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Amusement Ride Engineer Jobs (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 ...

PLC Technician

Del Valle, TX · On-site

$29.50 - $36.50/hr

We are seeking a skilled Ride PLC Technician to install, maintain, and troubleshoot Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems for amusement park rides and attractions. This role ensures the safety ...

PLC Technician

Del Valle, TX · On-site

$29.50 - $36.50/hr

We are seeking a skilled Ride PLC Technician to install, maintain, and troubleshoot Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems for amusement park rides and attractions. This role ensures the safety ...

PLC Technician

Del Valle, TX · On-site

$29.50 - $36.50/hr

We are seeking a skilled Ride PLC Technician to install, maintain, and troubleshoot Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) systems for amusement park rides and attractions. This role ensures the safety ...

... Amusement Ride standards. * Train, mentor, and support year-round program staff with a focus on Adventure elements and activities through site-specific in-services. * Serves year-round programming by ...

Provides human-injury impact analysis in vehicular accidents, amusement park ride accidents, and ... Background in forensic engineering preferred. * Cognitive problem-solving skills required.

Provides human-injury impact analysis in vehicular accidents, amusement park ride accidents, and ... Background in forensic engineering preferred. * Cognitive problem-solving skills required.

Showing results 21-40

Amusement Ride Engineer information

See salary details

$59.5K

$90.5K

$153.5K

How much do amusement ride engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for amusement ride engineer in the United States is $90,511.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,500.00 and $105,000.00 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?

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.
More about Amusement Ride Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Amusement Ride Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Amusement Ride Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Amusement Ride Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Amusement Ride Engineer jobs include:
Infographic showing various Amusement Ride Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $90,511 per year, or $43.5 per hour.

Ride Electrician

Knott's Berry Farm

Buena Park, CA • On-site

$32.22 - $40.43/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Knott's Berry Farm rating

5.0

Company rating: 5.0 out of 10

Based on 73 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

52nd of 58 rated theme parks


Job description

Overview:

The Ride Electrician performs inspections, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and annual rehabilitation of a variety of different amusement rides and attractions. Areas of responsibility include (but are not limited to) maintenance of: AC & DC motors, soft starts, PLC’s, sensors, switches, and dealing with voltages up to 480V.  This position also assists Ride Maintenance Technicians as required. Climbing and working safely at heights is an essential part of this job.

Hourly Pay Rate: $32.22/hr. - $40.43/hr. The base pay rate offered is based on job-related experience, knowledge and skills.


Responsibilities:
  • Installs, maintains, troubleshoots, rebuilds and inspects ride electrical systems and components for proper operation according to Knott’s Berry Farm standards and policies. Assists in troubleshooting and maintaining mechanical, pneumatic and hydraulic systems.
  • Inspects and evaluates rides for proper function, detects and investigates any malfunctions or irregularities and notifies supervisor of any safety concerns. Troubleshoots, diagnoses and repairs malfunctions using electrical schematic charts, computers, programmable logic controllers, test equipment and meters. Responsible for completing required documentation on check-outs, preventive maintenance, updates/changes, etc.
  • Receives and reviews various records and reports including ride manuals and updates, ride electrical programs and diagrams, technical manuals, computer manuals, operating schedules, check-out sheets, work orders, vehicle maintenance check sheets, operational downtime sheets, material safety data sheets, etc.
  • Ensures rides are maintained according to manufacturers and Knott’s Berry Farm guidelines to ensure the safety of ride operation and guests.
  • Responsible for preventive and corrective maintenance for individual or groups of attractions rides and other equipment typically utilized in theme park attractions including but not limited to: troubleshooting and repair of mechanical systems, animation and special effects.
  • Respond to downtime, repair and ride recovery issues.
  • Diagnose system failures and provide immediate and long-term correction action. Researches defective mechanically-controlled items/parts and instructional information to complete the repair process when needed. Systems may include relay logic, PLC logic or a combination of both. Mostly Rockwell, but some Siemens and others.
  • Troubleshoot by referring to technical manuals and technical library while utilizing a systematic approach.
  • Ability to troubleshoot and work with 480V 3 phase motor control systems, including autotransformer, AC frequency, DC and soft starts
  • Input in log books: completion of inspections, corrective action and/or repairs made, and lists applicable parts used.
  • Support Ride Maintenance Technicians on repairs to rides, vehicles and/or show equipment.
  • Consistently practice safe work habits including, but not limited to the use of personal protective equipment, safe lifting practices and reporting of unsafe situations.
  • Keep all records up to date and current in an accessible, organized fashion. (i.e. logbooks, inspection forms, etc.)
  • Clean maintenance shops, including but not limited to stations, equipment, and tools.

Qualifications:

Education      

High School diploma/GED

Some College, Electronics, control systems, electrical or related field 

                                         

Experience       

Five (5) or more years combined educational and work experience in troubleshooting and repair of complex electro-mechanical systems as well as hydraulic and pneumatic systems required.

                                   

Minimum Age

At Least 18 years or over                                                                          

              

Qualifications

  • Working knowledge of the proper utilization and care of hand and power tools and maintenance equipment.
  • Experience with logic systems including relay and (plc) programmable logic control.
  • Experience with drives, including AC frequency and DC drives.
  • Ability to work cooperatively with others in a fast paced and sometimes stressful environment.
  • Ability to read/write, comprehend instructions and communicate in English.
  • Ability to work safely and effectively while elevated on ladders, platforms, or other structures at heights up to 320 feet above ground.
  • Ability to work nights, weekends and holiday periods to meet business needs. Ability to pass a mandatory (or random) drug test, per Company policy, unless prohibited by state or provincial law.
  • Ability to pass a background check, which may include, but is not limited to, credit, criminal, DMV, previous employment, education and personal references, per Company policy, unless prohibited by federal, state, or provincial law.

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