The Walt Disney Company
Principal Ride Control Software Engineer (Controls Automation)
Job Posting Title:
Principal Ride Control Software Engineer (Controls Automation)Req ID:
10144760Job 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.
This role will work with the Executive Ride Software Engineering.
This is a full-time role.
What You Will Do:
Define, analyze, and validate deterministic solutions for large-scale, fail-safe motion control systems
System Definition
System Performance Analysis
Control System Architecture
Detailed Design Specifications
Hazard Analysis
Test Strategies and Test Plans
Specify, design, and implement operator-intensive, safety-critical control software using real-time operating systems
Theory of Operation
Software Design Document
Debug / Software Integration Test
Install, integrate, and test high-capacity, human-rated control systems domestically and overseas
I/O Checkout
System Functions Testing
Fault Testing
Adjusting / Tuning
Acceptance Testing using Earned Value tracking
Required Qualifications & Skills
10 or more Years of experience in the software engineering field
Software Development Tools (Integrated Development Environment (IDE), compilers, linkers, debuggers, etc) experience
Understanding of at C++
Understanding of or experience with Ladder Logic and Structured Text
Expert ability to present ideas and solutions to executive level leadership
Strong Analytical Skills
Strong Initiative / Self-Motivated
Strong Verbal Communications
Strong Technical Writing Ability
Development and design are primarily in Glendale, CA, but installation, testing, and other support may require travel and/or relocation, up to approximately 20% of the time. Relocation for 1 year at a time is possible, to both domestic and international facilities.
Preferred Qualifications & Skills
Ride Control and/or Theme Park Experience
Proficiency in Unified Modeling Language (UML)
Control Theory
Education
Bachelor's Degree (B.S. or B.A.) in Engineering, computer science or math from an accredited college or university required OR a valid and current PE license required
Additional Information:
This position is Located in Glendale, CA OR Orlando, FL. 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 Principal Ride Controls Software Engineer is $188,400.00-$252,600.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may varydepending 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 & StrategyJob Posting Primary Business:
Ride Engineering (WDI)Primary Job Posting Category:
Software EngineerEmployment Type:
Full timePrimary City, State, Region, Postal Code:
Glendale, CA, USAAlternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:
Date Posted:
2026-03-03The Walt Disney Company Burbank, California, USA Office
Burbank, CA, United States
The Walt Disney Company Anaheim, California, USA Office
Anaheim, United States
The Walt Disney Company Arcadia, California, USA Office
Arcadia, United States
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Costa Mesa, United States
The Walt Disney Company Culver City, California, USA Office
Culver City, United States
The Walt Disney Company Fullerton, California, USA Office
Fullerton, United States
The Walt Disney Company Long Beach, California, USA Office
Long Beach, United States
The Walt Disney Company Los Angeles, California, USA Office
Los Angeles, United States
The Walt Disney Company Orange, California, USA Office
Orange, United States
The Walt Disney Company Pasadena, California, USA Office
Pasadena, United States
The Walt Disney Company Santa Ana, California, USA Office
Santa Ana, United States
The Walt Disney Company Santa Monica, California, USA Office
Santa Monica, United States
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