🚀 Ride Control Systems Engineer Principal (Design Assurance) - The Walt Disney Company

📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Ride Control Systems Engineer Principal (Design Assurance)
Company: The Walt Disney Company
Location: Glendale, California, United States
Job Type: On-site, Full-time
Category: Systems Engineer
Date Posted: April 15, 2024
Experience Level: 10+ years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Key Responsibilities: Conduct design assurance activities, partner with ride engineering teams, mentor engineers, and advocate for quality design processes.
Industry: Amusement and theme park industry, focusing on ride control systems and safety.
Company Size: Large, global entertainment company with extensive ride engineering operations.
Team Structure: Collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams working on diverse ride projects across Disney Experiences.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role is part of Walt Disney Imagineering's Ride Engineering Studio, working on innovative ride platforms and collaborating with various teams to ensure engineering quality and safety.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Design Assurance Activities:
- Develop and maintain company and industry standards, methodologies, and best practices.
- Participate in company committees and industry organizations involved in ride safety and design.
- Review ride system design and test packages for compliance with industry and company standards.
- Advise project teams on optimal ride control system designs, safety analysis methods, and testing approaches.
Mentoring and Training:
- Prepare and present Disney requirements and design practices for internal and external training.
- Mentor and assist design engineers with technical challenges, standards, and methodology.
- Advocate for processes, standards, and practices that produce quality designs.
Project Management:
- Handle multiple complex efforts simultaneously, exert influence, and manage tasks and priorities.
- Travel domestically and internationally for 1-week to 3-month durations to support projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires strong project management skills, with the ability to balance multiple projects, mentor team members, and ensure design quality and safety.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education:

Bachelor of Science Degree in an engineering field from an accredited university, Electrical preferred.

Experience:

At least 15 years of experience with ride control system design, engineering, installation, and commissioning.
Proficient in fail-safe and safety-related control system design.
Experience with requirements development, test plans/procedures, and test execution.

Required Skills:

Extensive knowledge of ride control system architectures and equipment.
Solid understanding of communication protocols: TCP/IP, CAN, serial, ProfiNET, Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT.
Proficient in automated control system design applying functional safety concepts and standards.
Demonstrated practice in functional safety standards, including IEC 61508, IEC 62061, ISO 13849.
Familiarity with amusement and automation industry standards, including ASTM F2291.
Solid skills in technical document writing and communication.
Ability to handle multiple complex efforts simultaneously, exert influence, and manage tasks and priorities.

Preferred Skills:

Knowledge of amusement industry standards applicable in Japan, France, Hong Kong, and China.
Proficient in Rockwell, Siemens, and Beckhoff automation systems architecture and components.
Expertise in motor and motion control methods and components.
Solid understanding of kinematics as it pertains to ride systems and machines.
Knowledge of pneumatic controls and devices.
Proficient with engineering applications, including AutoCAD, EPlan, Matlab, Simulink, Solidworks, Visure.
Knowledge of modeling methodologies using UML/SysML.
Experience with multitasking software platforms and design approaches.
Experience in broad application of control system theory (closed-loop control, MIMO systems, positioning and navigation).
Certified Functional Safety Engineer.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:
- Demonstrate experience in ride control system design, including safety and functional safety aspects.
- Showcase projects that highlight your understanding of communication protocols and industry standards.
- Include examples of technical documentation, such as test plans, design reviews, and safety analysis reports.
Technical Documentation:
- Provide examples of design reviews, safety analysis, and testing approaches for ride control systems.
- Include any relevant certifications or training in functional safety standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role focuses on design assurance and quality, applicants should emphasize their technical documentation, safety analysis, and testing experience in their portfolios.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range:

The hiring range for this position in California is $152,200 to $204,100 per year.
The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors.

Benefits:

Medical, financial, and equity benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Working Hours:

Full-time position with standard working hours, potentially including flexible scheduling for project needs.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is specific to California and should be adjusted for other locations based on regional cost of living and industry standards for ride control systems engineers.

