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Theme Park Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... engineering support for existing and new theme park attractions (rides and shows). Duties include complex downtime investigation and troubleshooting of ongoing issues, reverse engineering and ...

Control Engineer

Orlando, FL

$78K - $101K/yr

Experience with ride control or theme park applications is a plus, other industry background will be looked as well. * Preferred experience in ASTM standards, attractions industry, safety engineering ...

Control Engineer

Orlando, FL · On-site

$78K - $101K/yr

Experience with ride control or theme park applications is a plus, other industry background will be looked as well. * Preferred experience in ASTM standards, attractions industry, safety engineering ...

The CLX Engineering SCADA Engineer is responsible for developing, configuring, and supporting ... and theme park ride and show systems is preferred. * Experience working onsite with customers ...

Description The CLX Engineering SCADA Engineer is responsible for developing, configuring, and ... and theme park ride and show systems is preferred. * Experience working onsite with customers ...

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Theme Park Engineering information

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$62.5K

$117.5K

How much do theme park engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for theme park engineering in the United States is $113,867.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $116,000.00 and $116,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Theme Park Engineer, you need a solid background in mechanical, electrical, or structural engineering, typically with a bachelor's degree and relevant licensing. Familiarity with CAD software, PLC systems, safety codes, and ride control technologies is essential for designing and maintaining attractions. Strong problem-solving, teamwork, and creative thinking skills help you innovate while ensuring guest safety and experience. These capabilities are crucial for delivering reliable, safe, and exciting theme park attractions that meet rigorous industry standards.

What is theme park engineering?

Theme park engineering is a specialized field of engineering focused on the design, development, construction, and maintenance of amusement park attractions and facilities. Engineers in this field work on everything from roller coasters and animatronics to ride safety systems, themed environments, and park infrastructure. They combine skills in mechanical, electrical, civil, and structural engineering, often collaborating with architects and designers to ensure both safety and an immersive guest experience. Theme park engineers must also adhere to strict safety standards and regulations due to the public nature of their work.

What engineers make $500,000 a year?

In the field of theme park engineering, very few professionals earn $500,000 or more annually. Typically, high salaries in engineering roles are associated with executive positions, specialized consulting, or senior management rather than entry-level or standard engineering roles. Achieving such income levels often requires extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities.

How to get into theme park engineering?

To pursue a career in theme park engineering, a bachelor's degree in mechanical, civil, or electrical engineering is typically required. Gaining experience through internships, developing skills in CAD software, and understanding safety standards are important steps to enter this field.

How much money do theme park engineers make?

Theme park engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $70,000 to $100,000, 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 $120,000. The role often requires knowledge of engineering principles, safety standards, and proficiency with design software.

What are some common challenges faced by theme park engineers during the design and maintenance of attractions?

Theme park engineers often face the challenge of balancing innovative ride design with strict safety regulations and operational reliability. They must collaborate closely with creative teams, maintenance staff, and regulatory bodies to ensure attractions deliver an exciting guest experience while complying with engineering standards and minimizing downtime. Additionally, engineers frequently address unique site constraints, such as limited space or environmental considerations, making adaptability and problem-solving essential skills for success in this dynamic environment.

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 civil engineers responsible for park infrastructure and safety. These engineers often work with specialized tools and may require certifications in safety standards and engineering disciplines.

What is the difference between Theme Park Engineering vs Amusement Ride Technician?

AspectTheme Park EngineeringAmusement Ride Technician
CredentialsEngineering degree, certifications in design and safetyTechnical training, ride operation certifications
Work EnvironmentDesign offices, construction sites, theme parksRide maintenance areas, theme parks
Industry UsageDesigning and developing new attractionsMaintaining and repairing rides

Theme Park Engineers focus on designing and planning new attractions, requiring engineering credentials and working in design and construction environments. Amusement Ride Technicians handle maintenance and repairs, with technical certifications and hands-on work in theme parks. Both roles are essential but differ in responsibilities and work settings.

More about Theme Park Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Theme Park Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Theme Park Engineering job openings:
What states have the most Theme Park Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Theme Park Engineering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Theme Park Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Theme Park Engineering jobs are:
Infographic showing various Theme Park Engineering job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $113,867 per year, or $54.7 per hour.
Sr Mechanical Engineer

Sr Mechanical Engineer

NBCUniversal

Universal City, CA • Hybrid

$125K - $155K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Company Description

NBCUniversal is one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our global theme park destinations, consumer products, and experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through our powerhouse film and television studios, including Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, and Focus Features, and the four global television studios under the Universal Studio Group banner, and operate industry-leading theme parks and experiences around the world through Universal Destinations & Experiences, including Universal Orlando Resort, home to Universal Epic Universe, and Universal Studios Hollywood. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. Visit www.nbcuniversal.com for more information.

Our impact is rooted in improving the communities where our employees, customers, and audiences live and work. We have a rich tradition of giving back and ensuring our employees have the opportunity to serve their communities. We champion an inclusive culture and strive to attract and develop a talented workforce to create and deliver a wide range of content reflecting our world.

Job Description

The Senior Mechanical Engineer provides engineering support for existing and new theme park attractions (rides and shows).  Duties include complex downtime investigation and troubleshooting of ongoing issues, reverse engineering and redesign, and other engineering tasks as required to ensure daily operational readiness of attractions. Additional duties include complex re-design and development efforts for mechanical / structural systems of theme park rides and attractions to provide increased reliability and operational improvements. Development of some projects will require basic management of outsourcing services, third party consulting, contracts, and scheduling of work.

All work shall be in conformance with ASTM F24 Committee guidelines and compliant with applicable codes, regulations and standards including: AISC, ASME, ASTM, ANSI, AWS, JIC, NEC, and OSHA, among others.

This role has exposure to multiple different ride and show systems spanning multiple decades, each with its unique fun and challenges.

This role has a 5-day workweek onsite. Offsite work may be allowed with prior approval from the Engineering Manager. The role may include additional nights and/or "weekends" only when necessary.

Responsibilities

  • Responds to day-to-day sustaining engineering calls and troubleshoots recurring design or maintenance issues.
  • Performs re-engineering efforts for Attractions including complex mechanical, structural, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
  • Produces scope of work for capital design projects and manages progress from design through installation.
  • Develops and oversees project schedules and budgetary demands.
  • Monitors and interfaces with vendors/design-builders to resolve problems and design issues.
  • Prepares and reviews equipment specifications and performs technical evaluation of vendor products/services.
  • Oversees mock-up, prototype, installations, test and adjustments of show and ride systems.
  • Coordinates engineering activities between vendors, engineers, ride and show management, and technicians.
  • Provides project status updates on assigned task list items to the appropriate ride manager and engineering manager.
  • Interfaces between Central Shops and the Mechanical Engineering group to address their engineering needs.
  • Helps improve existing engineering procedures and develops new procedures as needed.
  • Acts as mentor for associate level engineers.
  • Maintains configuration management of project documentation in accordance with Engineering's guidelines.
  • Develops and conducts Acceptance Test Procedures on mechanical systems. Reviews other engineer's ATPs.
  • Partners with Universal Creative in the development of new Attractions. Review designs attend design review meetings and support on-site installation and testing.
  • Reviews Engineering Change Notice (ECN) forms and contents for accuracy and compliance with internal and external regulations.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

This position is required to be performed full-time from an NBCUniversal-designated worksite. This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks. Learn more about the benefits offered by NBCUniversal by visiting the Benefits page of the Careers website.

Salary range: $125,000 - $155,000

Qualifications

Qualifications/Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering required. Master's degree in Mechanical Engineering preferred.
  • Minimum 7 years mechanical/structural detailed design experience associated w/ dynamic motion systems/components.
  • Minimum 3 years project engineering experience in mechanical/structural systems in a large machine environment.
  • Proficient analytical skills to perform engineering calculations for design, test, and implementation of mechanical systems.
  • Proficient background in design of welded structures, beam elements, welded joints, structural steels, gearing, composite materials, manufacturing, and fabrication processes.
  • Proficiency in hydraulic and pneumatic design, and familiarity with components.
  • Proficient knowledge and logical approach to problem solving and troubleshooting capabilities of mechanical and structural systems.
  • Proficiency in mechanical drawings, Solidworks, AutoCAD and technical documents.
  • Strong experience in the generation of component and mechanical system specifications, acceptance test procedures, failure and effects analysis, scopes of work, installation procedures, training procedure, technical and maintenance manuals.
  • Strong knowledge in servo controls as applied to hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromotive motion control systems.
    Knowledgeable in AWS, ANSI, and ASTM (especially F24) standards.
  • Experience in the design of safety critical systems.
  • Ability & willingness to work overtime, weekends, and holidays with short notice

Desired Characteristics:

  • Theme Park Operations knowledge and experience
  • California Certified Professional Engineer (PE)
  • Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to work with all levels of employees and management, and willingness to give assistance to co-workers in other areas. Strong team player.
  • Strong interpersonal and analytical skills
  • Strong time management skills
  • Ability to multi-task and be flexible
  • Experience in a union environment
Additional Information

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

NBCUniversal will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, or arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles' Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act, where applicable.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to [email protected].