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Senior Manager, Show Control Hardware Engineering

Job ID 10124326 Location Glendale, California, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Jul. 08, 2025
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Job Summary:

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

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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.

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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 Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., which is part of a business we call Walt Disney Imagineering.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., 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.

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

    There are many different brands and businesses to explore. Once you've found the opportunity that is right for you, take the next step by completing your application.

  • The Next Chapter

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Explore this Location Glendale, CA

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