🎯 Team & Company Context

🏢 Company Culture

Industry:

Amusement and theme park industry, focusing on ride control systems and safety.

Company Size:

Large, global entertainment company with extensive ride engineering operations.

Founded:

The Walt Disney Company was founded in 1923, with Walt Disney Imagineering established in 1952.

Team Structure:

Collaborative, multi-disciplinary teams working on diverse ride projects across Disney Experiences.
The Ride Engineering Studio consists of various engineering disciplines, including ride control systems, mechanical, electrical, and software engineering.

Development Methodology:

Agile project management methodologies, with a focus on collaboration, iterative development, and continuous improvement.
Strong emphasis on safety, quality, and innovation in ride control system design and implementation.

Company Website: The Walt Disney Company

📝 Enhancement Note: Walt Disney Imagineering fosters a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, with a strong focus on safety and quality in ride engineering.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level:

This role is a principal-level position, focusing on design assurance, mentoring, and quality control in ride control systems engineering.

Reporting Structure:

The Ride Control Systems Engineer Principal (Design Assurance) reports to the Ride Engineering Studio leadership and works closely with various ride project teams.

Technical Impact:

This role has a significant impact on the safety, quality, and reliability of ride control systems across Disney Experiences.
Responsibilities include conducting design assurance activities, mentoring engineers, and advocating for quality design processes.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: Expand expertise in ride control systems, functional safety, and industry standards.
Leadership Development: Develop mentoring and training skills, as well as project management abilities.
Architecture Decisions: Contribute to the development and maintenance of company and industry standards, methodologies, and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers opportunities for technical growth, leadership development, and contributing to the broader amusement industry through standard development and collaboration with industry organizations.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type:

On-site, collaborative work environment within the Walt Disney Imagineering campus in Glendale, California.

Office Location(s):

Glendale, California, United States

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Workspace: Work closely with various ride engineering teams, including mechanical, electrical, and software engineers.
Design Tools: Utilize engineering applications such as AutoCAD, EPlan, Matlab, Simulink, Solidworks, and Visure.
Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborate with designers, project managers, and other stakeholders to ensure ride control systems meet project requirements and industry standards.

Work Schedule:

Full-time position with standard working hours, potentially including flexible scheduling for project needs.
Travel may be required domestically and internationally for 1-week to 3-month durations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The work environment encourages collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, with a strong focus on safety and quality in ride engineering.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Technical Assessment: Demonstrate expertise in ride control system design, safety analysis, and testing approaches through technical discussions and case studies.
Behavioral Questions: Discuss problem-solving skills, project management experience, and ability to work in a collaborative environment.
Portfolio Review: Present examples of design assurance activities, mentoring experiences, and technical documentation.
Final Evaluation: Assess cultural fit, communication skills, and alignment with Disney's values and mission.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight design assurance activities, mentoring experiences, and technical documentation related to ride control systems and safety.
Include examples of collaboration with various engineering disciplines and stakeholders.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush up on ride control system design principles, safety analysis methods, and testing approaches.
Familiarize yourself with industry standards, including ASTM F2291, IEC 61508, IEC 62061, and ISO 13849.

ATS Keywords:

Ride Control Systems, Safety Analysis, Design Assurance, Functional Safety, Industry Standards, Amusement Industry, Project Management, Mentoring, Engineering Applications, Technical Documentation.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process focuses on technical expertise in ride control systems, safety analysis, and project management, as well as cultural fit and collaboration skills.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Ride Control System Technologies:

Control System Architectures: Familiarity with various ride control system architectures, including PLC, DCS, and PAC-based systems.
Communication Protocols: Proficiency in communication protocols such as TCP/IP, CAN, serial, ProfiNET, Ethernet/IP, and EtherCAT.
Functional Safety Standards: Demonstrated practice in functional safety standards, including IEC 61508, IEC 62061, and ISO 13849.

