ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Special Effects Engineer Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Universal Creative

Ride Mechanic

Orlando, FL · On-site

... special effects, and ride/show mechanical systems. MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES: * Performs preventative and predictive maintenance as prescribed by OEM and UO Engineering Specifications. This would ...

Crew Life at Sea

Backstage Technician

Miami, FL · On-site

... special effects systems and submit them to the Shipboard and Shoreside. Respond to regular work ... Basic knowledge of lighting design and programming. Basic knowledge in PC hardware & software ...

Crew Life at Sea

Backstage Technician

Miami, FL · On-site

... special effects systems and submit them to the Shipboard and Shoreside. Respond to regular work ... Basic knowledge of lighting design and programming. Basic knowledge in PC hardware & software ...

Vinik Sports Group

50/50 Raffle Seller

Tampa, FL · On-site

$52.50 - $69.50/hr

Ability to work comfortably around special effects including, but not limited to: haze, strobe lights, lasers, etc. * Ability to work in loud environments * Ability to lift and carry up to 50lbs

Live Events

Account Executive

Jupiter, FL

... engineering moments of celebration and wonder. We are the people and the pride behind world-class fireworks displays, breathtaking drone light shows, and the special effects that give live events ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSpecial Effects Engineer JobsSpecial Effects Engineer Jobs in Florida

Special Effects Engineer information

See Florida salary details

$21

$35

$54

How much do special effects engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for special effects engineer in Florida is $35.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $28.75 and $45.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a special effects engineer do?

A Special Effects Engineer designs and creates practical and digital effects for movies, TV shows, theater productions, and live events. They work with mechanical systems, pyrotechnics, animatronics, and computer-generated imagery (CGI) to achieve realistic effects. Their job involves collaboration with directors, designers, and technicians to ensure that effects enhance the storytelling. They must have expertise in engineering, physics, and material sciences to develop safe and visually impressive effects.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a special effects engineer?

To thrive as a Special Effects Engineer, you need a strong background in mechanical engineering, physics, and material science, often supported by a degree in engineering or related fields. Experience with CAD software, pyrotechnic systems, pneumatics, and industry safety certifications such as OSHA or special effects specific credentials are typically required. Creativity, problem-solving, and excellent teamwork skills are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies ensure innovative, safe, and reliable special effects are delivered within tight production timelines while collaborating closely with directors and crew.

How do you become a special effects engineer?

To become a special effects engineer, you typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering, physics, or a related field, along with experience in film, theater, or industrial effects. Skills in electronics, mechanics, and computer software are important, and hands-on experience through internships or apprenticeships can help develop practical knowledge of effects creation and safety protocols.

Is a special effects engineer a good career?

A special effects engineer designs and creates visual and practical effects for entertainment productions, requiring skills in engineering, physics, and computer software. The career offers opportunities in film, television, and live events, often involving collaboration with creative teams and working in dynamic environments. Job prospects depend on industry demand, experience, and technical proficiency with tools like CAD and special effects equipment.

What is a special effects engineer?

A special effects engineer designs, develops, and implements visual and physical effects for film, television, theater, or live events. They work with equipment such as pyrotechnics, animatronics, and mechanical systems, often requiring knowledge of safety protocols and specialized tools. Their role involves collaborating with directors and production teams to create realistic or fantastical effects that enhance storytelling.

What are popular job titles related to Special Effects Engineer jobs in Florida?

For Special Effects Engineer jobs in Florida, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Special Effects Engineer jobs in Florida look for?

The top searched job categories for Special Effects Engineer jobs in Florida are:

Special Effects Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Special Effects Engineer job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $74,105 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

WDI Special Effects Designer Intern, Orlando, Spring 2027

Lake Buena Vista, FL

The Walt Disney Company
Amusement, Gambling, and Recreation • 10K+ employees

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 130 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 52 rated entertainment

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by students

Learn more about The Walt Disney Companyexternal

$26.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 5 days ago

Job description

Job Posting Title:

WDI Special Effects Designer Intern, Orlando, Spring 2027

Req ID:

10158465

Job Description:

About the Role & Program

Be a part of an innovative team and culture...

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.

The approximate date of this internship is January 2027 to June 2027 and will be located in Orlando, FL.

What You Will Do

The Intern will assist with mock-up, design, production, installation, test/adjust and turnover of all special effects work for one or more attraction/project. This entails efforts both as an individual and while working with leaders and production staff.

  • Assist overall project team in scope development from concept stage through close-out

  • Preparation and delivery of documentation to establish FX scope on projects.

  • Collaborate with all coordinated teams to ensure internal/external requirements are met

  • Field installation

  • Maintenance and operations training assistance & post turnover support

  • Assist Special Effects lead during concept & design of special effects required to support the show, using appropriate creative and technical methods

  • We produce, install, maintain and fix theme park special effects equipment, per the Special Effects Lead Designers direction

Required Qualifications & Skills

  • Able to form a general plan to achieve stated goals and the ability to track to that plan to ensure goals are met

  • Basic knowledge of Special Effects installed at Disney theme park attractions.

  • General knowledge of related technical fields and their application to the creation of special effects, optics, mechanics, materials processes etc.

  • Some knowledge of special effects/projection equipment, materials, and processes

  • Solidworks knowledge

Preferred Qualifications

  • Disney theme park special effects experience

  • Theatrical training

  • Industrial design, manufacturing, operations and maintenance background with some special effects and projection system design experience

Education

Currently enrolled as a Junior or higher attending an accredited college/university earning BA or BS in the Arts, Engineering or related field

Eligibility Requirements & Program Information

Candidates for this opportunity MUST meet all of the below requirements:

  • Be enrolled in an accredited college/university pursuing a degree taking at least one class at time of application posting OR currently participating in a Disney College Program or Disney Internship

  • Be at least 18 years ofage

  • Possess unrestricted work authorization

  • Have not completed one year of continual employment on a Disney internship or Disney College Program

Additional Information

  • Able to provide reliable transportation to/from work

  • Must be fully available for the duration of the internship

  • We provide limited housing opportunities for Florida Based Professional Interns through American Campus Communities, for more information click here

The pay rate for this role in Florida is $26.50 per hour for undergraduate students and $27.50 per hour for graduate level students. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits. To learn more about our benefits visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

Job Posting Segment:

WDI Creative Development

Job Posting Primary Business:

Show Systems (WDI)

Primary Job Posting Category:

Creative Intern

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Lake Buena Vista, FL, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-08-24
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

What Walt Disney Company employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply