📍 Job Overview

Job Title: Ride Controls Systems Engineer
Company: The Walt Disney Company
Location: Glendale, California, United States
Job Type: On-site
Category: Systems Engineer
Date Posted: October 2, 2023
Experience Level: 5-10 years
Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Role Summary

Key Responsibilities: Manage entire scope to conceive, design, and deliver control systems for innovative ride systems and related equipment. Conduct systems engineering, perform engineering design and analysis, and collaborate with other professionals to implement ride control systems.
Key Skills: Control system design, safety standards, control processors, communication networks, industrial control systems, requirements management, test plans, technical document writing, engineering design tools, automation systems, motor control, pneumatic controls, control system theory, amusement industry standards.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role involves managing complex projects, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

💻 Primary Responsibilities

Manage entire scope: Conceive, design, and deliver control systems for innovative ride systems and related equipment.
Conduct systems engineering: Define system use cases, user needs, and develop requirements and functional specifications. Ensure compliance with control system safety standards.
Perform engineering design and analysis: Develop control strategies and algorithms, research new products and technologies, and design, model, and analyze control systems, data communication, and dynamic systems.
Collaborate with other professionals: Develop implementation plans and budgets, develop and implement mock-ups and prototypes, and develop test requirements and documents, and lead testing efforts.

📝 Enhancement Note: This role requires strong collaboration skills, as you'll work with various teams to ensure successful project delivery.

🎓 Skills & Qualifications

Education: Bachelor of Science Degree in an engineering field from an accredited university.

Experience: 5-10 years of experience in control system design, with a focus on safety-related and fail-safe systems.

Required Skills:

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.
Experience with requirements management, test plans/procedures, and test execution.
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.
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 Skills:

Proficient with engineering design tools, including AutoCAD, Matlab, Simulink, Solidworks.
Proficient in Rockwell and Siemens automation systems architecture and components.
Expertise in motor and motion control methods and components.
Knowledge of pneumatic controls and devices.
Experience in broad application of control system theory (closed-loop control, MIMO systems, positioning and navigation).
Knowledge of international amusement industry standards applicable in France, Hong Kong, or China.

📝 Enhancement Note: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in programming languages such as Python, C++, or C# would be beneficial for this role, as they are commonly used in control system design and implementation.

📊 Web Portfolio & Project Requirements

Portfolio Essentials:

Demonstrate successful control system design projects, highlighting your ability to manage entire scopes and deliver innovative ride systems.
Showcase your understanding of safety standards and compliance through relevant case studies.
Highlight your collaboration skills by including projects where you worked with cross-functional teams to deliver control systems.

Technical Documentation:

Provide examples of technical documents, such as requirements specifications, design documents, and test plans, to demonstrate your technical writing skills.
Include any relevant certifications or training in functional safety standards to showcase your commitment to continuous learning.

📝 Enhancement Note: As this role involves working with international amusement industry standards, consider including projects that demonstrate your understanding and application of these standards in your portfolio.

💵 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: The collective hiring range/pay rate for Ride Controls Systems Engineer, Senior Ride Controls Systems Engineer, and Principal Ride Control Systems Engineer is $112,600 to $200,200 per year.

Benefits:

Health Benefits
Savings Benefits
Educational Opportunities
Special Extras (e.g., discounts on Disney products and services)

Working Hours: 40 hours per week, with the possibility of overtime during project deadlines or maintenance windows.

📝 Enhancement Note: The salary range provided is a collective range for multiple levels (Staff, Senior, and Principal). The actual salary offered will depend on the candidate's experience level, geographic region, and other factors.

🎯 Team & Company Context

Company Culture:

Industry: Entertainment and leisure
Company Size: Large (over 100,000 employees)
Founded: 1923
Team Structure: The role is part of the Ride Studio within Walt Disney Imagineering, working in a highly collaborative environment on diverse teams.
Development Methodology: The role involves working on projects with defined scopes, milestones, and deadlines, using a structured project management approach.

Company Website: The Walt Disney Company

📝 Enhancement Note: As a large, global company, The Walt Disney Company offers numerous opportunities for career growth and development within its various divisions.

📈 Career & Growth Analysis

Web Technology Career Level: This role is a senior-level position, requiring extensive experience in control system design and management. It offers opportunities for growth into technical leadership roles, such as Principal or Manager.

