ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Ride Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

NBCUniversal

Mgr Ride/Show Engineering

Universal City, CA · On-site

$96K - $118K/yr

The Manager, Ride/Show Engineering provides technical management, inclusive of budget and schedule, for an attraction or attractions under an area of responsibility. Responsible for the successful ...

Knott's Berry Farm

Ride Electrician

Buena Park, CA · On-site

$32.22 - $40.43/hr

The Ride Electrician performs inspections, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, and annual ... programmable logic controllers, test equipment and meters. Responsible for completing required ...

California's Great America

Ride Electrician

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$50 - $55/hr

Inspects, troubleshoots, and repairs electrical work on rides, ride control systems, computer, and ... Training in Electrical/industrial engineering and demonstrated expertise in drafting software such ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsRide Engineer JobsRide Engineer Jobs in California

Ride Engineer information

See California salary details

$58.7K

$89.3K

$151.5K

How much do ride engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for ride engineer in California is $89,326.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,600.00 and $103,600.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 are popular job titles related to Ride Engineer jobs in California? For Ride Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Ride Engineer jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Ride Engineer jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Ride Engineer jobs? Cities in California with the most Ride Engineer job openings:
Ride Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Ride Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $89,326 per year, or $42.9 per hour.

Senior Ride Control Hardware Engineer (Controls Automation)

The Walt Disney Company

Glendale, CA • On-site

$129K - $173K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life

Re-posted 8 days ago

Walt Disney Company rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 128 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 51 rated entertainment

Job description

Job Posting Title:

Senior Ride Control Hardware Engineer (Controls Automation)

Req ID:

10153000

Job Description:

About The Role & 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.

Ride Control Hardware Engineers work within Walt Disney Imagineering's Ride Studio in a highly collaborative environment on diverse teams. Engineering activities cover all aspects of control system design and implementation, from concept to commissioning, for a wide variety of innovative ride platforms.

The Ride Control Hardware Engineer will report to the Ride Control Systems Engineering Executive.

This is a full time role.

What You Will Do:

  • Support programmable, electrical, and electronic hardware scope to design and deliver control systems for complex, innovative ride systems

  • Perform engineering design and analysis for ride systems, focusing on electrical control systems

  • Develop control system and network architectures

  • Design, model, and analyze electrical supply systems

  • Research new products, technologies, and methodologies

  • Lead a team of ride control engineers and collaborate with other professionals to develop ride control systems

  • Develop control equipment requirements and specifications

  • Develop and implement proof-of-concept mock-ups and prototypes

  • Conduct hazard assessments and failure modes and effects analysis

  • Manage vendors, contractors, and consultants developing and implementing ride control systems

  • Define and oversee supplier and consultant design and delivery

  • Ensure all delivery and performance requirements are satisfied

  • Conduct factory acceptance tests and ride system installation

Required Qualifications & Skills

  • 5+ years of Controls Experience

  • Experienced in fail-safe and safety-related control system design

  • Extensive knowledge of control processors, components, and communication networks

  • Highly proficient in industrial control system installation, integration, and commissioning

  • Solid understanding of communication protocols: TCP/IP, CAN, serial, ProfiNET, Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT

  • Extensive knowledge of electrical design standards and codes, including UL508a and NEC

  • Familiarity with amusement and automation industry standards, including ASTM F2291

  • Expertise in motor and motion control methods and components

  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally for 1-week to 3-year durations

  • Ability to handle multiple complex efforts simultaneously, coordinate team efforts, and manage tasks and priorities

Preferred Qualifications & Skills

  • Licensed professional engineer

  • Proficient with engineering design tools including AutoCAD, Matlab, Simulink, Solidworks, EPLAN

  • Proficient in Rockwell and Siemens automation systems architecture and components

  • Electrical and troubleshooting skills (voltmeter, oscilloscope, etc.)

  • Knowledge of international amusement industry standards applicable in France, Hong Kong, or China

Education

  • Bachelor of Science Degree or above in engineering field 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 for The Senior Ride Controls Hardware Engineer in Glendale, CA is $129,300.00-$173,300.00 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.

Job Posting Segment:

WDI Global Business Operations & Strategy

Job Posting Primary Business:

Ride Engineering (WDI)

Primary Job Posting Category:

Systems Engineer

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Glendale, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-06-05

What Walt Disney Company employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Walt Disney logo

About Walt Disney

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Disney, we're storytellers. We make the impossible, possible. We do this through utilizing and developing cutting-edge technology and pushing the envelope to bring stories to life through our movies, products, interactive games, parks and resorts, and media networks. Now is your chance to join our talented team that delivers unparalleled creative content to audiences around the world. "We create happiness." That's our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. And it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you'll help inspire that magic by enabling our teams to push the limits of entertainment and create the never-before-seen!

Industry

Amusement, gambling, and recreation

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Burbank, CA, US

Social media

FacebookTwitter

View All Walt Disney Jobs

Apply