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. As a robotic control systems engineer, you will help create, design, and build dynamic physical characters, immersive environments, and interactive experiences.
This role will report to the Executive R&D Imagineer, Creative Development.
This role is full-time.
What You Will Do
Software development for robotic systems that meets functional requirements
Work hands-on with robotic hardware systems in a collaborative, dynamic R&D environment
Test and iterate on proof-of-concept designs, evolving requirements and designs as the team learns
Participate in internal design reviews and reviews with external vendors and fabricators
Contribute to the culture and community of the WDI R&D Studio
Required Qualifications & Skills
7+ years’ experience in robotic software systems
Intimate knowledge of software stack anatomy for bipedal and quadrupedal robotic systems
Experience prototyping real-world mobile and/or legged robots
Comfortable and proficient as a hands-on engineer with robotic hardware
Realtime control system design experience
Model-based control - Model Predictive Control (MPC), Model Adaptive Control, linear and nonlinear
State Estimation and/or System Identification
Wheeled and legged locomotion
Experience with physics-based simulators and rigid body dynamics
Experience implementing serial communication protocols and low-level control of actuators and devices (CAN, EtherCAT, RS485, etc.)
Experience with embedded serial communication protocols (SPI, I2C, etc.)
Sub-systems integration experience across the SW stack (UI, controls, wireless, etc.)
Experience with creative tools, animation software, or game development techniques
Highly proficient in Python, C++, and Rust
Embraces flexibility and adaptability as the team learns through prototyping and playtesting, adjusting strategy as needed
Work collaboratively with other technical and creative disciplines
Ability to provide clear direction and feedback to other team members
Thinks strategically and creatively to solve challenges
Manages & prioritizes multiple assignments in a highly dynamic R&D environment
Demonstrates a desire to constantly improve and adapt to new technologies
Preferred Qualifications
Learning-based control (i.e. reinforcement learning, imitation learning)
Perception (vision/LiDAR)
Autonomous system design, real-time navigation, path and motion planning
Human-robotic interaction
Education
Bachelor’s degree (MS preferred) or equivalent in a robotics-related field, preferably computer software or mechanical engineering.
Additional Information
This role is located in Glendale, CA.
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 .
#DXMedia
#LI-KK2
The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $152,200 to $204,100 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.
