Principal Ride Development Engineer, Design Assurance

Company: Walt Disney Imagineering
Location: Glendale
Posted on: February 18, 2026

Job Description:

About the Role & Team Walt Disney Imagineering is the creative force that imagines, designs, and brings to life all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions, and cruise ships worldwide. Working across a spectrum of disciplines that range from creative and conceptual to scientific and technical, Imagineers blend an innovative mixture of storytelling, art, science, and technology to create immersive experiences, memorable destinations, and innovative entertainment for families around the globe. Nearly every project at Walt Disney Imagineering includes a first-of-its-kind. Innovation is in our DNA, and Imagineers constantly push the boundaries of technology and invent new goals as well as the solutions to achieve them. As Imagineers, one of our greatest rewards is knowing that the experiences and environments we create inspire others. The diversity of expertise at Imagineering makes us uniquely capable of influencing positive change in our communities and around the world. And knowing that we have helped make a difference is incredibly fulfilling and inspiring for all of us. Ride Development Engineering Design Assurance is an all-encompassing role that provides technical oversight and guidance in support of Ride project teams. As Ride engineering experts, they lead the way when it comes to process, standardization, and overall design compliance. Design Assurance Engineers work alongside our project teams to provide experience, knowledge, and expertise to help advance our projects. This role will work with the Executive Ride Development Engineering. This is a full-time role. What You Will Do: - Serve as Mechanical Subject Matter Expert (SME) in the Ride Engineering design review process to ensure that appropriate engineering/design standards, methods, analyses, and judgment are applied so the engineered products meet the design intent and the business imperatives of safety, reliability, and efficiency. - Review designs related to Ride Engineering products and provide feedback to project teams and functional management regarding the acceptability of those designs. - Interpret and develop standards and codes that will be utilized by the Ride Engineering organization. - Advocate global consistency of solutions for similar problems, and compliance with Disney and external standards. - Partner with Disney leadership and project teams to improve process and standards for the benefit of future engineering efforts. - Contribute to mentoring and talent development Required Qualifications & Skills - 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, Building Information Modeling (BIM), 2D Modeling, FEA, Engineering calculation software e.g. Mathcad, Engineering programming and modeling software e.g. MatLab). - Superior design sensibilities and creative problem solving. - Excellent written & verbal communication skills. - Ability to work collaboratively within a large and diverse team environment. Preferred Qualifications & Skills - Previous Disney or entertainment experience, with advanced knowledge of the industry. - Extensive experience with life safety design/requirements. - Experience with prototype, development, and/or innovative products. Education - Bachelor's Degree (B.S. or B.A.) in Engineering from an accredited college or university required. (Mechanical Engineering preferred) Additional Information: 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. DXMedia The hiring range/pay rate for Principal Ride Development Engineer is $139,200.00-$186,600.00 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.

Keywords: Walt Disney Imagineering, Chandler , Principal Ride Development Engineer, Design Assurance, Engineering , Glendale, Arizona