Engineering Applications:

Design Tools: AutoCAD, EPlan, Matlab, Simulink, Solidworks, Visure.
Simulation and Modeling: Familiarity with modeling methodologies using UML/SysML and experience with multitasking software platforms and design approaches.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires a strong understanding of ride control system architectures, communication protocols, and functional safety standards, as well as proficiency in various engineering applications.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Ride Engineering Values:

Safety: Prioritize safety in all aspects of ride control system design, implementation, and operation.
Quality: Ensure ride control systems meet project requirements and industry standards.
Innovation: Foster a culture of continuous learning and improvement in ride control systems engineering.
Collaboration: Work closely with various engineering disciplines, designers, project managers, and stakeholders to deliver high-quality ride control systems.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-Functional Integration: Collaborate with mechanical, electrical, and software engineers, as well as designers, project managers, and other stakeholders.
Code Review Culture: Participate in design reviews, safety analysis, and testing activities to ensure ride control systems meet project requirements and industry standards.
Knowledge Sharing: Share expertise in ride control systems, safety analysis, and testing approaches with team members and other engineers within the Ride Engineering Studio.

📝 Enhancement Note: Walt Disney Imagineering fosters a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous learning, with a strong focus on safety and quality in ride engineering.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Safety Analysis: Develop and maintain expertise in functional safety standards, including IEC 61508, IEC 62061, and ISO 13849.
Industry Standards: Stay up-to-date with amusement and automation industry standards, including ASTM F2291, and collaborate with industry organizations to develop and maintain company and industry standards.
Emerging Technologies: Keep pace with emerging technologies in ride control systems, communication protocols, and functional safety standards.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Skill Development: Expand expertise in ride control systems, functional safety, and industry standards through training, certifications, and continuous learning.
Conference Attendance: Attend industry conferences and events to network with peers, learn about emerging technologies, and stay up-to-date with industry trends.
Technical Mentorship: Mentor junior engineers and contribute to the development of company and industry standards, methodologies, and best practices.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role offers opportunities for technical growth, collaboration, and contributing to the broader amusement industry through standard development and collaboration with industry organizations.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Ride Control Systems: Discuss various ride control system architectures, communication protocols, and functional safety standards.
Safety Analysis: Explain safety analysis methods, testing approaches, and industry standards relevant to ride control systems.
Project Management: Describe project management experiences, including handling multiple complex efforts simultaneously, exerting influence, and managing tasks and priorities.

Company & Culture Questions:

Disney's Mission: Explain how your experience and skills align with Disney's mission to create happiness by providing the finest in entertainment for families and loved ones around the world.
Ride Engineering Culture: Discuss your understanding of Walt Disney Imagineering's culture, collaboration, and innovation in ride engineering.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Design Assurance Activities: Present examples of design assurance activities, including reviews, safety analysis, and testing approaches for ride control systems.
Mentoring Experiences: Highlight mentoring experiences, including training, guidance, and technical support provided to junior engineers.
Technical Documentation: Include examples of technical documentation, such as design reviews, safety analysis reports, and testing procedures.

📝 Enhancement Note: The interview process focuses on technical expertise in ride control systems, safety analysis, project management, and cultural fit with Disney's values and mission.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for this Ride Control Systems Engineer Principal (Design Assurance) position:

Submit your application through the application link.
Prepare a portfolio showcasing your design assurance activities, mentoring experiences, and technical documentation related to ride control systems and safety.
Research Walt Disney Imagineering's culture, collaboration, and innovation in ride engineering.
Brush up on ride control system design principles, safety analysis methods, and testing approaches, as well as industry standards and communication protocols.
Practice technical questions and prepare for a comprehensive interview process focusing on your expertise in ride control systems, safety analysis, project management, and cultural fit with Disney's values and mission.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with the hiring organization before making application decisions.

Ride Control - Control Systems Engineer Principal (Design Assurance)