Amusement Ride Engineer Jobs in Phoenix, AZ (NOW HIRING)

At VAI Resort, we're creating experiences unlike anything else in the world. As home to the world's first Mattel Adventure Park™, VAI combines immersive attractions, iconic brands, entertainment, hospitality, and technology to deliver unforgettable moments for guests of all ages.

The Director of Facilities & Technical Operations is responsible for leading the maintenance, engineering, and technical operations that power the Mattel Adventure Park experience. This leader oversees the safety, reliability, and performance of rides, attractions, show systems, themed environments, facilities, and infrastructure while building a culture focused on operational excellence, innovation, and guest satisfaction.

Reporting to senior leadership, this role serves as a key operational partner in ensuring every attraction, facility, and technical system operate at peak performance to deliver the extraordinary experiences guests expect from VAI Resort and Mattel Adventure Park.

Lead Operational Excellence

• Direct all facilities, engineering, maintenance, and technical operations across Mattel Adventure Park and supporting resort environments.
• Ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of rides, attractions, show systems, themed environments, utilities, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, and facility infrastructure.
• Maintain operational readiness through proactive maintenance strategies, inspections, and asset management programs.

Drive Safety & Compliance

• Champion a culture where safety is the highest priority for guests and team members.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable OSHA, ASTM, state, local, manufacturer, and industry safety standards.
• Lead safety audits, inspections, incident investigations, and corrective action planning.

Maintain World-Class Attractions

• Oversee preventive and predictive maintenance programs for rides, attractions, show systems, and supporting infrastructure.
• Support attraction commissioning, troubleshooting, lifecycle planning, upgrades, and technical enhancements.
• Partner with ride manufacturers, vendors, and technical experts to maximize reliability and performance.

Lead and Develop Teams

• Recruit, develop, and inspire a high-performing team of facilities, engineering, maintenance, and technical professionals.
• Establish performance expectations, training programs, and career development opportunities.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, ownership, and continuous improvement.

Partner Across the Business

• Collaborate closely with Operations, Entertainment, Safety, Food & Beverage, Retail, Security, and Resort Leadership to ensure seamless guest experiences.
• Support park activations, special events, seasonal programming, and new attraction initiatives.
• Serve as a trusted operational leader and technical resource for the organization.

Manage Resources & Planning

• Develop and manage departmental budgets, capital projects, maintenance schedules, and vendor relationships.
• Drive operational efficiencies while maintaining exceptional quality, safety, and guest experience standards.
• Implement systems and processes.

• Passion for creating exceptional guest experiences through operational excellence.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, coach, and develop diverse technical teams.
• Deep understanding of ride systems, facilities maintenance, engineering, utilities, show systems, and themed entertainment environments.
• Proven ability to solve complex operational and technical challenges in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong project management, planning, and organizational skills.
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands‑on leadership.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.
• Commitment to safety, quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Embody VAI’s CORE Values: Collaboration, Ownership, Resiliency, and Enthusiasm

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Facilities Management, Technical Operations, Construction Management, or a related field preferred.
• 5+ years of progressive leadership experience in technical operations, engineering, facilities management, maintenance, theme parks, attractions, entertainment venues, resorts, or similar large‑scale operational environments.
• Experience overseeing ride systems, attraction maintenance, themed entertainment environments, or complex guest‑facing facilities strongly preferred.
• Proven success leading maintenance programs, capital projects, vendor relationships, and operational teams.
• Experience with CMMS systems, asset management programs, and maintenance planning tools preferred.
• Knowledge of OSHA, ASTM ride standards, building systems, and regulatory compliance requirements.

• Ability to stand, walk, climb, bend, kneel, and navigate active construction, maintenance, and operational environments for extended periods.
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying weather conditions and temperatures.
• Ability to access elevated platforms, mechanical spaces, rooftops, and attraction infrastructure.
• Ability to lift, carry, push, or pull up to 50 pounds.
• Must be available to support evenings, weekends, holidays, and emergency operational situations as needed.

• Lead the launch of a first‑of‑its‑kind Mattel Adventure Park
• Be the driving force behind one of the most exciting new entertainment destinations in the country
• The opportunity to build, launch, and shape a landmark destination that will create memories for generations
• Competitive compensation and benefits

Note: This job description is intended to convey information essential to understanding the scope of the position and is not an exhaustive list of skills, efforts, duties, responsibilities, or working conditions associated with it. Duties and responsibilities may be subject to change.

VAI Resort is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.