Senior Facility Designer -Project Hire/Internal Assignment

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.

Senior Facility Designers are focused on supporting the Architects and collaborate with design, creative, ride & show, and other partners within a design project.  They are responsible for preparing technical documents, illustrations, constructions details, 3D visualization, and general project coordination.  Senior Facility Designers lead facility designers and various partners within the scope of projects.                                                                                  

You will report to the project’s lead Architect.

This is a Project Hire position without any guarantee of permanent placement.

For consideration, all candidates must submit a portfolio or examples of existing relevant work in architecture and/or a related field to be included with or as part of their application.

What You Will Do:

• Support the project lead architect under the leadership of the Design Manager, in collaboration with allied Design + Planning teams, Creative, Show/Ride, Design & Production and Operating partners

• Prepare Facility/Attraction base information documentation (e.g. existing condition descriptions)

• Provide design documentation in the form of hand sketches, graphic illustration, imagery boards, color renderings, and research/documentation on assigned projects

• Perform various technical tasks including the creation of 3D models and base sheets, construction details, plans/sections/elevations, design drafting, 3D visualization, and general project coordination

• Develop varied architectural project work at all stages of assigned projects from BlueSky, concept, feasibility or schematic design

• Ensure that the overall creative design intent is achieved by integrating facility design with partner design teams and components of the development such as: infrastructure, area development, grading/drainage, interior design, lighting, graphics, structural, mechanical, electrical and plumbing, engineering, etc

• Provide thoughtful design, artistic skills and professional judgment in solving complex architectural problems!

• Support implementation of project goals/objectives through problem-solving and development of design solutions while ensuring alignment to department/divisional Standards of Practice

• Formulate responses to construction bid period questions and resolve field issues and questions

• Travel domestically and/or internationally to assigned vendor(s) locations(s) to review vendor’s scope of work. 

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Minimum 6 years of experience in architecture/design practice

• Minimum 2 years demonstrating leadership capability for a team of Facility Designers in the production of contract documents for construction

• Ability to travel domestically and/or internationally required. 

• Construction phase experience including the submittal/shop drawing review process and on-site field inspections

• Solid understanding and experience in the use of building materials and products for thematic applications

• Shown thoughtful design, artistic skills and professional judgment in solving complex facility design problems

• Proficiency in 3D model creation and 2D design software using CADD (Revit, Rhino, SketchUp and AutoCad) and digital illustration tools such as Maya, Photoshop, Illustrator, and Twin Motion

• Will require detailed written communication and ability to collaborate with internal teams and outside design partners

• Knowledge of architecture design and construction techniques including such as land planning, area development, interior design, civil, structural mechanical, plumbing, electrical engineering, lighting, graphic design, showset, etc.

• Solid understanding of Disney story telling through theme park development; actively pursues deeper knowledge of Disney traditions, history and theme parks globally through Disney educational opportunities and/or self-directed study

Required Education

• Bachelor's /Bachelor's in Architecture degree

Preferred Education

• Advanced degree in architecture or urban planning is desirable

• Membership in one or more professional organizations such as American Institute of Architects, Urban Land Institute, Construction Specifications Institute, or U.S. Green Building Council, is desirable

• Working actively toward U.S. professional licensure

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. 

The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $126,800 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.