Principal Systems Engineer-Design Assurance, Mechanical Systems

Job Posting Title:

Principal Systems Engineer-Design Assurance, Mechanical Systems

Req ID:

10136767

Job Description:

About the Role & Team

We create happiness.” That’s our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, and it permeates within everything we do. At Disney, you’ll help make that magic by enabling our company to push the limits and build the never-before-seen! Are you ready to join this team and make an impact?

The successful candidate will perform as Principal Systems Engineer – Design Assurance within Disneyland Resort’s Global Engineering and Technology (GE&T) division.  This person will be responsible for providing oversight and guidance to the engineering teams, including leadership, which includes approximately 150 total team members.  The Design Assurance charter is to ensure that the safety of Guests and Cast is the number one focus of our engineering work by overseeing and driving a culture of technical excellence and global consistency. These objectives are accomplished by providing training, mentorship, supporting project reviews, fostering the development and integration of engineering standards and rigor, as well as supporting and applying best practices.  While direct administrative responsibilities are limited, effective collaboration with the engineering leadership team and global Design Assurance remains critical for achieving both technical excellence and favorable business outcomes.

The Principal Systems Engineer – Design Assurance role is a Full-Time in-person role based in Anaheim, CA, reporting to the Director of Global Engineering & Technology at the Disneyland Resort.

What You Will Do

Work with the Mechanical Systems leadership team and individual team members as well as other Design Assurance Cast, both domestically and internationally to:

• Advocate for the application of great engineering practices in the areas of safety and risk reduction, requirements development, hazard & safety analysis, engineering assumptions, design & engineering analysis, installation & implementation, testing and verification, maintainability, reliability, etc.

• Participate throughout the entire engineering review process, from feasibility studies and concept reviews to final development and implementation strategy discussions, while partnering with the leadership teams to provide technical oversight.

• Utilize extensive expertise to mentor and coach team members and project teams, enabling them to deliver innovative and effective designs that surpass expectations in safety, quality, compliance, performance, sustainability, and cost.

• Assess routine & sustaining work content, direction and process through strategic review & analysis to reduce risk and facilitate successful outcomes.

• Arbitrate and resolve technical issues and differences of professional opinion.

• Aid in the development, interpretation, and application of Disney and relevant industry standards within team deliverables.

• Support the safety bulletin process, including completion of related tasks and other special projects as needed by the Director of Engineering.

• Assist with forensic investigations to inform engineering strategies, ensure global consistency, and enhance communication.

• Serve as a technical liaison, providing insights and guidance to senior management.

• Remain informed of advancements and trends within the industry, technological innovations, and notable incidents, and regularly communicate these updates to Cast and leadership teams.

Required Qualifications & Skills

This is what you will need to be successful in the role:

• Minimum of 15+  years of experience in technical roles focused on the design, troubleshooting, and maintenance of complex, safety related mechanical systems.

• Extensive experience in Themed Entertainment, specifically in the design and sustainment of Ride Systems.

• Advanced engineering knowledge (e.g. statics, dynamics, kinematics, stress/strain/fatigue).

• Advanced engineering expertise (e.g., machine design, weldments, power train, materials).

• Proficiency with engineering tools (e.g., Solid Modeling, FEA, Engineering calculation software, Engineering programming and modeling software - e.g. MatLab).

• Comprehensive knowledge of themed entertainment standards (e.g. ASTM F24, Cal OSHA 6.2…) and their effective application.

• Comprehensive knowledge of industrial standards (e.g. ASME, SAE-AMS, AWS, ANSI…).

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Skilled at identifying priority system-level risks and resolving team technical conflicts.