Ride Control Systems, Hardware Engineer, Sr.

“We create happiness.” That’s our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. And it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you’ll help inspire that magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create the never-before-seen!
Hurtling through space, diving down a mountain in a log, careening out of control in the jungle… ever imagine engineering these exhilarating adventures for Disney guests around the world? Superhero flight, outdueling a space fighter, cartoon-like motions… how would you pull these off? Are you interested in the challenges of making these reality-defying, emotive experiences work under real world constraints, while providing the illusion of journeys beyond people’s wildest dreams?
As a Ride Control Hardware Engineer you will work within WDI’s Ride Studio on ride attraction project teams, and are responsible for control system hardware engineering activities for ride systems, covering all phases of ride control system design and implementation, as well as integration of mechanical and electrical systems, from concept to commissioning, for a wide variety of innovative ride platforms for Disney parks across the world.
Imagine yourself being amongst the “first riders” of the ride you just helped design, build, and commission! Join us in highly collaborative and self-directed environment, and be a part of bringing brand new experiences to millions of people.
ResponsibilitiesManage entire scope to conceive, design, and deliver electrical and electronic systems for a variety of complex and innovative ride systems and related equipment, ensuring operational performance, reliability, and safety.
Perform engineering design and analysis for ride systems, with focus on control system hardware engineering and ride electrical systems.

• Design control & power architectures, control hardware, and man-machine interfaces for ride attractions, ride vehicles, and motion systems.
• Design, model, and analyze low voltage electrical/electronic systems, including motion control systems.
• Collaborate with creative designers, facility designers, mechanical engineers, and software engineers to develop new ride attractions.
• Research new products, technologies, and methodologies for advanced ride systems.
• Perform “blue sky” brainstorming and new ride concept development.

Lead ride control hardware design efforts and collaborate with other design and engineering professionals to develop and implement ride control systems.

• Collaborate with attraction development team to define and deliver creative intent.
• Develop and capture control hardware requirements and specifications in documents, drawings, and models.
• Perform and review ride control equipment design.
• Develop implementation plans and budgets for ride control systems.
• Develop and implement mock-ups and prototypes for proof-of concept efforts.
• Perform hazard assessments and failure modes and effects analysis.
• Develop test requirements and documents and lead ride installation/commissioning efforts.

Manage vendors, contractors, and consultants conducting control system design and implementation for ride systems.

• Define and oversee supplier and consultant design and delivery efforts.
• Ensure all delivery and performance requirements have been satisfied.
• Oversee and lead factory test and ride system installation/commissioning efforts.

Basic Qualifications

• At least 5 to 10 years of experience with design, engineering, installation, and commissioning of control systems for electromechanical systems
• Extensive knowledge of electrical safety standards and codes
• Highly proficient in industrial control system installation, integration and commissioning
• Experience in fail-safe and safety-related control system design, including design for functional safety
• Extensive knowledge of control processors, components, and communication networks used in multi-processing real-time industrial and/or embedded applications
• Extensive knowledge of motor and motion control methods and components
• Proficient in Rockwell and/or Siemens automation systems architecture and components
• Solid understanding of communication technologies/protocols: TCP/IP, CAN, serial, ProfiNET, Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT
• Extensive knowledge and familiarity with amusement and automation industry standards, including ASTM F2291, NFPA 70, and UL508A
• Demonstrated experienced in contractor/vendor management and technical contract documents
• Proficient with engineering design tools, including AutoCAD and Solidworks
• Knowledge of pneumatic controls and devices preferred
• Demonstrated knowledge of international amusement industry standards applicable in France, Hong Kong, or China preferred
• Professional Engineer certification preferred

Required Education

• As a minimum a Bachelor of Science Degree in an engineering field from an accredited university

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