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Show Programmer

Apply NowApply Later Job ID 10057265 Location Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Aug. 30, 2023

Job Summary:

WDI is the master planning, creative development, design, engineering, production, project management, and research and development arm of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products business segment. Representing more than 150 disciplines, its talented corps of Imagineers are responsible for the creation of Disney resorts, theme parks and attractions, hotels, water parks, real estate developments, regional entertainment venues, cruise ships and new media technology projects worldwide which includes other Disney Intellectual Property such as Marvel, Pixar and Lucasfilm.

Innovation is at the center of everything we do at WDI, and nothing reflects that more than our work environment. We celebrate collaborative thinking and promote cross-disciplinary partnerships to foster a culture of diversity and creativity.

Job Summary

Figure Show Programmers facilitate development of animation for Audio-Animatronics figures and animated props. They support the development of Audio-Animatronics figures through the  building of animation rigs, as well as configure Audio-Animatronics figures and Show Action Equipment for safe operation. They work and collaborate closely with the Creative, Engineering, Ride, Manufacturing, Media Production, and Theme Park Maintenance teams.

You Will:

  • Support a Figure Show Programming team through all phases of Engineering, Design, Production, Installation, Testing, and Documentation while partnering with the Animators and Creative Team to ensure the optimal creative performance and safety requirements of the Audio-Animatronics figures.

  • Involved in the rigging of characters for Audio-Animatronics figures, starting with concept development rigs all the way through the delivering of a final rig to animation, debugging broken or poorly functioning assets with minimal supervision.

  • Work closely with the Creative Teams (comprised of Animators, Visual Development, Modeling, Simulation, and look and scope development), iterating quickly and addressing notes accurately.

  • Partner with Engineering and Creative Teams to configure and program Audio-Animatronics figures and Show Action Equipment to conform to safety requirements and to meet creative intent.

  • Assist in creating, debugging, and organizing Audio-Animatronics digital assets (character sheets, animation data, rigs, ride paths, shots, and/or models).

  • Integrating Show Control systems with rides, Audio-Animatronics figures, and other show elements such as special effects, audio/video, projection, show lighting, etc.

  • Pipeline and Animation process support and asset integration.

  • Figure Programming process development support and ideation. 

  • Document and archive all attraction show data created by the Show Programming department.

  • Tool development and maintenance.

You Will Have:

  • Familiar with maintaining and creating rigs for CG character animation.

  • 3+ years experience in Feature Film, VFX, Television, Video Game, or Theme Park production.

  • Able to provide technical support for computer graphic animation applications.

  • Desired software knowledge/familiarity among: Maya and/or Motion Builder, Adobe Creative Suite, and Shotgun

  • Desired scripting knowledge with languages such as: Python and Mel

  • Able to communicate (verbally and in writing) clearly and concisely, regularly keeping stakeholders informed of status, risks, and issues.

  • Able to function in a dynamic work environment, managing multiple project activities.

  • Able to work with limited supervision and to integrate inputs from team members.

  • Have a high tolerance for change and changing requirements.

  • Be a creative problem solver and demonstrate comfort with inventive solutions.

  • Have a valid passport and willing to travel domestically or internationally.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Have basic knowledge of mechanical systems, control systems, and/or robotics.

  • Experience with Kuka robotics

  • Experience with motion-capture tools and processes

  • Familiarity with Unreal Engine and/or Unity, Z-Brush and Solidworks

Education:

  • Bachelor's degree in Art, Illustration, Computer Graphics, Engineering, Game Development related field or equivalent experience working multiple years of on-the-job experience and training in real-world industrial automation, or animation roles.

This position is located in Lake Buena Vista, FL.

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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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 with the following business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, Disney Parks, and Experiences and Products. 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, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney fosters a business culture where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a rapidly changing world.

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