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Animatronics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LF Studios

Technical Assembly Coordinator

Blue Ash, OH · On-site

$75K/yr

... animatronics, or complex mechanical/electronic production environments. * Strong understanding of fabrication, mechanical systems, electronics, programming, and IT. * Subject matter expertise in ...

Meow Wolf

CAD Design & Engineering Manager

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

... animatronics, large and small scale sculptures, and other installations created by Meow Wolf Inc ... Strong experience working with or as an engineer reviewing design models for structural integrity ...

Meow Wolf

CAD Design & Engineering Manager

Santa Fe, NM · On-site

... animatronics, large and small scale sculptures, and other installations created by Meow Wolf Inc ... Strong experience working with or as an engineer reviewing design models for structural integrity ...

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Animatronics Engineer information

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$39K

$101.8K

$137.5K

How much do animatronics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for animatronics engineer in the United States is $101,752.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Animatronics Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer?

AspectAnimatronics EngineerMechanical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Mechanical, Electrical, or Robotics Engineering; specialized training in animatronicsBachelor's in Mechanical Engineering; professional licensure often preferred
Work EnvironmentTheme parks, film studios, entertainment industryManufacturing, automotive, aerospace, product design
Industry UsageDesigning and building animated figures and robots for entertainmentDesigning mechanical systems for various industries

Animatronics Engineers focus on creating animated figures and robotic characters for entertainment settings, requiring specialized skills in robotics and electronics. Mechanical Engineers have a broader scope, designing mechanical systems across multiple industries. While both roles involve mechanical design, Animatronics Engineers specialize in entertainment robotics, making their skills more tailored to animatronic projects.

How much do animatronics engineers make?

Animatronics engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, depending on experience, location, and industry. Advanced skills in robotics, mechanical design, and programming can lead to higher compensation, especially in entertainment or theme park environments.

What type of engineer works on animatronics?

An Animatronics Engineer is a specialized engineer who designs, develops, and maintains animatronic systems used in entertainment, theme parks, and film. They often have backgrounds in mechanical, electrical, or robotics engineering and use tools like CAD software and programming skills to create realistic moving figures.
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Cities with the most Animatronics Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Animatronics Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Animatronics Engineer jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Animatronics Engineer jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Animatronics Engineer jobs are:

Animatronics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Animatronics Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 91% In-person, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,752 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Technical Assembly Coordinator

LF Studios

Blue Ash, OH • On-site

$75K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 7 days ago

Job description

Position Overview
The Technical Assembly Coordinator plays a central role in ensuring the successful delivery of animatronic products and experiences. This leader is responsible for managing the daily operations, schedules, and productivity of the company’s technical departments, including mechanical assembly, show tech assembly, and welding. The Technical Assembly Coordinator also oversees the planning and execution of installation work, as well as special projects related to SFX, R&D, and interactives.

Working closely with the Production Manager, Producers, Project Managers, CFO, VP of Design & Engineering, and Controls Design Lead to ensure all deliverables meet quality standards, remain on schedule, and stay under budget. This role also partners with the Planning Manager to forecast resource needs and balance workloads throughout the project cycle, while also fostering employee growth, training, and long-term development.

In addition, the Technical Assembly Manager serves as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in Mechanical and Show Tech Assembly, working closely with the VP of Design & Engineering and Controls Design Lead to provide expert guidance on mechanical and structural components, as well routing and wiring.

Key Responsibilities:
Department Leadership & Coordination:
  • Lead and oversee all technical assembly departments: show tech assembly, mechanical assembly, and welding.
  • Set clear goals, expectations, and schedules for team productivity and project deliverables.
  • Mentor and support department staff to maximize efficiency and innovation.
  • Develop and implement training plans to build skill sets across all technical assembly teams. Set standards for team to follow to reduce training time and required rework
  • Establish continuous improvement and growth plans to ensure employee development and long-term success.

Project & Resource Oversight:
  • Coordinate with Production Manager and Project Managers to align technical workflows with project timelines and deliverables.
  • Collaborate with the Production Manager and Planning Manager to forecast resource loads and strategically allocate staff and equipment.
  • Adjust departmental schedules and assignments in response to shifting project demands. Communicate strategic shifts needed with Production Manager.
  • Drive cost-effective solutions to deliver projects on time and under budget.
  • Installation & Special Projects
  • Oversee planning and technical execution for onsite installations.
  • Direct and manage technical efforts for special projects in SFX, R&D, and interactives.
  • Ensure integration of new technologies and practices to maintain industry-leading standards.

Cross-Department Collaboration:
  • Partner with the VP of Design & Engineering, Production Manager, and Costuming Director to coordinate seamless project handoffs and integration.
  • Provide technical insight and recommendations during design and production planning stages.
  • Act as a key liaison between technical operations and creative/design teams.
  • Subject Matter Expertise in Mechanical and Show Tech Assembly
  • Serve as an SME in mechanical assembly and show tech assembly, with deep knowledge of structural components and mechanical fastening methodologies, programming, and integration for animatronic and show systems.
  • Ensure that assemblies meet both creative intent and technical reliability requirements.

Qualifications:
Required:
  • Proven leadership experience in technical operations, preferably in themed entertainment, animatronics, or complex mechanical/electronic production environments.
  • Strong understanding of fabrication, mechanical systems, electronics, programming, and IT.
  • Subject matter expertise in mechanical assemblies and integration for animatronic or show systems.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple departments with diverse skill sets.
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
  • Track record of delivering projects on time and under budget.

Preferred:
  • Experience with special effects, interactive technologies, or R&D environments.
  • Familiarity with project management tools and resource planning systems.
  • Background in engineering, technical design, or related disciplines.

Performance Goals:
  • Ensure all technical departments deliver high-quality work aligned with project deadlines.
  • Maintain accurate resource forecasting and load-balancing across departments.
  • Foster innovation in R&D, SFX, and interactives to expand company capabilities.
  • Improve efficiency and productivity across all technical teams.
  • Build strong cross-departmental collaboration that ensures seamless project execution.
  • Collaborate in training and growth plans that elevate employee skills and support career advancement.
  • Provide expert guidance on controls design and integration to ensure reliable, innovative animatronic systems.