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Principal Technical Director, Show (Project Hire/Internal Assignment); Disney Live Entertainment

Job ID 10119537 Location Glendale, California, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Jun. 13, 2025
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Job Summary:

Disney Live Entertainment (DLE) is a world leader in creating and producing live entertainment experiences that bring joy and magic to audiences around the globe. Our team of talented professionals is dedicated to delivering unforgettable moments through innovative and immersive productions.

The Principal Technical Director will lead and oversee the technical direction of Disney Live Entertainment projects, primarily across the Asia region. This role requires a highly skilled, strategic and experienced individual who can manage complex sustainable long life technical projects, collaborate with creative teams, and ensure the highest standards of quality, reliability and safety across complex, integrated facilities and experiences. This role will be based in Glendale, CA, with the likelihood of international relocation in the future.

This is a Project Hire role with no guarantee of permanent placement.

You Will:

  • Meet company expectations, always prioritizing Safety as the first key in all decision making. Serve as the champion for Safety.

  • Lead the technical direction for DLE experiences, including shows, parades, spectaculars, theatrical performance, and special events, with a focus on the show and theatrical elements in each entertainment offering.  

  • Provide leadership oversight and strategic guidance for DLE projects through a project’s lifecycle: blue-sky; concept development; feasibility (develop and validate scope, schedule, and budget); design development; production (bid package, bid process, vendor selection, construction/fabrication, and factory acceptance testing); technical delivery (installation, programming, test & adjust, site acceptance testing, commissioning, training, rehearsal, and turnover); comprehensive final documentation and sustainment criteria.

  • Collaborate with creative teams to develop and implement technical solutions that support the artistic vision, enhancing them according to technical progress; while integrating regulatory, safety, reliability, maintenance, and operational challenges.

  • Oversee the design, installation, and maintenance strategies of complex technical systems, including stage machinery, show control, OT & IT network, lighting, sound, video, and special effects and facilities aspects.

  • Manage technical budgets, schedules, resources, experts, and vendors to ensure projects are completed on time and within budget.

  • Ensure compliance with safety regulations across jurisdictions, company standards and Design Assurance / Hazard Assessment processes.

  • Provide technical expertise and support to production teams during rehearsals and performances and ensure a smooth final completion handover to the operational and maintenance teams.

  • Mentor and develop regional technical staff, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.

  • Stay current with industry trends and advancements in technology to ensure Disney Live Entertainment remains at the forefront of innovation.

  • Participate in the development of company standards.

  • With direction and approval from the Entertainment Technical, build project teams to lead technical delivery of your designated projects.

  • Provide functional leadership to these assigned technical resources (Senior Technical Director, Technical Directors, Assistant Technical Director, Technical Producers, Coordinator, Designers, Engineers, etc.).

  • In line with overall direction from the Executive Technical, develop the practice of technical theatre in the international region.

  • Support regional strategies to benefit the delivery of technical entertainment product – inclusive of vendor strategy, benchmarking, talent development, etc.

  • Regularly report to and take direction from the Project Steering Committee in relation to the project(s) you are leading.

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree in Technical Theatre, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience.

  • 10+ years of experience in technical direction for live entertainment productions, or related experience.

  • Must possess working experience and knowledge in Theater architecture

  • Strong and demonstrated leadership and technical project management skills.

  • Excellent communication and cross-functional collaboration abilities.

  • In-depth knowledge of complex technical systems and equipment used in live entertainment.

  • Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.

  • Commitment to safety and quality.

  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally and ability to relocate internationally in the future.  

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience working in a theme park or large-scale entertainment environment.

  • Experience with architectural scenography design, engineering and construction.

  • Advanced certifications in technical theatre, circus, industrial engineering, hazard analysis or related disciplines.

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 https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

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The hiring range for this position is Glendale, CA is $124,900-$167,500 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 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 Disney Entertainment Productions, which is part of a business we call Walt Disney Imagineering.

Disney Entertainment Productions 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.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, visit the Disney candidate disability accommodations FAQs. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

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Hiring Process

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  • Be Part of the Story

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Explore this Location Glendale, CA

The Los Angeles County city is home to authentic Middle Eastern food, culture, and its very own “Walk of Fame.”

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