Job Posting Title:

Ride Prototype Technician, Principal

Req ID:

10142744

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 Prototype Technicians work within a Ride Development Engineering team and are responsible for construction of wood vehicle mockups, seat bucks and guest restraint development, from concept to creative buy offs. They support Engineering with every aspect of mechanical ride mockup and testing request, up to first article production vehicle buy off. They work with 6 axis motion bases, Kuka robot and cycle testing fixtures to include linear actuators and pneumatics. They must collaborate on diverse teams with technical and creative members and be comfortable in environments where scope and requirements change frequently.

The Ride Prototype Technician Principal will report to the department manager.

This is a full time role located onsite in Glendale, CA.

What You Will Do:

• Interact with all levels from Staff to Executive level as well as Frequent interaction with Engineering and Creative departments to perform basic to advanced shop duties in support of mock-ups, prototypes, testing and assembly.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• 5 years of experience with tool selection, Material Quantities, Material Types, Fabrication methods and Tooling Requirements.
• Ability to produce machine code for CNC Machine.
• Comfortable working in an environment with constant project/design changes and ability to jump from one project to another prior to completion of assigned tasks.
• Produce shop drawings with AutoCAD and Solidworks
• Highly dependable, strong work ethic, willingness to learn new things and continually improve skills.
• Advanced mechanical knowledge.
• Ability to work directly with engineering and creative staff to determine proper fabrication methods.
• Ability to supervise personnel

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

• The Ideal candidate will have Previous Disney or entertainment experience, with advanced knowledge of industry.
• Self-sufficient/able to work and add value with minimal oversight.
• Proficient reading interpretation and manipulation of SolidWorks and AutoCAD drawings, with ability to follow direction from conceptional drawings and white board sketches.
• Perform advanced woodworking operations using table, chop, panel saw and routers for construction of ride vehicle mockups and seat bucks.
• Perform advanced machining operations using conventional vertical mill and lathe.
• Hands-on experience with fabrication equipment to include press brake, shear, roll, and metal cutting saws.
• Proficient at welding and machine parameter set up using GMAW and GTAW processes.
• Strong background of mechanical assembly.
• Proactive/self-sufficient/able to keep a safe and clean working environment.
• Forklift, scissor lift training and rigging experience a plus.
• Ability to collaborate within a diverse team.

Education:

• High School or equivalent required. Advanced Trade School or Technical training is 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. 

The hiring range/pay rate for Ride Prototype Technician is $95,500-$135,000 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 Global Business Operations & Strategy

Job Posting Primary Business:

Ride Engineering (WDI)

Primary Job Posting Category:

Prototype Technician

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Glendale, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Date Posted:

2026-02-10