Job Posting Title:

R&D Imagineer Principal - Mechanical Engineer

Req ID:

10113427

Job Description:

About the Role and Team

Walt Disney Imagineering makes the impossible possible, by combining innovation and storytelling to bring Disney stories, characters and worlds to life.

At Imagineering Research and Development, our mission is to use technology to build new experiences for our Guests and new tools for Imagineers and the Cast Members who power our parks. R&D is a team of engineers, designers, artists and scientists who share a passion for solving hard problems and building ground-breaking experiences. As an engineer on this team, you will work on new ways to bring characters to life, build impossible magical effects in the real world, build immersive environments, and create interactive experiences.

We are looking for a principal-level mechanical engineer who has not only a specialization and depth of knowledge in mechanical engineering but also a breadth of skills and experience they can use to jump-start and encourage small teams and quickly build demonstrators ranging from benchtop prototypes to semi-/full-scale mockups. 

This role will report to the Executive R&D Imagineer.

What You Will Do

Ideate, develop, and build mechanical designs that meet functional and creative requirements.

Prototype and iterate at a fast work pace

Build physical demonstrators, prototypes, and mockups

Lead a project team, managing budget, schedule, and resources, while simultaneously performing engineering design work

Identify, evaluate, and manage multiple vendors as required to accomplish project work

Perform risk assessment on studio projects, helping teams determine at what point a project should be considered finished based on the working requirements of the intended application

Work autonomously or independently with minimal guidance

Mentoring less experienced Imagineers in both engineering skills and professional growth

Provide engineering guidance across projects, acting as a consultant and subject matter expert

Diplomatically discuss differing designs, strategies, and ideas within a group

Establish, build, and maintain relationships with collaborators within Walt Disney Imagineering, the greater Walt Disney Company, and with those external to the company.

Required Qualifications & Skills

10+ years as a mechanical engineer with a broad knowledge of design principles and analysis with experience building physical machines and systems

Highly proficient in Solidworks, with knowledge of FEA, FMEA, tolerancing, and manufacturing processes

Skilled in using basic machine shop equipment such as, but not limited to: Bridgeport/vertical milling machines, lathes, CNC, metal fabrication, etc.

Analytical troubleshooting skills on complex machines and systems

Experience designing and analyzing weldments

Experience designing systems with motors, understanding the concepts behind gear/belt/lever transmissions and reflected inertias

Understanding the value of a minimum viable prototype

Experience with DFM (design for manufacturing) and design principles for productization in the post-prototype phase

Track record of solving complex engineering problems through a combination of traditional and novel design approaches

Knowledge of additive manufacturing processes and their principal applications

Familiar with current technology

Proven experience leading a team, but able to get hands-on and work side-by-side with your teammates, being just as comfortable on a team of two as a team of twenty

Thrives working in collaborative interdisciplinary groups comprised of engineering and creative talent

Experience managing the requirements from a diverse collection of stakeholders

Able to calmly react and solve problems under pressure during demos, playtests, and events, directing and delegating as required.

Ability to provide engineering guidance and feedback to other project teams to assess feasibility, difficulty, effort, and risk

Clear and concise communication among peers, teammates, and studio leaders

Driven by the idea of creating new experiences for people while knowing that our technological developments are the ‘supporting cast’ behind the magic we deliver to our guests

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with hydraulics and pneumatics

Experience in the design of BLDC servo motors and other actuator types

Experience in robotics and autonomous systems

Experience in the entertainment, theme park, or movie industry

Education

Bachelor’s (Master’s preferred) or equivalent in mechanical engineering

Additional Information

This role is located in Glendale, CA.

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Benefits and Perks: Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits. 

The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $184,300 to $247,100 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Job Posting Segment:

WDI R&D and Tech Studio

Job Posting Primary Business:

R&D and Tech Studio (WDI)

Primary Job Posting Category:

User Experience Engineer

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Glendale, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2025-03-07