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Amusement Ride Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Ride Electrician

Buena Park, CA · On-site

$32.22 - $40.43/hr

... amusement rides and attractions. Areas of responsibility include (but are not limited to ... programmable logic controllers, test equipment and meters. Responsible for completing required ...

Facilities Electrician

Buena Park, CA · On-site

$32.22 - $41.48/hr

Inspect, install, repair, and maintain all the ride electrical and communications systems and ... Participates in the daily inspection and compilation of amusement rides including electrical PM ...

Amusement Ride Engineer information

What is the difference between Amusement Ride Engineer vs Amusement Ride Technician?

AspectAmusement Ride EngineerAmusement Ride Technician
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in safety and designTechnical training, certifications in maintenance and safety
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, testing facilities, construction sitesAmusement parks, maintenance workshops, on-site repairs
Employer & Industry UsageDesign firms, amusement parks, manufacturing companies

Amusement Ride Engineers focus on designing, testing, and ensuring the safety of rides, requiring engineering credentials. In contrast, Amusement Ride Technicians perform maintenance, repairs, and inspections on rides, often with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in the amusement industry but differ in responsibilities and work environments.

What are some common challenges faced by Amusement Ride Engineers in ensuring ride safety and reliability?

Amusement Ride Engineers often face the challenge of balancing innovative ride design with strict safety standards and regulatory compliance. They must regularly perform detailed inspections, maintenance, and troubleshooting to ensure rides operate smoothly and safely, while working within tight deadlines, especially during peak park seasons. Collaborating closely with multidisciplinary teams, such as maintenance staff, manufacturers, and safety inspectors, is essential to quickly resolve technical issues and implement upgrades. Staying up-to-date with emerging technologies and evolving safety codes also presents an ongoing learning curve in this dynamic field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Amusement Ride Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Amusement Ride Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical, electrical, or structural engineering, often supported by a relevant engineering degree and professional licensure. Familiarity with CAD software, safety analysis tools, and industry standards such as ASTM F24 is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication are crucial soft skills in this role. These competencies are essential to ensure the safety, reliability, and innovative design of amusement rides, protecting both riders and park reputations.

What does an Amusement Ride Engineer do?

An Amusement Ride Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining amusement park rides and attractions. They ensure that rides are safe, reliable, and comply with all relevant safety standards and regulations. Their work also includes troubleshooting mechanical issues, overseeing ride installations, and performing regular inspections to ensure continued operational safety. Collaboration with architects, manufacturers, and regulatory bodies is also a key part of the role.
What are popular job titles related to Amusement Ride Engineer jobs in California? For Amusement Ride Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Amusement Ride Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Amusement Ride Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Amusement Ride Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Amusement Ride Engineer job openings:
Infographic showing various Amusement Ride Engineer job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 46% Full Time, 50% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution.
Senior Ride Control Hardware Engineer (Controls Automation)

Senior Ride Control Hardware Engineer (Controls Automation)

The Walt Disney Company

Glendale, CA

$129K - $173K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life

Posted 14 days ago


Walt Disney Company rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 128 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 50 rated entertainment


Job description

Job Posting Title:

Senior Ride Control Hardware Engineer (Controls Automation)

Req ID:

10153000

Job Description:

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.

Ride Control Hardware Engineers work within Walt Disney Imagineering's Ride Studio in a highly collaborative environment on diverse teams. Engineering activities cover all aspects of control system design and implementation, from concept to commissioning, for a wide variety of innovative ride platforms.

The Ride Control Hardware Engineer will report to the Ride Control Systems Engineering Executive.

This is a full time role.

What You Will Do:

  • Support programmable, electrical, and electronic hardware scope to design and deliver control systems for complex, innovative ride systems

  • Perform engineering design and analysis for ride systems, focusing on electrical control systems

  • Develop control system and network architectures

  • Design, model, and analyze electrical supply systems

  • Research new products, technologies, and methodologies

  • Lead a team of ride control engineers and collaborate with other professionals to develop ride control systems

  • Develop control equipment requirements and specifications

  • Develop and implement proof-of-concept mock-ups and prototypes

  • Conduct hazard assessments and failure modes and effects analysis

  • Manage vendors, contractors, and consultants developing and implementing ride control systems

  • Define and oversee supplier and consultant design and delivery

  • Ensure all delivery and performance requirements are satisfied

  • Conduct factory acceptance tests and ride system installation

Required Qualifications & Skills

  • 5+ years of Controls Experience

  • 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, ProfiNET, Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT

  • Extensive knowledge of electrical design standards and codes, including UL508a and NEC

  • Familiarity with amusement and automation industry standards, including ASTM F2291

  • Expertise in motor and motion control methods and components

  • 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

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

  • Licensed professional engineer

  • Proficient with engineering design tools including AutoCAD, Matlab, Simulink, Solidworks, EPLAN

  • Proficient in Rockwell and Siemens automation systems architecture and components

  • Electrical and troubleshooting skills (voltmeter, oscilloscope, etc.)

  • Knowledge of international amusement industry standards applicable in France, Hong Kong, or China

Education

  • Bachelor of Science Degree or above in engineering field required

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.

#DXMedia

The hiring range for The Senior Ride Controls Hardware Engineer in Glendale, CA is $129,300.00-$173,300.00 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.

Job Posting Segment:

WDI Global Business Operations & Strategy

Job Posting Primary Business:

Ride Engineering (WDI)

Primary Job Posting Category:

Systems Engineer

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Glendale, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-06-05

What Walt Disney Company employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

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About Walt Disney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Disney, we're storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world. "We create happiness." That's our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. And it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you'll help inspire that magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create the never-before-seen!

Industry

Amusement, gambling, and recreation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Burbank, CA, US

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