Senior Special Effects Designer (PH)
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10118457 Location Glendale, California, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Apr. 15, 2025Job Summary:
Walt Disney Imagineering is the master planning, creative development, design, engineering, production, project management, and research and development arm of Disney’s Parks and Resorts business segment. Representing more than 150 disciplines, its talented teams of Imagineers are responsible for the creation - from concept initiation through installation and commissioning - of all Disney Resorts, theme parks and attractions, real estate developments, regional entertainment venues, and new media projects.
About the Role & Team
The Show Systems team helps to dream and build 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 teams to help deliver quality products and our processes and tools help to take us from concept design to production and installation.
We are seeking a highly skilled and creative designer to join our Special Effects team. As the Senior Special Effects Designer, you will be responsible for applying the newest technologies and innovations in special effects to create immersive environments for Theme Park attractions, Cruise lines, Resorts and Shows.
The Senior Special Effects Designer will report to the Special Effects Designer, Manager.
This is a 30 month Project Hire position with no guarantee of permanent placement.
You Will
- Assist overall project team in scope development from concept stage through close-out
- Concept and delivery of all required feasibility mockups
- Preparation and delivery of documentation to establish FX scope schedule & budget
- Plan & management of overall design/production strategy
- Communicate with all integrated disciplines to ensure internal/external requirements are met
- Oversight and management of all production activities to ensure budget & schedule are met
- Field installation management
- Maintenance and operations training & post opening support
Required Experience
- Experience in concept & design any level of special effect required to support the show, using any and all appropriate creative and technical methods.
- Experience in design, production, installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting of theme park special effects equipment.
- Knowledge of all related technical disciplines and their application to the creation of special effects, optics, mechanics, materials processes etc.
Education
- MS office Word, Excel, Powerpoint
- Solidworks design experience
- Ten (10) years in Disney (or equivalent) theme park or special effects experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in Industrial design and manufacturing
- Park operations with special effects and projection system design experience.
- Theatrical training also desirable.
- Lead other Senior staff, communicate well with peers in other disciplines and report to various levels of management.
- B.A., B.S. in Engineering or Design equivalent
Additional Information
Benefits and Perks: Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health, dental and vision benefits; retirement savings; 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 California is $103,500.00-$138,800.00 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.