Reporting Structure: The role reports to a Senior Manager or Principal Engineer within the Ride Studio at Walt Disney Imagineering.

Technical Impact: The role has a significant impact on the design and implementation of control systems for innovative ride systems, ensuring the safety and reliability of these attractions.

Growth Opportunities:

Technical Growth: Expand your knowledge of control system theory, emerging technologies, and international amusement industry standards.
Leadership Growth: Develop your leadership skills by managing projects, mentoring junior engineers, and contributing to the development of the team's processes and best practices.
Career Progression: Progress into more senior roles, such as Principal or Manager, or explore opportunities in related fields within Walt Disney Imagineering or other divisions of The Walt Disney Company.

📝 Enhancement Note: The company's large size and diverse range of projects provide ample opportunities for career growth and development within the organization.

🌐 Work Environment

Office Type: On-site, with a highly collaborative and creative work environment.

Office Location(s): Glendale, California, United States

Workspace Context:

Collaborative Environment: Work closely with other engineers, designers, and project managers to deliver innovative ride systems.
Development Tools: Utilize various engineering design tools, such as AutoCAD, Matlab, Simulink, and Solidworks, as well as automation systems architecture and components from Rockwell and Siemens.
Team Interaction: Engage with cross-functional teams, including mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and software engineers, to ensure successful project delivery.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with the possibility of overtime during project deadlines or maintenance windows. The role may require travel domestically and internationally for 1-week to 3-year durations.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's on-site nature and collaborative work environment foster strong team dynamics and knowledge sharing, contributing to the company's innovative culture.

📄 Application & Technical Interview Process

Interview Process:

Online Assessment: Complete an online assessment to evaluate your technical skills and problem-solving abilities.
Phone Screen: Participate in a phone screen to discuss your experience, qualifications, and career goals.
On-site Interview: Attend an on-site interview at the Glendale office, where you'll meet with team members, discuss your portfolio, and participate in technical challenges.
Final Decision: Receive a final decision and, if successful, an offer.

Portfolio Review Tips:

Highlight Relevant Projects: Focus on projects that demonstrate your control system design and management skills, as well as your ability to work with cross-functional teams.
Demonstrate Technical Depth: Showcase your understanding of control system theory, safety standards, and emerging technologies in your portfolio.
Tell a Story: Present your projects in a narrative format, explaining the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the outcomes you achieved.

Technical Challenge Preparation:

Brush Up on Control System Theory: Review control system theory fundamentals, including closed-loop control, MIMO systems, and positioning and navigation.
Practice Coding Challenges: Familiarize yourself with coding challenges related to control system design and implementation, using platforms like LeetCode, HackerRank, or Exercism.
Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Be ready to discuss your problem-solving approach, teamwork, and adaptability in the face of complex and changing project requirements.

ATS Keywords: Control system design, safety standards, control processors, communication networks, industrial control systems, requirements management, test plans, technical document writing, engineering design tools, automation systems, motor control, pneumatic controls, control system theory, amusement industry standards, project management, teamwork, collaboration, innovation.

📝 Enhancement Note: Tailor your resume and portfolio to highlight the relevant skills and experiences mentioned in the ATS keywords list, ensuring a strong match with the role's requirements.

🛠 Technology Stack & Web Infrastructure

Control System Design Tools:

AutoCAD
Matlab
Simulink
Solidworks

Automation Systems Architecture and Components:

Rockwell Automation (e.g., Allen-Bradley, FactoryTalk)
Siemens (e.g., SIMATIC, TIA Portal)

Communication Protocols:

TCP/IP
CAN
Serial
ProfiNET
Ethernet/IP
EtherCAT

Safety Standards and Industry Standards:

IEC 61508
IEC 62061
ISO 13849
ASTM F2291
International amusement industry standards (e.g., France, Hong Kong, China)

📝 Enhancement Note: Familiarize yourself with the latest versions of the relevant tools, standards, and protocols, as well as any emerging technologies in the control system design and implementation field.

