Engineer, Ride & Show - Accessibility

Universal Orlando•Orlando, FL

About The Position

At Universal Creative, we design, develop and deliver the most compelling entertainment experiences imaginable to drive growth for Universal Destinations & Experiences worldwide. Our innovative attractions, immersive theme parks and world-class resorts fuse art and technology to create new standards in the themed entertainment industry. Our Team Members are the driving force behind Universal Creative. With their diverse skills and forward-thinking ideas, our team pushes us beyond the boundaries of what’s possible to achieve the extraordinary. Together, we’re creating a Universe of fun, always ensuring the next thing we do is better than the last thing we did. JOB SUMMARY : This role provides Universal Destinations and Experiences (UDX) leadership and subject matter expertise in accessibility across themed entertainment attractions, shows, and the built environment. The position integrates technical accessibility engineering for Ride/Show systems with strategic oversight of resort-wide ADA compliance, guest accommodations, policies, and operational programs. The role ensures compliance with ADA, DOJ, and other applicable federal, state, and internal standards while advancing best‑in‑class accessibility solutions through design, technology, and operations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in engineering, architecture, rehabilitation, special education, or a related technical or professional field required.
5+ years of progressive experience in accessibility, engineering, ride/show systems, operations, or disability services.
Demonstrated supervisory and team leadership experience.
Experience with vendor management and cross‑functional collaboration.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred.
Theme park, entertainment, or complex public venue experience strongly preferred.
ADA Coordinator certification preferred.
Working knowledge of ASTM F24 standards preferred.

Responsibilities

Accessibility Engineering & Technical Leadership (Ride/Show Systems) Provide technical guidance to project teams on the design, development, and delivery of accessible Ride/Show systems including audio, special effects, projection, lighting, scenic, props, show action equipment, animated figures, ride systems, mechanical systems, and supporting systems.
Review vendor and internal design deliverables including drawings, calculations, component selections, specifications, and analyses to ensure accessibility requirements are met.
Perform technical analyses to evaluate levels of accessibility and develop effective solutions to improve guest access and usability.
Develop, generate, edit, and maintain Ride/Show engineering specifications and contribute to park and attraction accessibility guidelines.
Make direct engineering contributions including research, scope definition, specification development, design support, field assistance, and validation for accessibility conformance.
Support attraction system delivery to ensure accessibility, operability, supportability, and safety throughout design, construction, testing, and commissioning.
Resort Accessibility Compliance & Program Management Collaborate with park operations team to develop, implement, and maintain accessibility standards, policies, and procedures globally, ensuring compliance with ADA, DOJ, Section 504, applicable codes, and internal standards.
Serve as the primary subject matter expert for ADA compliance and accommodation policies across UDX properties.
Conduct audits, compliance assessments, and incident reviews related to accessibility; ensure proper reporting and corrective action tracking to closure.
Develop and maintain accessibility requirements for the built environment, transit systems, telecommunications, electronic and information technology.
Research and analyze evolving ADA laws, architectural codes, ASTM standards, and emerging technologies to drive continuous improvement.
Collaborate accessibility communications including rider guides, maps, web content, signage, and guest‑facing materials.
Monitor and collaborate with Legal, PR, Guest Services, Operations, and governmental agencies to resolve issues.
Represent Universal at industry events and forums, facilitating presentations and knowledge sharing related to accessibility best practices.
Leadership, Collaboration & Operations Supervise and develop a multidisciplinary team supporting accessibility engineering, services, interpreters, and compliance auditing.
Indirectly supervise vendors and consultants to ensure adherence to technical and accessibility requirements.
Manage databases and reporting tools tracking audits, findings, and compliance metrics.
Coordinate closely with Accessibility Services, Ride Safety, Operations, and project stakeholders to align design intent with operational delivery.
Supervisory Responsibility Supervises an Exempt team Supervises a Non-Exempt team Directly supervises a team of exempt and non‑exempt team members supporting accessibility engineering, services, and compliance.
Indirectly supervises vendors and consultants for project‑specific and compliance‑related activities.
Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities.
Performs other duties as assigned.