Ride Control Software Engineer, Senior
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10144760 Location Glendale, California, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Mar. 03, 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.
This role will work with the Executive Ride Software Engineering.
This is a full-time role.
What You Will Do:
Define, analyze, and validate deterministic solutions for large-scale, fail-safe motion control systems
System Definition
System Performance Analysis
Control System Architecture
Detailed Design Specifications
Hazard Analysis
Test Strategies and Test Plans
Specify, design, and implement operator-intensive, safety-critical control software using real-time operating systems
Theory of Operation
Software Design Document
Debug / Software Integration Test
Install, integrate, and test high-capacity, man-rated control systems domestically and overseas
I/O Checkout
System Functions Testing
Fault Testing
Adjusting / Tuning
Acceptance Testing using Earned Value tracking
Required Qualifications & Skills
5 or more Years of experience in the software engineering field
Software Development Tools (Integrated Development Environment (IDE), compilers, linkers, debuggers, etc) experience
Understanding of at C++
Understanding of or experience with Ladder Logic and Structured Text
Strong Analytical Skills
Strong Initiative / Self-Motivated
Strong Verbal Communications
Strong Technical Writing Ability
Development and design are primarily in Glendale, CA, but installation, testing, and other support may require travel and/or relocation, up to approximately 20% of the time. Relocation for 1 year at a time is possible, to both domestic and international facilities.
Preferred Qualifications & Skills
Ride Control and/or Theme Park Experience
Proficiency in Unified Modeling Language (UML)
Control Theory
Education
Bachelor's Degree (B.S. or B.A.) in Engineering, computer science or math from an accredited college or university OR a valid and current PE license required
Additional Information:
This position is Located in Glendale, CA. This position will require the ability to travel domestically and internationally (project durations usually 1-2 years - sometimes assignment starts mid-project).
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/pay rate for Principal Ride Development Engineer is $155,700-$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 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.
Watch Our Jobs
Sign up to receive new job alerts and company information based on your preferences.
For Disney Job Alerts to work, JavaScript must be enabled in your browser.