About the position
The Principal Mechanical Engineer provides sustaining engineering support for theme park attractions (rides and shows). Duties include complex downtime investigation and troubleshooting of ongoing issues, reverse engineering and redesign, and other engineering tasks as required to ensure daily operational readiness of attractions. Additional duties include complex re-design and development efforts for mechanical / structural systems of theme park rides and attractions to provide increased reliability and operational improvements, mentor the engineering team, provide high level technical direction for complex technical challenges, and support the development / improvement of internal engineering standards / processes. Development of some projects will require basic management of outsourcing services, third party consulting, contracts, and scheduling of work. All work shall be in conformance with ASTM F24 Committee guidelines and compliant with applicable codes, regulations and standards including: AISC, ASME, ASTM, ANSI, AWS, JIC, NEC, and OSHA, among others. This role has exposure to multiple different ride and show systems spanning multiple decades, each with their own unique fun and challenges.
Responsibilities
- Responds to day-to-day sustaining engineering calls and troubleshoots recurring design or maintenance issues.
- Performs re-engineering efforts for Attractions including complex mechanical, structural, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems.
- Monitors and interfaces with vendors/design-builders to resolve problems and design issues.
- Prepares and reviews equipment specifications and performs technical evaluation of vendor products/services.
- Oversees mock-up, prototype, installations, test and adjustments of show and ride systems.
- Coordinates engineering activities between vendors, engineers, ride and show management, and technicians.
- Provides project status updates on assigned task list items to the appropriate ride manager and engineering manager.
- Helps improve existing engineering procedures and develops new procedures as needed.
- Acts as mentor for associate level engineers.
- Maintains configuration management of project documentation in accordance with Engineering’s guidelines.
- Develops and conducts Acceptance Test Procedures on mechanical systems. Review of other engineer’s ATPs.
- Partners with Universal Creative in the development of new Attractions. Review designs, attend design review meetings and support on-site installation and testing.
- Produces scope of work for capital design projects and manages progress from design through installation.
- Develops and oversees project schedules and budgetary demand.
- Reviews Engineering Change Notice (ECN) forms and contents for accuracy and compliance with internal and external regulations.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering required. Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering preferred.
- Minimum 10 years mechanical/structural detailed design experience associated w/ dynamic motion systems/components.
- Minimum 7 years project engineering experience in mechanical/structural systems in a large machine environment.
- Proficient analytical skills to perform engineering calculations for design, test and implementation of mechanical systems.
- Proficient background in design of welded structures, beam elements, welded joints, structural steels, gearing, composite materials, manufacturing and fabrication processes.
- Performs difficult engineering work, contract administration, highly specialized design, research, analysis and economic evaluations; prepares and submits a variety of documents and reports including agenda and project reports; maintains administrative and engineering records.
- Proficiency in hydraulic and pneumatic design, and familiarity with components.
- Proficient knowledge and logical approach to problem solving and troubleshooting capabilities of mechanical and structural systems.
- Provides staff training and professional development programs, including in specialized system applications.
- Proficiency in mechanical drawings, Solidworks, AutoCAD and technical documents.
- Strong experience in the generation of component and mechanical system specifications, acceptance test procedures, failure and effects analysis, scopes of work, installation procedures, training procedure, technical and maintenance manuals.
- Strong knowledge in servo controls as applied to hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromotive motion control systems.
- Knowledgeable in AWS, ANSI and ASTM (especially F24) standards.
- Experience in the design of safety critical systems.
- Ability & willingness to work overtime, weekends and holidays with short notice.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
Nice-to-haves
- Theme Park Operations knowledge and experience.
- California Certified Professional Engineer (PE).
- Excellent organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to work with all levels of employees and management, and willingness to give assistance to co-workers in other areas.
- Strong team player.
- Strong interpersonal and analytical skills.
- Strong time management skills.
- Ability to multi-task and be flexible.
- Experience in a union environment.
Benefits
- Medical insurance
- Dental insurance
- Vision insurance
- 401(k)
- Paid leave
- Tuition reimbursement
- Variety of other discounts and perks
