Principal Operations Program Manager (OPM)

Walt Disney Imagineering – Research & Development Productization Team

Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) combines innovation and storytelling to bring Disney stories, characters, and worlds to life. As the creative development, design, engineering, production, and project management arm of The Walt Disney Company, Imagineering is responsible for the creation of Disney Resorts, theme parks, attractions, real estate developments, regional entertainment venues, and new media projects.

Within Imagineering, the Research & Development (R&D) team leverages emerging technologies to create groundbreaking experiences for Guests and innovative tools for Imagineers and Cast Members. The Productization Team within R&D transforms imaginative concepts into scalable, manufacturable, and operationally viable products.

We are seeking a Principal Operations Program Manager (OPM) to support the Director of Productization in leading productization efforts across a diverse portfolio of technologies including robotics, consumer electronics, ride systems, audio-visual systems, and other imaginative hardware. This role requires a strategic, technically adept, and operationally focused leader who thrives in a collaborative, cross-functional environment.

What You Will Do/Key Responsibilities

Program Support & Strategy Execution

• Support the Director of Productization in executing productization strategies across multiple programs and initiatives.
• Serve as a key liaison between WDI R&D and contract manufacturers (CMs), OEMs, and ODMs, ensuring readiness and alignment across all phases of development.
• Assist in driving strategic planning, execution, and continuous improvement across supply chain, manufacturing, and logistics functions.

Pre-Build Planning

• Coordinate RFQ/RFP processes and vendor selection in collaboration with OEM business management and the Director of Productization.
• Facilitate onboarding requirements for new vendors, including audits (SQA, SCR).
• Assist in defining and communicating manufacturing requirements including reliability (REL), product integrity (PI), compliance, and regulatory testing.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams (TPM, PD, PM, EE, ME, REL, Legal, Logistics, Packaging) to ensure build readiness.
• Manage BOM releases, documentation, and version control with CM partners.
• Maintain product development schedules and milestone tracking.
• Ensure material availability in partnership with Materials Program Managers and factory teams.

Build Execution

• Provide operational oversight throughout prototype and production builds (xVT), escalating issues and supporting resolution in coordination with the Director of Productization.
• Facilitate daily build meetings, ensuring CM accountability and cross-functional coordination.
• Monitor factory readiness, including qualified staffing, line access/security, and build matrix configurations.
• Drive Clear-To-Build (CTB) processes and ensure flexibility in build planning.
• Collaborate with Manufacturing Test Managers to optimize test processes and quality deliverables.
• Manage IQC operations, fault injection testing, and validation activities.
• Oversee device security protocols and ensure compliance with internal standards.
• Support spares planning and delivery coordination with sustaining teams.

Program Infrastructure & Reporting

• Build, maintain, and manage product development mechanisms including SharePoint, Confluence pages, BOX, and shared folder resources to ensure program transparency and documentation integrity.
• Responsible for preparing and delivering weekly and monthly program updates and presentations to leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Ensure consistent reporting of program status, risks, and mitigation plans across all active initiatives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Partner with Technical Program Managers, Sustaining Teams, and Research & Development partners to align technical and operational goals.
• Influence stakeholders across engineering, legal, compliance, and logistics to drive consensus and program success.
• Assist in resolving pricing, change orders, and contractual issues with vendors.

Travel

• Travel up to 30% as required to support factory builds, vendor audits, park and other deployment site visits, and program milestones.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or related field.
• 10+ years of experience in operations program management across the product lifecycle.
• 5+ years in supply chain, logistics, or manufacturing for hardware products.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple complex programs.
• Proven ability to influence and align cross-functional stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in engineering, Business, or related discipline.
• PMP certification.
• Experience in productization of robotics, consumer electronics, or themed entertainment systems.

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. 
• #LI-SS3

The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA and $188,400.00-$252,600.00 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.