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Theme Park Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Engineer II, Controls

Orlando, FL · On-site

$77K - $100K/yr

Engineer II, Controls Apply now Job no: 659378 Work type: Regular (Full-Time) Location: Orlando ... theme park rides and attractions to provide increased reliability and operational improvements.

Engineer I, Controls

Orlando, FL · On-site

$77K - $100K/yr

Engineer I, Controls Apply now Job no: 662743 Work type: Regular (Full-Time) Location: Orlando ... software systems for theme park rides and attractions to provide increased reliability and ...

Senior Calibration Engineer

Livonia, MI

$97K - $134K/yr

... and theme park industries. With over 2,400 employees in facilities throughout the United States ... The Senior Calibration Engineer will develop powertrain calibrations for future automotive products.

... and theme park industries. With over 2,400 employees in facilities throughout the United States ... As a Calibration Engineer II, you will: * Carry out dynamometer and/or vehicle-based calibration ...

CAE Engineering Intern - Summer 2026

Livonia, MI · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

At Roush, we fuse technology and engineering to provide product development solutions to customers ... The industries you will support include but are not limited to automotive, theme park entertainment ...

CAE Engineering Intern - Summer 2026

Livonia, MI · On-site

$15.75 - $20.25/hr

At Roush, we fuse technology and engineering to provide product development solutions to customers ... The industries you will support include but are not limited to automotive, theme park entertainment ...

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Theme Park Engineer information

See salary details

$59.5K

$111.6K

$203K

How much do theme park engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for theme park engineer in the United States is $111,632.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,500.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What kind of engineers work at theme parks?

Theme parks employ various engineers, including mechanical engineers who design rides and attractions, electrical engineers who handle power systems and control systems, and structural engineers responsible for the safety and stability of rides and buildings. These engineers often work with specialized tools and may require certifications in safety standards and engineering disciplines.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

While most theme park engineers earn between $70,000 and $120,000 annually, highly specialized or senior engineers with extensive experience, leadership roles, or unique expertise in areas like ride design or safety systems can potentially earn $500,000 or more per year. Such compensation often includes bonuses, profit sharing, or other incentives, and typically requires advanced skills, certifications, and a track record of significant contributions to large projects.

What is a Theme Park Engineer job?

A Theme Park Engineer designs, develops, and maintains rides, attractions, and infrastructure to ensure safety, functionality, and guest enjoyment. They work in various engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electrical, structural, and software engineering, to create thrilling and immersive experiences. Theme park engineers also conduct safety inspections, troubleshoot technical issues, and collaborate with designers and project managers. Their role requires creativity, problem-solving, and a strong understanding of engineering principles to bring exciting attractions to life.

What are the typical daily responsibilities of a Theme Park Engineer?

Theme Park Engineers typically split their time between designing and refining ride concepts, overseeing construction or maintenance activities, and ensuring all systems comply with safety regulations. Daily tasks may involve collaborating with architects, project managers, and maintenance crews, conducting inspections, troubleshooting mechanical or structural issues, and updating design documentation. Engineers also monitor ride performance data to preemptively address operational concerns. Working in a dynamic, guest-focused environment, Theme Park Engineers must be adaptable and ready to respond to urgent technical or safety challenges as they arise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Theme Park Engineer position, and why are they important?

Theme Park Engineers require a strong background in mechanical, civil, or electrical engineering—typically a bachelor's degree in engineering—along with expertise in designing, constructing, and maintaining amusement rides and park infrastructure. Familiarity with CAD software, safety standards (such as ASTM F24), and relevant professional engineering licenses (PE) are often required. Strong problem-solving, creativity, teamwork, and communication skills help these engineers navigate complex projects and coordinate with cross-functional teams. These competencies ensure the safety, reliability, and exciting guest experiences that are vital to successful theme park operations.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. High compensation often involves working in high-demand industries, holding managerial positions, or possessing rare technical expertise and certifications.

How much do theme park engineers make?

Theme park engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $90,000, depending on experience, location, and specific responsibilities. Senior engineers or those with specialized skills in ride design and safety may earn higher salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually.
More about Theme Park Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Theme Park Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Theme Park Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Theme Park Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Theme Park Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Theme Park Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Theme Park Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Theme Park Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Theme Park Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Theme Park Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 10% Contract, and 5% Summer. Highlights an 95% In-person, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $111,632 per year, or $53.7 per hour.
Associate Manager, Ride & Show Engineering - Ride Systems (Expat to Beijing)

Associate Manager, Ride & Show Engineering - Ride Systems (Expat to Beijing)

Universal Orlando

Orlando, FL

Full-time

Posted 11 days ago


Universal Orlando Resort rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 420 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 55 rated theme parks


Job description

JOB SUMMARY

Provides technical management, inclusive of budget and schedule, for a singular contract or scope of work. Responsible for supporting or managing the successful specification, bid/award, design, production, installation, and acceptance testing of Ride and/or Show systems, to include Audio, Special Effects, Projection, Lighting, Set/Scenic, Props, Show Action Equipment, Animated Figures, Ride Systems, Mechanical Systems, Network Systems, Parkwide Systems, Ride Control, and/or Show Control Systems.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Assists in managing or manages vendors through the process of bidding, designing, manufacturing, testing, shipping, installation, start up, and commissioning of Ride/Show systems.
  • Provides technical guidance and vendor management through day-to-day design, fabrication, installation, test & adjust and commissioning activities. Responsible for both technical and project/contract management as it applies to scope generation, vendor contract establishment and management, directives, and change order processing with the support of Ride/Show leaders.
  • Supports the translating of creative intent and business goals into technical documents that will serve to acquire bids and lock in price and schedule for delivery of systems.
  • Performs engineering technical (calculation, design, drafting, research) support to the Ride/Show project team and/or overall Engineering and Safety as assigned.
  • Reviews portions of vendor-provided design review documents. Includes drawing review, component selection review, calculation review, test plan review, test results review, or review of other deliverable items as specified by Engineering & Safety management.
  • Reviews, edits, or develops test protocols, procedures, and plans. Executes witness or approve testing and test results as assigned and authorized by Engineering and Safety management.
  • Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities. 
  • Performs other duties as assigned.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
  • Project experience in theme park development, construction, show and ride systems design or fabrication within the entertainment/theme park industry preferred. 
  • Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
  • Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
  • Ability to organize and manage a complex series of tasks and vendor(s) to develop and implement show and ride systems. 
  • Strength in schedule analysis and contract management required.
  • Comfortable influencing decisions of major nature. High degree of tact & diplomacy to obtain favorable decisions or maintain good will.
  • Comfortable working in a non-routine environment with frequently changing situations.
  • Some global travel may be required (less than 30%). 
  • Significant vendor management.
EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree in an applicable technical field required. Advanced degrees preferred.

EXPERIENCE

3+ years’ experience in theme park specific technical/engineering role(s) required; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Your talent, skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package.

Universal is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Universal Orlando via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from Universal Orlando HR/Recruitment will be deemed the sole property of Universal Orlando. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Universal Orlando as a result of the referral or through other means.

Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2025 Universal Studios. © 2025 Universal Orlando. All rights reserved. EOE


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