1

Ride Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

What you can look forward to as a Ride Development Engineer: * Responsible for coordinating ride work activities with customer, submitting ride work requests through Engineering Resource Manager, and ...

Work closely with other mechanics, engineers, and leadership to ensure smooth daily ride operations. * Provide input on equipment upgrades, part replacements, and long-term maintenance planning.

Ride Mechanic Apply now Job no: 664932 Work type: Regular (Full-Time) Location: Orlando Categories ... Performs preventative and predictive maintenance as prescribed by OEM and UO Engineering ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Ride Engineer information

See salary details

$59.5K

$90.5K

$153.5K

How much do ride engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for 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 a ride engineer?

Ride engineers are professionals who design, develop, and maintain amusement park rides and attractions. They combine knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and structural engineering to ensure rides are safe, reliable, and enjoyable for guests. Ride engineers work closely with architects, designers, and safety inspectors throughout the planning, construction, and operation phases. Their responsibilities often include troubleshooting technical issues, performing regular safety checks, and implementing upgrades or repairs as needed.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a ride engineer?

To thrive as a Ride Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical or electrical engineering, often supported by a relevant engineering degree and experience with ride design or theme park systems. Familiarity with CAD software, PLC programming, and safety compliance standards like ASTM F24 is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and clear communication help you excel in cross-functional environments. These skills are crucial for ensuring the safety, reliability, and innovation of amusement park rides.

What challenges do ride engineers face when maintaining and upgrading amusement park rides?

Ride Engineers often encounter challenges such as diagnosing complex mechanical and electrical issues, ensuring compliance with rigorous safety standards, and coordinating maintenance schedules to minimize ride downtime. They must quickly adapt to evolving technologies and work collaboratively with operations teams, electricians, and mechanics to resolve problems efficiently. Balancing preventative maintenance with urgent repairs, especially during peak park seasons, requires strong organizational and communication skills.

What is the difference between Ride Engineer vs Ride Technician?

AspectRide EngineerRide Technician
CredentialsEngineering degree or technical certification, specialized trainingTechnical diploma or certification, hands-on training
Work EnvironmentDesign, testing, and overseeing ride systems; office and manufacturing settingsMaintenance, repair, and troubleshooting on-site at amusement parks or facilities
Industry UsageUsed in design and development phases, ensuring safety and performance standards

Ride Engineers focus on designing, testing, and ensuring the safety of amusement rides, often working in offices or labs. Ride Technicians perform maintenance, repairs, and troubleshooting on rides at parks or facilities. While both roles require technical knowledge, Ride Engineers typically hold engineering credentials and work in development, whereas Ride Technicians focus on operational safety and maintenance on-site.

What qualifications do you need to be a ride engineer?

Ride engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in mechanical, electrical, or civil engineering, along with experience in machinery maintenance and safety protocols. Knowledge of ride systems, troubleshooting skills, and certifications such as OSHA safety training are also important. Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail are essential for ensuring ride safety and operation efficiency.
More about Ride Engineer jobs

What cities are hiring for Ride Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Ride Engineer job openings:

What states have the most Ride Engineer jobs?

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

Infographic showing various Ride Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $90,511 per year, or $43.5 per hour.

Principal Ride Development Engineer

Walt Disney Imagineering

Glendale, CA โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Medical, Life

This job post hasย expired 1 day ago.ย 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.

  • โ€œClean sheetโ€ 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 candidateโ€™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.