Principal Ride Development Engineer

Job Posting Title:Principal Ride Development EngineerReq ID:10124719Job Description:About the Role & TeamWalt 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.At Ride Engineering, it is our responsibility to move people through our stories in magical ways that bring these experiences to life! Ride Engineers bring optimism and solutions to design challenges that often seem impossible, and partner with diverse creative talent to define and build one-of-a-kind experiences that bring fun and joy to millions of people all around the world. We Create To Inspire!You will report to the Executive, Ride Development Engineering.This is a Full-Time role.What You Will Do:Ride Development Engineers work within a Project Engineering team and are responsible for every aspect of mechanical ride system design & development from concept through installation. They work on a wide variety of innovative ride platforms that include unique requirements for extreme duty cycles, high reliability, and inherent life safety. They must collaborate on diverse teams that include both technical and creative members and be comfortable in environments where scope and requirements change frequently.As a Ride Development Engineer, Principal, you will:Oversee all phases of mechanical ride system design and delivery, ensuring safety and reliability.Create and develop ride concepts and detailed subsystems to meet creative visions.Translate high-level concepts into technical requirements and specifications.Lead engineering teams through design, prototyping, fabrication, installation, and testing.Manage vendors, contracts, and digital documentation.Conduct site and equipment surveys; travel domestically and internationally as needed.Mentor team members and foster studio culture.Required Qualifications & Skills:12+ years of relevant hands-on mechanical engineering experienceAdvanced engineering knowledge (e.g. statics, dynamics, kinematics, stress/strain/fatigue)Advanced engineering expertise (e.g. machine design, weldments, power train, materials)Proficiency with design tools (e.g. SolidWorks, Navisworks, AutoCAD, SketchUp, ANSYS, FEA, Matlab)Ability to distill & negotiate technical requirements from high level experience/story descriptions and artworkComfortable supervising the daily activities of an engineering team through all phases of a projectExperience as Lead Development Engineer for a ride system or highly specialized/complex sub-systemProven ability to assess risk/problems and propose unique mitigationsPreferred Qualifications & Skills:Managed project(s) with budgets over $10 millionDisney or comparable themed entertainment industry experienceExpertise in life safety design and innovative product developmentProfessional Engineer (PE) licensure in the state of FloridaRequired Education:Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering (BSME) or closely related field such as BSAE (Aerospace Engineering) or BSCE (Civil Engineer) from an accredited college or university.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 at Posting Segment:WDI Global Business Operations & StrategyJob Posting Primary Business:Ride Engineering (WDI)Primary Job Posting Category:Ride Development EngineeringEmployment Type:Full timePrimary City, State, Region, Postal Code:Lake Buena Vista, FL, USAAlternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:Date Posted:2025-09-04 Apply tot his job