👥 Team Culture & Values

Disney Imagineering Values:

Innovation: Continuously seek new and better ways to create immersive experiences for our guests.
Quality: Deliver the highest quality in everything we do, from our storytelling to our products and services.
Storytelling: Use the power of storytelling to connect with people on an emotional level and create unforgettable experiences.
Optimism: Believe in our ability to achieve the impossible and inspire others to join us in making magic.
Integrity: Act with honesty and integrity in all aspects of our work, from our interactions with each other to our commitment to our guests and the environment.

Collaboration Style:

Cross-functional Integration: Work closely with various teams, including mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and software engineers, to deliver innovative ride systems.
Code Review Culture: Collaborate with team members to review and improve each other's work, ensuring high-quality control system design and implementation.
Knowledge Sharing: Contribute to the team's collective knowledge by sharing your expertise and learning from your colleagues.

📝 Enhancement Note: Disney Imagineering's values and collaboration style foster a creative, innovative, and inclusive work environment, where team members support and learn from one another to deliver exceptional results.

⚡ Challenges & Growth Opportunities

Technical Challenges:

Complex Systems: Design and implement control systems for innovative ride systems with multiple subsystems and components.
Safety and Reliability: Ensure the safety and reliability of control systems, complying with relevant standards and regulations.
Emerging Technologies: Stay up-to-date with the latest control system design and implementation techniques, tools, and technologies.
International Standards: Understand and apply international amusement industry standards in your control system design and implementation projects.

Learning & Development Opportunities:

Technical Training: Participate in training programs and workshops to expand your knowledge of control system design, safety standards, and emerging technologies.
On-the-Job Learning: Work on diverse projects to gain experience in various aspects of control system design and implementation, as well as related fields within Walt Disney Imagineering.
Mentorship: Seek guidance from senior engineers and other team members to develop your technical and leadership skills.

📝 Enhancement Note: The role's technical challenges and learning opportunities provide ample avenues for professional growth and development, both within the role and throughout your career at The Walt Disney Company.

💡 Interview Preparation

Technical Questions:

Control System Theory: Demonstrate your understanding of control system theory fundamentals, such as closed-loop control, MIMO systems, and positioning and navigation.
Safety Standards: Explain your knowledge of functional safety standards, such as IEC 61508, IEC 62061, and ISO 13849, and how you apply them in your control system design and implementation projects.
Project Management: Describe your experience with project management, including managing multiple complex efforts simultaneously, coordinating team efforts, and managing tasks and priorities.

Company & Culture Questions:

Disney Imagineering: Explain your understanding of Disney Imagineering's values and how you've demonstrated them in your previous roles.
Innovation: Discuss your approach to innovation in control system design and implementation, and provide examples of how you've pushed the boundaries of what's possible.
Teamwork: Describe your experience working with cross-functional teams and how you've contributed to their success.

Portfolio Presentation Strategy:

Storytelling: Present your projects in a narrative format, highlighting the challenges you faced, the solutions you implemented, and the outcomes you achieved.
Technical Depth: Demonstrate your technical expertise by explaining the control system design and implementation techniques you used in your projects.
Collaboration: Showcase your ability to work with cross-functional teams by discussing the contributions of your colleagues and the collective success of your projects.

📝 Enhancement Note: Prepare for the interview by researching Disney Imagineering's values, culture, and recent projects, as well as brushing up on your technical skills and portfolio presentation techniques.

📌 Application Steps

To apply for the Ride Controls Systems Engineer position at The Walt Disney Company:

Submit Your Application: Visit the Disney Careers website and search for the "Ride Controls Systems Engineer" role in Glendale, California. Follow the instructions to submit your application, including your resume and portfolio.
Prepare Your Portfolio: Tailor your portfolio to highlight your control system design and management skills, as well as your ability to work with cross-functional teams. Include relevant projects, technical documentation, and certifications.
Research the Company: Familiarize yourself with The Walt Disney Company, Disney Imagineering, and the role's requirements. Understand the company's values, culture, and recent projects to demonstrate your fit and enthusiasm during the interview process.
Prepare for Technical Challenges: Brush up on your control system theory fundamentals, practice coding challenges, and prepare for behavioral questions to showcase your problem-solving approach, teamwork, and adaptability.

⚠️ Important Notice: This enhanced job description includes AI-generated insights and web technology industry-standard assumptions. All details should be verified directly with The Walt Disney Company before making application decisions.

Ride Controls Systems Engineer