Manager, R&D Machine Shop

About the Role & Team:

Walt Disney Imagineering makes the impossible possible by combining innovation and storytelling to bring Disney stories, characters, and worlds to life. Imagineering is the master planning, creative development, design, engineering, production, project management, and research and development arm of The Walt Disney Company. Its talented Imagineers are responsible for the creation - from concept initiation through installation - of all Disney Resorts, theme parks and attractions, real estate developments, regional entertainment venues, and new media projects. Disney Imagineers are uniquely talented individuals who bring together the best aspects of creativity, innovation, and passion.

At Imagineering Research and Development, our mission is to use technology to build new experiences for our Guests and new tools for Imagineers and the Cast Members who power our parks. R&D is a team of engineers, designers, artists, and scientists who share a passion for solving hard problems and building ground-breaking experiences.

Our R&D Machine Shop Manager will lead our operations, manage a team of driven technicians, and guide our R&D prototyping process.

You will report to the Executive R&D Imagineer, Research and Development.

This is a Full-Time role.

What You Will Do:

•  Lead day-to-day operations of the R&D Machine Shop, including scheduling, workflow prioritization, and resource allocation.

• Manage a team of technicians, fostering a culture of collaboration, craftsmanship, and creative problem-solving.

• Partner closely with R&D Imagineers, ride engineers, and show teams to translate design intent into physical prototypes.

• Oversee safe shop practices and ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards.

• Maintain and develop machine shop and woodshop capabilities, including equipment, tooling, and techniques.

• Guide the prototyping process from concept through delivery, balancing speed, testing, quality, and technical feasibility.

• Mentor and develop talent, providing technical coaching and supporting career growth.

• Collaborate across Walt Disney Imagineering to share best practices, drive innovation, and scale prototype solutions into full project development.

• Embrace flexibility and adaptability as the team learns through prototyping and playtesting, adjusting strategy as needed

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• Minimum 5 years of supervisory or managerial experience, and 10 years overall experience, in a machine shop, fabrication environment, or R&D prototyping environment.

• Deep knowledge of fabrication methods (machining, sheet metal, welding, wood, additive/subtractive manufacturing, 3D printing, rapid prototyping techniques) and shop safety standards.

• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage diverse teams of skilled tradespeople, engineers, and technicians.

• Ability to provide clear, direct feedback to other team members

• Proven track record of delivering prototypes that inform engineering decisions, design intent, and guest experience outcomes.

• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, iterative environment.

• Ability to coordinate and manage vendors and workloads performed outside the R&D Studio

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

• Experience working in themed entertainment, movies/TV SFX, aerospace, automotive, or related industries with a focus on prototyping and innovation.

• Familiarity with design and engineering processes, from blue sky to implementation.

• Ability to inspire creativity while maintaining operational discipline and safety.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Design, or related field required, or equivalent professional experience.

Additional Information:

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 Glendale, CA is $115,500 to $154,800 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.