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.
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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.