Design Manager - Project Hire/Internal Assignment
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10147364 Location Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Apr. 20, 2026Job Summary:
Project Design Manager – Project Hire/Internal Assignment
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.
You will coordinate, plan, and manage the Architecture, Design & Planning disciplines during the course of a specific project, land, or park. This includes coordination of efforts with Creative, Show Design and Production, and Ride studios, with accountability for the financial health of the projects.
In this role, you will report to the Studio Executive, Architecture & Design Management.
This is a Project Hire position without any guarantee of permanent placement.
What You Will Do:
Provide architecture and facilities engineering project management and technical leadership from conceptual design through construction of a single themed entertainment project of critical importance to Imagineering and The Walt Disney Company
Function as the representative of the Architecture, Design & Engineering (AD&E) division on the project core team responsible to the Division Vice President and the Project Manager for the Architecture, Design & Engineering (AD&E) design process and product
Coordinate with functional management on staffing/costing and strategy issues
Direct the activities of in-house staff and outside consultants in the preparation of construction contract document
Ensure coordination of multi-discipline architectural, environment design and engineering scopes of work, including integration of all show and ride system requirements and facility impacts
Assemble and manage design schedules, labor estimates and budgets
Provide technical and administrative directing to maintain project costs within budget with appropriate cost and schedule tracking and reporting
Ensure conformance to all divisional standards and procedures
Oversees design/build consultant as the owner's representative
Make recommendations on bid packages
May function as the Project Architect on venue(s) assigned when we self-perform
Coordinates with Graphics, Themed Lighting, Show Set, and Interiors
Project reporting for status of Architecture, Design & Engineering (AD&E) project risks, budget management (internal/external design disciplines) and issues. Participates in and contributor to weekly project staff meetings
Required Qualifications
5 or more years of professional experience
Working knowledge of Building Information Management (BIM), Integrated Product Delivery (IPD), Design Assist, and Building Specification Design Program
Demonstrated experience in architecture and facilities engineering project management
Proficiency in technical coordination of design documents
Strong financial acumen for managing project budgets
Effective communication and persuasive skills
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in the themed entertainment industry
Previous experience managing a team of professional employees
Familiarity with Disney's design standards and procedures
Education
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or architecture required
Advanced degree desired but not required
Professional license desirable but not required
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.
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The hiring range for this position in Florida is $120,800 to $161,900 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.