Principal Ride Control Hardware Engineer

“We make the magic!”  That’s our motto at Walt Disney Imagineering, the arm of The Walt Disney Company that creates key content for Disney Parks, Experiences, and Products all around the world.

A Ride Control Hardware Engineer, Principal works within WDI’s Ride Studio in a highly collaborative environment on diverse teams.  Engineering activities cover all aspects of control system design and implementation, from concept to commissioning, for a wide variety of innovative ride platforms. 

Responsibilities:

Manage programmable, electrical, and electronic hardware scope to conceive, design, & deliver control systems for a wide variety of complex and innovative ride systems and related equipment ensuring operational performance, reliability, and safety.

Perform engineering design and analysis for ride systems, focusing on electrical control systems.

• Develop control system and network architectures for ride attractions, ride vehicles, and motion systems.

• Design, model, and analyze electrical supply systems, and data communication systems.

• Develop and capture facility interface requirements in documents, drawings, and 3D models.

• Research new products, technologies, and methodologies and conduct trade-off studies.

• Perform “blue sky” brainstorming and new ride concept development.

Lead a team of ride control engineers and collaborate with other design and engineering professionals to develop and implement ride control systems.

• Collaborate with attraction development teams to define and deliver creative intent.

• Develop and capture electrical and control equipment requirements and specifications in documents, drawings, and models.

• Design operator interfaces and electrical control panels.

• Develop implementation plans and budgets for ride control systems.

• Develop and implement mock-ups and prototypes for proof-of concept efforts.

• Participate in 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 10 years of experience with design, engineering, installation, and commissioning of control systems for electromechanical systems

• Demonstrated leadership in fail-safe and safety-related controls design, including application of functional safety concepts

• Extensive knowledge of control processors, components, and communication networks used in multi-processing real-time industrial applications

• Highly proficient in industrial control system installation, integration and commissioning

• Solid understanding of communication technologies/protocols: TCP/IP, CAN, serial, ProfiNET, Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT

• Extensive knowledge with electrical design standards and codes, including UL508a and NEC

• Knowledge and familiarity with amusement and automation industry standards, including ASTM F2291

• Expertise in motor and motion control methods and components

• Expertise in designing and implementing closed-loop motion control

• Proficient in developing and reading electrical schematics and one-line diagrams

• Solid skills in technical document/drawing preparation and presentation

• Demonstrated experience in scheduling and estimating control systems development and implementation scope

• Demonstrated experienced in contractor/vendor management and technical contract documents

• Ability to travel and work both domestically and internationally, for varying durations that could be over 1 year

• Ability to handle multiple complex efforts simultaneously, coordinate team efforts, and manage tasks and priorities

• Proficient with engineering design tools, including AutoCAD, Matlab, Simulink, Solidworks

Preferred Qualifications :

• Licensed professional engineer

• Proficient in Rockwell and/or Siemens automation systems architecture and components

• Demonstrated experience in wireless communications for control and monitoring electromechanical systems

• Knowledge of pneumatic controls and devices

• Electrical and troubleshooting skills (voltmeter, oscilloscope, etc.)

• Demonstrated knowledge of international amusement industry standards applicable in France, Hong Kong, or China

Required Education:

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

• Electrical engineering degree highly preferred

• Some Physics Coursework (Motion Equations / Dynamics) highly preferred

• Some Computer Science Coursework preferred

• Some System Engineering coursework preferred

• Control Systems Engineering and/or Control Theory a plus

The hiring range for this position in California is $154,500.00 to $200,200.00 per year based on a 40 hour work week. The amount of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. 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.