Park Support Center - Mechanical Engineer – Rides & Attractions

Splish Splash Water Park•Homestead, PA

21h

About The Position

The Mechanical Engineer – Rides & Attractions supports the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of Herschend parks’ rides, attractions, and associated mechanical systems. The role provides engineering expertise in inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, modification, and continuous improvement of amusement rides and attraction equipment. Working with Maintenance, Operations, Safety, manufacturers, contractors, and engineering consultants, the engineer helps ensure rides meet applicable regulatory requirements, manufacturer specifications, and established safety standards. The position also supports ride reliability, operational readiness, capital projects, new installations, renovations, and a positive guest experience. The role may be based at any Herschend property or at a Herschend Property Support Center office.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline.
Professional Engineering license in the candidate’s field of expertise.
At least 10 years of relevant mechanical engineering experience within the amusement ride industry.
Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles and applications.
Ability to diagnose complex mechanical issues and develop practical solutions.
Knowledge of mechanical drive systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, bearings, braking systems, and structural components.
Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to interpret technical drawings and engineering documentation.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and applicable engineering design or maintenance management software.
Ability to access ride structures, maintenance areas, mechanical rooms, and other restricted workspaces as required.
Ability to climb stairs, ladders, platforms, and ride structures when necessary and authorized.
Ability to work around moving machinery, elevated structures, and operational attractions while following established safety procedures.
Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends, evenings, holidays, and scheduled maintenance periods, as business needs require.

Nice To Haves

AIMS certification.
Certified Weld Inspector (CWI) qualification.
Experience supporting preventive maintenance programs, equipment inspections, and capital improvement projects.
Familiarity with applicable amusement ride codes, standards, and regulatory requirements.

Responsibilities

Provide enterprise-wide mechanical engineering support for amusement rides and devices.
Evaluate ride mechanical systems, including drive and braking systems, gearboxes, bearings, hydraulics, pneumatics, structural components, and other mechanical assemblies.
Review ride performance, identify potential mechanical concerns, and recommend corrective actions and improvements.
Assist with evaluating, designing, and implementing ride modifications, upgrades, and equipment replacements.
Review engineering drawings, technical specifications, equipment manuals, and vendor documentation.
Support capital improvement projects, new ride installations, and attraction renovations.
Coordinate with ride manufacturers, contractors, and engineering consultants on technical issues and project requirements.
Partner with Ride Maintenance teams to troubleshoot complex mechanical issues and equipment failures.
Develop and support preventive and predictive maintenance strategies to improve reliability and equipment longevity.
Analyze recurring equipment issues and identify ways to reduce downtime and maintenance costs.
Assist in establishing maintenance standards, inspection procedures, and equipment performance expectations.
Evaluate replacement parts, materials, and equipment specifications for reliability and compatibility.
Promote a culture that prioritizes safety for hosts, guests, and contractors.
Support compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, codes, and amusement ride safety standards, including relevant ASTM and AWS standards and manufacturer requirements.
Assist with investigations of mechanical failures, equipment abnormalities, and ride-related incidents.
Ensure engineering recommendations and modifications receive appropriate technical review, approvals, and documentation before implementation.
Support planning and execution of ride maintenance projects, equipment upgrades, and capital investments.
Assist with developing project scopes, technical specifications, cost estimates, and implementation schedules.
Identify opportunities to improve equipment lifecycle management and long-term asset performance.
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to minimize operational disruption during maintenance and project activities.
Build effective working relationships with Ride Operations, Maintenance, Safety, and Property Leadership.
Communicate technical information clearly and practically to technical and nontechnical audiences.
Provide engineering guidance and technical recommendations to maintenance and operational leaders.
Support development of technical capabilities and engineering knowledge across maintenance teams enterprise-wide.