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Amusement Ride Engineer Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Amusement Ride Engineer information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$61.3K

$93.2K

$158.1K

How much do amusement ride engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for amusement ride engineer in Chicago, IL is $93,240.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,600.00 and $108,200.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 job categories do people searching Amusement Ride Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL look for? The top searched job categories for Amusement Ride Engineer jobs in Chicago, IL are:
What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Amusement Ride Engineer jobs? Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Amusement Ride Engineer job openings:
Biomechanical Engineer (Injury Experience Needed)

Biomechanical Engineer (Injury Experience Needed)

Rimkus Consulting Group

Willowbrook, IL • On-site

$95K - $143K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Join Rimkus and unlock your potential with endless opportunities for growth, learning, and making a difference!
Rimkus (www.rimkus.com) is a worldwide leader in engineering and technical consulting. Rimkus experts specialize in building envelope engineering, forensic consulting, dispute resolution, construction management, and environmental solutions.
NOW IS THE TIME to join this growing and stable company! We offer our full-time employees a competitive salary, bonus opportunities, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, vision, life, disability, employer-matching 401(k), and advancement opportunities!
OVERVIEW:
Conducts technical investigations, analysis, and testimony in commercial and personal injury litigation and failure analysis involving medical equipment and accompanying procedural issues within a hospital or healthcare setting. Provides human-injury impact analysis in vehicular accidents, amusement park ride accidents, and cases involving falls or falling objects by performing occupant motion studies to determine injury potential/causation, seatbelt use, the effects of airbag interaction, and the determination of occupant positions. Duties include using computer and physical models to reconstruct accidents, measuring load and injury levels, and preparing written reports of findings.
The salary range for this position is $95,800 - $143,600 and is dependent on education, experience, location, and certifications/licensure.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
  • Performs human-injury impact analysis of vehicular accidents, mechanical failures, falls, and falling objects.
  • Analyzes vehicular accidents and mechanical failures, and reconstructs vehicular accidents.
  • Prepares written reports of findings in clear, concise, easy-to-understand terms.
  • Provides testimony in depositions and the courtroom.
  • Conducts human motion and injury impact analyses.
  • Analyzes injuries resulting from automobile, industrial, marine, and recreational accidents.
  • Conducts on-site vehicle examinations and provides written findings and conclusions.
  • Review various media (e.g., photographs, witness statements, depositions, police reports, medical and chiropractic records, etc.) to provide logical conclusions.
  • Locates and applies research of pertinent literature and governmental regulations.
  • Applies mathematical and empirical methods of analysis.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, and CERTIFICATIONS:
  • Minimum master's degree in biomedical or biomechanical engineering. A Ph.D. is preferred.
  • PE license preferred or the ability to obtain it within 1 year.
  • Minimum of 4+ years in biomedical engineering or biomechanical engineering with a master's degree, and will consider less experience for candidates with a Ph.D.
  • ACTAR certification is preferred, or the ability to obtain it within six months.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.
  • A background in forensic engineering is preferred.
  • Cognitive problem-solving skills are required.
  • Experience working in anatomy, teaching, or the automotive industry is helpful.
  • Working knowledge of general PC applications and software.

Physical Demands, Overtime, and Travel Requirements
  • Physical Demands - Work is performed both in an office setting and at outside locations (i.e., client's office, industrial, construction, and/or residential sites). The employee is frequently required to stand, walk on sloped roofs, sit, climb ladders, bend, climb inside attics, crawl under homes and tunnels, balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, talk, hear, and drive a motor vehicle to job sites. Employees may lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Employees must be sharp, focused, and alert when conducting site inspections, speaking and interacting with clients, preparing written reports of findings, and testifying in deposition or trial. Clear vision and depth perception are also necessary.
  • Overtime - This position is classified as salaried and exempt under the FLSA. Regular working hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with one hour for lunch. There will be periods when overtime is required, and the employee will need to comply to meet the demands of the position.
  • Travel Requirements - This position requires up to 25% travel. Some out-of-area and overnight travel may be required.

At Rimkus, we value a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees feel valued and respected. We are committed to creating a work environment that supports and celebrates the unique perspectives and experiences of all employees. If you share our commitment to diversity and inclusivity and are excited about joining a welcoming and supportive team, we encourage you to apply for our open positions.
Rimkus is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Employer and will make all employment-related decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.
THIS JOB DESCRIPTION IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A CONTRACT FOR EMPLOYMENT OR A GUARANTEE OF CONTINUED EMPLOYMENT.
Rimkus works with a limited number of approved recruiting partners. All agency submissions must be made through our designated submission process. Unsolicited resumes will not be recognized.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.