Principal Ride Control Systems Engineer
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10149234 Location Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Apr. 29, 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.
At Ride Engineering, it is our responsibility to move people through our stories in magical ways that bring these experiences to life! Ride Engineers bring optimism and solutions to design challenges that often seem impossible and partner with diverse creative talent to define and build one-of-a-kind experiences that bring fun and joy to millions of people all around the world. We Create to Inspire!
The Ride Control Systems Engineer will report to the Executive Ride Control Systems Engineer.
This is a full time role.
What You Will Do:
Manage entire scope to conceive, design, & deliver control systems for a wide variety of complex and innovative ride systems and related equipment
Define technical requirements, design, and implement operator intensive, safety-critical control systems and software.
Develop safety-critical control architecture, network architecture, and algorithms for ride attractions, ride vehicles, and motion systems that deliver high reliability.
Design operator interfaces and electrical control panels.
Perform Installation Validation, I/O Checkout, System Functions Testing, Fault Testing, Adjusting / Tuning, and Acceptance Testing of man-rated control systems, which may require the use of active fall protection, catwalks, ladders, scaffolding, lifts, and/or access to confined spaces.
Write technical documents such as Theory of Operation, Design Specifications, Hazard Assessments, Software Design Document, Debug / Software Integration Test Plans
Create hazard assessments, and failure modes & effects analysis.
Write testing requirements, strategies, safety plans, and testing procedure documents.
Research new products, technologies, and methodologies and conduct trade-off studies.
Develop mock-ups and prototypes as needed to prove-out concepts.
Secure third-party inspection and UL certification of ride control systems.
Ensure code compliance with local jurisdiction inspectors and officials.
Develop facility interface requirements in documents, drawings, and 3D models.
Analyze system performance to ensure requirements are satisfied.
Design, model, and analyze electrical, data communication, and dynamic systems.
Review Electrical (e.g. single line drawing) & Mechanical (e.g. pneumatic diagram) drawings.
Conduct reviews and quality checks to ensure requirements have been satisfied.
Conduct ride system factory testing and field-testing efforts.
Identify faults and solve to find root cause.
Collaborate with attraction operators and project team members to define and deliver maintainable and reliable systems.
Oversee supplier design, engineering, testing, installation, and commissioning efforts at supplier locations and at project construction sites.
Lead a team of ride control engineers, software engineers, and other specialists, to develop and implement ride control systems that delivers the creative intent and meets operational requirements.
- Develop test requirements and documents, and lead testing efforts
Required Qualifications & Skills
Minimum 10 years of shown experience with design, engineering, installation, and commissioning of control systems for electromechanical systems.
Experienced with safety-related system design, including defensive design techniques, defensive programming, and fail-safe control systems.
Experience with control processors, components, and communication networks used in multi-processing real-time industrial and/or embedded applications.
Experience in industrial control system installation, integration and commissioning
Experience in broad application of control system theory (closed-loop control, MIMO systems, positioning and navigation)
Experience with software development tools (Integrated Development Environment (IDE), compilers, linkers, debuggers, etc)
Experience with real-time control systems (competent at ensuring deterministic system)
Proficient in developing and reading electrical schematics and single line diagrams.
Proficient with engineering tools, including AutoCAD, Matlab, Simulink, Solidworks.
Proficient in choosing appropriate equipment control devices based on requirements for performance, reliability, maintainability, and ease of use (motors, drives, sensors, effectors, servo, …)
Proficient at designing, implementing, and troubleshooting complex systems, closed loop motion control.
Knowledge of pneumatic controls and devices
Experience with Safety Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and HMIs
Skilled in electrical troubleshooting skills (voltmeter, oscilloscope, etc.)
Electrical design standards and codes, including UL508a and NEC
Familiarity with amusement and automation industry standards, including ASTM F2291
Developing and reviewing electrical schematics, one-line diagrams, and technical documents
Experience with contractor/vendor management and technical contract documents
Develop implementation plans and budgets for ride control systems.
Experience in scheduling and estimating control systems development.
Ability to travel and work both domestically and internationally.
Preferred Qualifications & Skills
Ride control and theme park engineering experience
Familiarity with Configuration Management / Version Control Tool Usage
Proficient in software/system algorithm design and modeling methodologies such as Unified Modeling Language (UML) and System Modeling Language (SysML)
Understanding of communication technologies/protocols: TCP/IP, CAN, ProfiNET, Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT
Experience with Software Case Tools and coding in C++
Experience with Allen Bradley ControlLogix or GuardLogix (RSLogix), Siemens SIMATIC Step 7 or Total Integrated Automation (TIA Portal), Rockwell, and Beckhoff.
Experience in wireless communications for control and monitoring electromechanical system.
Education
Bachelor of Science Degree in engineering, computer science, or related field from an accredited university, Electrical Engineering preferred
Additional Information:
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/pay rate for Principal Ride Control Systems Engineer is $148,300.00-$198,800.00 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.
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