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Disney Mechanical Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... and Disney. We've been recognized as the Fastest Growing Company in Utah, and we are passionate ... Innovation & Advanced Engineering: Push our design boundaries by researching and implementing ...

... and Disney. We've been recognized as the Fastest Growing Company in Utah, and we are passionate ... Innovation & Advanced Engineering: Push our design boundaries by researching and implementing ...

Just an hour from world-class attractions like Disney World and Universal Studios, Melbourne offers ... Overview Assists in engineering projects by performing the following duties. Job Responsibilities

BRPH is a technically focused, creative architecture, engineering, and construction company with ... Just an hour from world-class attractions like Disney World and Universal Studios, Melbourne offers ...

Lead Mechanical Engineer, Structures

Portland, OR · On-site

$117K - $141K/yr

... Disney Imagineering, Bridgewater Associates, and the US Army and Air Force, as well as research ... They strive to be the best engineering team on the planet and they compensate their engineers ...

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Disney Mechanical Engineering information

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$45.5K

$102.9K

$166.5K

How much do disney mechanical engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for disney mechanical engineering in the United States is $102,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,500.00 and $126,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Disney mechanical engineering job?

A Disney Mechanical Engineering job involves designing, developing, and maintaining mechanical systems for attractions, animatronics, ride systems, and themed entertainment experiences. Engineers work closely with cross-disciplinary teams to ensure safety, reliability, and innovation in Disney parks and resorts worldwide. Responsibilities may include prototyping, testing, troubleshooting, and optimizing mechanical components to enhance guest experiences.

What are some typical projects or challenges that Disney mechanical engineers work on?

Disney Mechanical Engineers often work on projects such as designing and maintaining ride systems, animatronics, themed show elements, and facility infrastructure within theme parks and resorts. Common challenges include ensuring guest safety, meeting tight deadlines during attraction refurbishments, and integrating new technologies into existing systems while preserving the immersive storytelling experience. Teamwork is central, as mechanical engineers frequently collaborate with electrical, structural, and creative design teams to solve complex technical issues. This role offers unique opportunities to apply engineering skills to world-class entertainment experiences and advance through cross-functional project work and leadership roles.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Disney mechanical engineering position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Disney Mechanical Engineering, you need a solid background in mechanical engineering principles, a relevant degree (such as BSME), and often an EIT or PE certification. Familiarity with CAD software, building automation systems, and industry-standard simulation tools is essential. Strong teamwork, creative problem-solving, and project management skills help you excel in the dynamic entertainment environment. These competencies ensure that you can design, develop, and maintain complex attractions and infrastructure while contributing to the magical guest experience.

Does Disney pay their mechanical engineers well?

Disney mechanical engineers typically receive competitive salaries that align with industry standards for engineering roles, often supplemented with benefits and opportunities for advancement. Compensation can vary based on experience, location, and specific responsibilities within the company.

What cities are hiring for Disney Mechanical Engineering jobs?

Cities with the most Disney Mechanical Engineering job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Disney Mechanical Engineering jobs?

The most popular types of Disney Mechanical Engineering jobs are:

What states have the most Disney Mechanical Engineering jobs?

States with the most job openings for Disney Mechanical Engineering jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Disney Mechanical Engineering jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Disney Mechanical Engineering jobs are:

Infographic showing various Disney Mechanical Engineering 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 $102,878 per year, or $49.5 per hour.

Principal Ride Development Engineer

Walt Disney Imagineering

Glendale, CA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

About the role and 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.

At Ride Engineering, it is our responsibility to move people through our stories in magical ways that bring these experiences to life! Ride Engineers bring optimism and solutions to design challenges that often seem impossible and partner with diverse creative talent to define and build one-of-a-kind experiences that bring fun and joy to millions of people all around the world. We Create to Inspire!

Ride Development Engineers work within a Project Engineering team and are responsible for every aspect of mechanical ride system design & development from concept through installation. They work on various innovative ride platforms, that include unique requirements for extreme duty cycles, high reliability, and inherent life safety. They must collaborate on diverse teams with technical and creative members and be comfortable in environments where scope and requirements change frequently.

The Ride Development Engineer Sr. will report to the Executive Ride Development Engineering.

This is a full time role.

What You Will Do:

  • Manage the entire scope to conceive, design, & deliver a wide variety of complex & innovative ride systems and related equipment, ensuring durability, reliability, and safety.

  • “Clean sheet” concept design rides that meet creative intent and partner requirements.

  • Distill & negotiate technical requirements from high-level experience/story descriptions and artwork.

  • Collaborate with key stakeholders to define system requirements and interface specifications.

  • Supervise the daily activities of an engineering & design team through all phases of work; design, mockups, production, installation, testing, turnover, and close-out efforts.

  • Be responsible for the development of scope, inspection, testing, hazard, and report documents.

  • Be responsible for Vendor/contractor management and oversight.

  • Be responsible for digital model and drawing, development & release.

  • Lead large-scale proof of concept prototype & mock-up efforts; design/fab/test.

  • Collaborate with the project procurement team to evaluate, bid, & award outside vendor contracts.

  • Lead the installation of ride mechanical equipment, field support, and testing.

  • Perform field installation/testing activities, including; equipment/site surveys, use of active fall protection equipment, and navigating the construction site with catwalks, ladders, scaffolding, lifts, and confined spaces.

  • Travel and/or relocate domestically and internationally to support Ride Development efforts across our portfolio of theme parks.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

  • 10 or more years hands-on mechanical engineering experience.

  • Broad range of experience designing for various materials and processes.

  • Advanced engineering knowledge (e.g., statics, dynamics, tolerances, kinematics, stress/strain).

  • Ability to perform structural analysis by hand calculations and finite element methods.

  • Advanced engineering expertise (e.g., machine design, weldments, power train, materials).

  • Proficiency with design tools (e.g., SolidWorks, Navisworks, AutoCAD, SketchUp, ANSYS, FEA, Matlab).

  • Outstanding design sensibilities and creative problem-solving.

  • Ability to travel internationally and domestically to support the design efforts for our portfolio of theme parks around the world.

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

  • Previous Disney or entertainment experience, with advanced knowledge of the industry.

  • Experience with life safety design/requirements.

  • Experience with prototype, development, and/or innovative products.

  • Technical certifications (EIT, FE, PE).

  • PE license.

Education:

  • Bachelor's in Engineering Field, Science, Math OR have a PE License, 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/pay rate for Principal Ride Development Engineer is $139,200.00-$186,600.00 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.