Senior Ride Control Systems Engineer

Senior Ride Control Systems Engineer

Location: Glendale, California, United States
Business: Walt Disney Imagineering
Date Posted: Jan. 12, 2026

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 storytelling, art, science, and technology to create immersive experiences and innovative entertainment for families around the globe.

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 worldwide.

The Ride Control Systems Engineer will report to the Executive Ride Control Systems Engineer. This is a full‑time role.

• Manage the entire scope to conceive, design, and deliver control systems for a wide variety of complex and innovative ride systems and related equipment.
• Conduct systems engineering for ride control systems, defining system use cases and user needs.
• Develop and capture requirements and functional specifications in documents, drawings, and models.
• Ensure compliance with control system safety standards.
• Perform engineering design and analysis for ride control systems.
• Develop control strategies and algorithms, and research new products, technologies, and methodologies.
• Design, model, and analyze control systems, data communication, and dynamic systems.
• Collaborate with other design and engineering professionals to implement ride control systems.
• Develop implementation plans, budgets, mock‑ups, prototypes, test requirements, and lead testing efforts.

• 5+ years experienced in fail‑safe and safety‑related control system design.
• Extensive knowledge of control processors, components, and communication networks.
• Highly proficient in industrial control system installation, integration, and commissioning.
• Solid understanding of communication protocols: TCP/IP, CAN, serial, PROFIBUS, Ethernet/IP, Ether
  
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• Experience with requirements management, test plans/procedures, and test execution.
• Demonstrated practice in functional safety standards, including IEC 61508, IEC 62061, ISO 13849.
• Familiarity with amusement and automation industry standards, including ASTM F2291.
• Solid skills in technical document writing.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally for 1‑week to 3‑year durations.
• Ability to handle multiple complex efforts simultaneously, coordinate team efforts, and manage tasks and priorities.

• Proficient with engineering design tools, including AutoCAD, MATLAB, Simulink, Solid Works.
• Proficient in Rockwell and Siemens automation systems architecture and components.
• Expertise in motor and motion control methods and components.
• Knowledge of pneumatic controls and devices.
• Experience in broad application of control system theory (closed‑loop control, MIMO systems, positioning and navigation).
• Knowledge of international amusement industry standards applicable in France, Hong Kong, or China.

• Minimum a Bachelor of Science Degree in engineering, computer science, or related field from an accredited university. Electrical Engineering preferred.

• Benefits and Perks:
  Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life, including health, savings, educational opportunities, and special extras. Learn more at

The hiring range for this position in California is $123,300 to $200,300 per year. Base pay will take into account internal equity and may vary based on geographic region, job‑related knowledge, skills, and experience. A bonus and/or long‑term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to medical, financial, and other benefits.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. is an equal opportunity…