues in mechanical designs and recommend improvements.
Provide engineering support during production for animated figures and show action equipment, troubleshooting and resolving technical challenges as they arise.
Assist with testing and commissioning of animated figures and show action equipment, ensuring all systems operate according to design specifications.
Prepare detailed engineering drawings and comprehensive reports to document design processes and outcomes.
Use 3D design software to create and communicate innovative design concepts, demonstrating creativity and technical proficiency.
Collaborate with team members to ensure animatronic figures meet both functional requirements and creative vision.
Work closely with cross-functional partners—including costuming, figure finishing, electrical, show programming, animation, creative, and show set teams—to achieve project goals.
Stay up to date on manufacturing best practices and monitor technological advancements and industry trends to enhance engineering solutions.
Required Qualifications & Skills:
Strong foundation in engineering design principles and proficiency with relevant design and modeling software (e.g., SolidWorks, AutoCAD, Navisworks, BIM 360, ANSYS, MATLAB, Zbrush, Rhino, Fusion360, Geomagic Design X)
Demonstrated creative problem-solving and interpersonal skills
Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities independently
Willingness to travel and work flexible hours as required for global projects
Eligibility to obtain a Professional Engineer License
Preferred Qualifications & Skills:
Prior Disney experience
1-year relevant experience or master’s degree
EIT/FE
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Engineering Mechanics required.
Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Technology, Engineering Management preferred.
The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $95,500.00 to $128,000.00 per year based on a 40-hour work week. The number of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. The base pay offered will consider internal equity and 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, depending 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.