Assistant Director, Engineering & Safety - Special Effects
About The Position
The Assistant Director, Engineering & Safety, Special Effects, provides technical and safety direction, inputs, and approvals for Universal Destinations & Experiences (UDX), inclusive of theme park projects and new entertainment offerings. Additional responsibilities and authorities include interpretation, and enforcement of Universal technical requirements, application of requirements for the Industry Specifications (e.g. NFPA) and Authority Having Jurisdiction, review of technical team performance, interventional technical interface to outside design and production entities, and providing technical input and direction to project risk management/risk reduction activities. Tasks include concept feasibility, scope of work development and review, vendor assessment and selection, vendor oversight, risk identification and mitigation, field installation strategy, oversight of field test and adjust and SAT. In addition to the safety and technical aspects of the job, budget, schedule and creative constraints will be incorporated into all decisions. The Assistant Director, Engineering & Safety, Special Effects, is the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for all special effects at Universal worldwide, inclusive of flame, pyrotechnics, theatrical firearms, atmospheric (including cryogenics and steam), and stunt effects. Responsibilities primarily interface with new permanent installation projects developed by Universal Creative and both temporary and permanent high-risk projects with Entertainment and existing park operations.
Requirements
- 10+ years of Required High Risk Special Effects experience with significant in-field installation and effect execution related experience.
Nice To Haves
- 5+ years of Theme Park specific experience and special effects compliance experience is highly preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Responsibilities
- Ensures all Special Effects equipment maintains the highest level of safety in accordance with Universal Specifications, accepted manufacturing practices and Authority Having Jurisdiction requirements. Enforcement of practices include both documentation review and on-site field review, at both permanent installation projects with Universal Creative and temporary & permanent projects with Entertainment & existing park operations.
- Supervise and provide guidance to project technical personnel to ensure alignment with technical standards and safety requirements. Provide subject matter expertise to project technical personnel on how to effectively achieve creative intent safely.
- Drive safety improvements across all attractions and experiences. Exchange safety information across all parks and attractions. Monitor compliance with regulations as well as external and internal standards; develop new safety technologies; and ensure that safety protocols reflect theme park best practices and cutting-edge ideas. Track attraction and experience safety.
- Review and approve contract and legal documents related to Special Effects systems as required for project work and as authorized by Engineering and Safety management.
- Makes direct engineering contributions to projects as required relative to engineering, code and standards compliance, Universal Specification compliance, and technical systems achievement of creative and business goals. Reviews the technical plans and results for UC projects as assigned. Enforces Universal's specifications, standards, and technical contracting methods. Assists with Universal Patent pursuit and defense.
- Contributes to communication of common technical and safety issues and solutions between all Universal parks. Enhances consolidated use of UPR technical resources.
- Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
Industry
Food Services and Drinking Places
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
