Senior Ride Control Hardware Engineer

This full-time role is based onsite in Glendale, CA, and focuses on designing, analyzing, and implementing electrical control systems for complex ride platforms while leading a ride control engineering team within the Ride Studio; the position carries a salary range of USD 129,300 to 173,300 per year.

Responsibilities

• Define and deliver control systems for sophisticated ride platforms by shaping the programmable, electrical, and electronic hardware scope.
• Perform engineering design and analysis of ride systems with a focus on electrical control systems.
• Develop architectures for control systems and network communications.
• Model and evaluate electrical supply systems through design and analysis.
• Explore new products, technologies, and methodologies to advance ride control.
• Lead a team of ride control engineers and collaborate with other professionals to develop ride control solutions.
• Specify requirements for control equipment and craft detailed specifications.
• Create and test proof-of-concept mock-ups and prototypes to validate concepts.
• Conduct hazard assessments and analyze failure modes and effects.
• Oversee vendors, contractors, and consultants involved in ride control system development and deployment.
• Define supervision for supplier and consultant design work and delivery.
• Verify that all delivery and performance requirements are met.
• Coordinate factory acceptance testing and installation of ride systems.

Requirements

• Minimum five years of controls experience.
• Experience in fail-safe and safety-related control system design.
• Extensive knowledge of control processors, components, and communication networks.
• Strong proficiency in industrial control system installation, integration, and commissioning.
• Solid understanding of communication protocols including TCP/IP, CAN, serial, ProfiNET, Ethernet/IP, and EtherCAT.
• Extensive knowledge of electrical design standards and codes, including UL508a and NEC.
• Familiarity with amusement and automation industry standards, including ASTM F2291.
• Expertise in motor and motion control methods and components.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally for durations from 1 week to 3 years.
• Capability to manage multiple complex efforts simultaneously, coordinate team activities, and prioritize tasks.
• Education: Bachelor of Science degree or higher in an engineering field.

Technologies

• AutoCAD
• Matlab
• Simulink
• Solidworks
• EPLAN
• Rockwell Automation
• Siemens automation systems
• TCP/IP
• CAN
• serial
• ProfiNET
• Ethernet/IP
• EtherCAT

Benefits

• Health and savings benefits
• Educational opportunities
• Special extras

About the Role & Team

Walt Disney Imagineering serves as the creative force behind Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions, and cruise ships worldwide. Imagineers integrate storytelling, art, science, and technology to craft immersive experiences and memorable environments. Innovation is central to every project, with first-of-a-kind elements and advanced technologies driving solutions that inspire. Ride Control Hardware Engineers operate within the Ride Studio, collaborating on diverse teams to design and implement control systems across a range of ride platforms from concept through commissioning. The Ride Control Hardware Engineer reports to the Ride Control Systems Engineering Executive in a full-time capacity.