Principal Operations Program Manager (OPM)

Job ID 10141571 Location Glendale, California, United States / Celebration, Florida, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Mar. 30, 2026

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Job Summary:

Walt Disney Imagineering – Research & Development Productization Team

Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) combines innovation and storytelling to bring Disney stories, characters, and worlds to life. As the creative development, design, engineering, production, and project management arm of The Walt Disney Company, Imagineering is responsible for the creation of Disney Resorts, theme parks, attractions, real estate developments, regional entertainment venues, and new media projects.

Within Imagineering, the Research & Development (R&D) team leverages emerging technologies to create groundbreaking experiences for Guests and innovative tools for Imagineers and Cast Members. The Productization Team within R&D transforms imaginative concepts into scalable, manufacturable, and operationally viable products.

We are seeking a Principal Operations Program Manager (OPM) to support the Director of Productization in leading productization efforts across a diverse portfolio of technologies including robotics, consumer electronics, ride systems, audio-visual systems, and other imaginative hardware. This role requires a strategic, technically adept, and operationally focused leader who thrives in a collaborative, cross-functional environment.

What You Will Do/Key Responsibilities

Program Support & Strategy Execution

Support the Director of Productization in executing productization strategies across multiple programs and initiatives.
Serve as a key liaison between WDI R&D and contract manufacturers (CMs), OEMs, and ODMs, ensuring readiness and alignment across all phases of development.
Assist in driving strategic planning, execution, and continuous improvement across supply chain, manufacturing, and logistics functions.

Pre-Build Planning

Coordinate RFQ/RFP processes and vendor selection in collaboration with OEM business management and the Director of Productization.
Facilitate onboarding requirements for new vendors, including audits (SQA, SCR).
Assist in defining and communicating manufacturing requirements including reliability (REL), product integrity (PI), compliance, and regulatory testing.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams (TPM, PD, PM, EE, ME, REL, Legal, Logistics, Packaging) to ensure build readiness.
Manage BOM releases, documentation, and version control with CM partners.
Maintain product development schedules and milestone tracking.
Ensure material availability in partnership with Materials Program Managers and factory teams.

Build Execution

Provide operational oversight throughout prototype and production builds (xVT), escalating issues and supporting resolution in coordination with the Director of Productization.
Facilitate daily build meetings, ensuring CM accountability and cross-functional coordination.
Monitor factory readiness, including qualified staffing, line access/security, and build matrix configurations.
Drive Clear-To-Build (CTB) processes and ensure flexibility in build planning.
Collaborate with Manufacturing Test Managers to optimize test processes and quality deliverables.
Manage IQC operations, fault injection testing, and validation activities.
Oversee device security protocols and ensure compliance with internal standards.
Support spares planning and delivery coordination with sustaining teams.

Program Infrastructure & Reporting

Build, maintain, and manage product development mechanisms including SharePoint, Confluence pages, BOX, and shared folder resources to ensure program transparency and documentation integrity.
Responsible for preparing and delivering weekly and monthly program updates and presentations to leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
Ensure consistent reporting of program status, risks, and mitigation plans across all active initiatives.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

Partner with Technical Program Managers, Sustaining Teams, and Research & Development partners to align technical and operational goals.
Influence stakeholders across engineering, legal, compliance, and logistics to drive consensus and program success.
Assist in resolving pricing, change orders, and contractual issues with vendors.

Travel

Travel up to 30% as required to support factory builds, vendor audits, park and other deployment site visits, and program milestones.

Basic Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, or related field.
10+ years of experience in operations program management across the product lifecycle.
5+ years in supply chain, logistics, or manufacturing for hardware products.
Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple complex programs.
Proven ability to influence and align cross-functional stakeholders.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree in engineering, Business, or related discipline.
PMP certification.
Experience in productization of robotics, consumer electronics, or themed entertainment systems.

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.
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The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA and $188,400.00-$252,600.00 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.

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About Walt Disney Imagineering:

Founded in 1952 as WED Enterprises to design and build the world’s first theme park — Disneyland — Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is where imagination and creativity combine with cutting-edge technology to create unforgettable experiences. WDI is the creative force that imagines, designs and builds all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions and cruise ships worldwide. Imagineering’s unique strength comes from its diverse global team of creative and technical professionals, who build on Disney’s legacy of storytelling to pioneer new forms of entertainment. The Imagineers who practice this unique blend of art and science work in more than 100 disciplines to shepherd an idea all the way from “blue sky” concept phase to opening day.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with WDI Research & Development, Inc., which is part of a business we call Walt Disney Imagineering.

WDI Research & Development, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

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