About the Role & Team: 

Walt 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. 

The Special Effects Designer is responsible for the development and implementation of practical and visual special effects systems, including fire, lighting, projection, water, air, gas, and illusion-based technologies. This team collaborates across creative and technical disciplines to deliver immersive show environments through innovative design, fabrication, installation, and commissioning. 

You will report to the Senior Manager – Special Effects Design. 
 
This is a Project Hire position or Internal Assignment without any guarantee of permanent placement. 
 
This is a full-time position.  

What You Will Do: 

• Support multiple attractions in the development, design, and implementation of practical special effects systems 

• Lead or support field installation activities, including supervision of contractors and vendors 

• Provide maintenance and operations training and post-opening support for installed effects systems 

• Coordinate with creative, technical, and project management teams to ensure design intent is achieved 

• Participate in mockup construction and prototype fabrication for special effects applications 

• Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges related to installation and system performance 

• Assist in integrating special effects systems into overall show and facility designs 

• Contribute to documentation and production processes throughout the project lifecycle 

Required Qualifications & Skills: 

• 3+ years of experience in themed entertainment special effects or a related technical field 

• Knowledge of a wide range of special effects systems including fire, projection, water, air, gas, and visual effects technologies 

• Ability to support multiple projects and manage competing priorities with guidance 

• Ability to work collaboratively with skilled craftspeople, creative teams, and technical disciplines 

• Strong communication skills and ability to coordinate across project teams 

• Experience supporting installation, testing, and system integration activities 

• Ability to travel domestically and/or internationally required 

Preferred Qualifications & Skills: 

 

• Experience in mockup construction or prototype fabrication of special effects systems 

• Theatrical training and knowledge of stagecraft, illusions, or show systems 

• Experience mentoring or guiding junior team members 

• Laser safety, flame safety, or pyrotechnic safety training desirable 

• CAD, Sketchup, SolidWorks 

• 3D modeling 

• Familiarity with Disney theme park special effects systems and processes 

Education: 

• Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Theater, Technical Production, or a related field preferred 
   

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. 

The hiring range for this position in Anaheim, CA is $95,500 - $128,000 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.