Program Manager (Advanced Technology Sustainment) – 2-Year Project Role

Universal Orlando•Orlando, FL

About The Position

The Program Manager has overall responsibility for planning and executing complex attraction technology and sustainment initiatives. The role calls for an understanding of attraction systems and emerging technologies, including guest interface systems, gaming systems, facial recognition, machine vision, and AI applications. The Program Manager works with Engineering, Maintenance, Creative, Attraction Technology, business partners, and external vendors to define scope, coordinate resources, manage project information, and support successful execution in line with approved schedules, budgets, quality standards, and business objectives. The role oversees capital projects and sustainment work, including project schedules, budgets, cash flow forecasts, milestones, work-back schedules, and change orders. It facilitates stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration, resolves conflicting feedback, assesses risks and progress, and communicates project updates and recommendations to senior leadership. The position also supports compliance and quality, documents project opportunities with scope definitions and technical specifications, and carries out Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities under established UDX policies and procedures. This is described as a 2-year project role.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience working on theme park and resort projects.
Experience with large-scale technology projects.
Experience in estimating, budgeting, and bidding.
Field experience with theme park and resort development and sustainment projects.
Understanding of attraction systems, including emerging platforms such as guest interface systems, gaming systems, facial recognition, machine vision, and AI applications.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Technology, Themed Entertainment, Film, Interactive & Games, Technical Theater, Engineering, or Business Management, or equivalent education and experience.

Responsibilities

Lead planning and execution of projects for complex attraction systems.
Drive innovation by integrating emerging technologies, including guest interface systems, gaming platforms, facial recognition, machine vision, and AI applications.
Collaborate with internal teams and external vendors on ride system assessments, including obsolescence studies and prioritized recommendations.
Oversee project implementation schedules and ensure alignment with deliverables, budgets, and deadlines.
Facilitate stakeholder engagement and subject matter expert input to define scope, develop roadmaps, and maintain timeline integrity.
Resolve conflicting feedback to achieve consensus and maintain project momentum.
Ensure sustainment projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to established quality standards, while maintaining alignment across leadership and partner teams.
Lead or participate in project kickoffs and present deliverables, initial specifications, timelines, and budget frameworks.
Oversee assigned capital projects related to technical systems and align them with budget estimates, cash flow forecasts, and milestone commitments.
Review project risks and progress with project managers and track quarterly targets.
Work with Finance and leadership to communicate budget changes and obtain necessary approvals.
Maintain accountability for agreed budgets and proactively communicate changes to scope, assumptions, or emerging issues.
Monitor project budgets and schedules, manage work-back schedules, and process project change orders.
Identify and resolve potential delays or compliance risks, ensure quality across client partner deliverables, and facilitate vendor handoffs.
Develop and maintain detailed project plans that support communication and informed decision-making while preserving project scope.
Facilitate collaboration across Engineering, IT, Creative, Ride & Show, and Operations teams.
Prepare and deliver program status updates and strategic recommendations to senior leadership.
Document project opportunities with scope definitions, visuals, and technical specifications.
Follow established UDX Environmental, Health & Safety policies, procedures, training, and team member involvement activities.
Perform additional duties as assigned.