Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is the master planning, creative development, design, engineering, production, project management, and research and development arm of the Disney Experiences business segment. Representing more than 150 disciplines, its talented teams of Imagineers are responsible for the creation of Disney resorts, theme parks and attractions, hotels, water parks, real estate developments, regional entertainment venues, cruise ships, and new media technology projects worldwide including Disney Intellectual Properties such as Marvel, Pixar, and Lucasfilm.
About the Role & Team
The Sr. Manager - Show Control Hardware Engineering reports to the Executive Show Systems and leads a global team of Show Control Hardware Engineers and Designers. This role is responsible for designing, creating, implementing, and managing all aspects of the physical and digital systems behind immersive and innovative guest show experiences. This includes integrating various technologies such as Audio-Animatronics, show action equipment, and complex sensors and robotics.
What You Will Do
- Lead and manage the Show Control Hardware Engineering department.
- Develop and maintain departmental budgets and resource plans.
- Define staffing strategies aligned with project demands.
- Contribute to and refine engineering standards and design practices.
- Identify and drive innovation initiatives in electronic engineering and design workflows.
- Present technical concepts to diverse technical and creative stakeholders.
- Travel occasionally to oversee international teams.
- Guide engineering and design teams in meeting project requirements.
- Ensure consistency in engineering and design processes for project delivery.
- Review and approve budgets and schedules.
- Inspire collaboration across multifunctional teams.
Required Qualifications & Skills
- Ten years of experience in engineering within high-tech environments, industrial automation, robotics, or themed entertainment.
- Five years managing multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Comprehensive knowledge of industrial control systems and robotics.
- Experience in leading high-budget capital projects.
- Proficiency in project management skills like resource loading, schedule development, budgeting, and risk management.
- Experience in managing technical documents such as Requirements Specifications and Acceptance Test Procedures.
- Proven ability to manage vendors and engineering consultants effectively to achieve goals.
- Knowledge in automation and real-time control software systems.
- Expertise in digital motion control technologies, safety systems, and electronic design.
- Familiarity with communication protocols like Ethernet, TCP/IP, serial, and fieldbuses including EtherCAT and CANopen.
- Electrical design standards and codes, including UL508a, NEC, and ASTM.
- Ability to guide and inspire teams.
- Attention to detail and commitment to safety standards.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in embedded software development in C, C++, and other systems programming languages, with a focus on hard-real-time control concepts.
- Proficiency with Beckhoff Automation products, architectures, and software development for TwinCAT and TwinSAFE.
- Familiarity with digital motion controllers and servo drives including Elmo, Maxon, and Copley.
- Expertise in engineering design tools such as AutoCAD, MatLab, Simulink, and Solidworks.
- Knowledge in theatrical automation and digital computer control elements.
- Experience with digital show control platforms and technologies such as Alcorn McBride, Medialon, AMX, and TAIT Navigator.
- Understanding of WDI and industry standards.
- Experience in sustaining and park operations.
- Active member of professional technical societies.
- Professional Engineering License in California.
- Functional Safety Engineer Certificate.
Education
- Bachelor's degree in engineering from an accredited university.
- Preference for an Electrical Engineering degree and/or Master's degree.
Additional Information
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
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The hiring range for this position in California is $152,200.00-$204,100.00 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.
