R&D Machine Shop Technician

The Walt Disney Company • Glendale, CA

7d

About The Position

About the Role & Team: Walt Disney Imagineering makes the impossible possible, by combining innovation and storytelling to bring Disney stories, characters, and worlds to life. Imagineering is the master planning, creative development, design, engineering, production, project management, and research and development arm of The Walt Disney Company. Its talented Imagineers are responsible for the creation - from concept initiation through installation - of all Disney Resorts, theme parks and attractions, real estate developments, regional entertainment venues, and new media projects. Disney Imagineers are uniquely talented individuals who bring together the best aspects of creativity, innovation, and passion. At Imagineering Research and Development, our mission is to use technology to build new experiences for our Guests and new tools for Imagineers and the Cast Members who power our parks. R&D is a team of engineers, designers, artists, and scientists who share a passion for solving hard problems and building ground-breaking experiences. You will report to R&D Machine Shop Manager. This is a Full-Time role. What You Will Do: Help with day-to-day operations of the R&D Machine Shop, including work-cell clean-up, stocking, and general equipment/machine maintenance. Ideate and support R&D Imagineers, ride engineers, and show teams, to help translate design intent into physical designs Rapid prototyping of ideas into physical mockups using multiple fabrication techniques and materials Guide the prototyping process from concept through delivery, balancing speed, testing, quality, and technical feasibility. Foster a culture of collaboration, craftsmanship, and creative problem-solving. Uphold safe shop practices and ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards. Maintain and develop machine shop and woodshop capabilities, including new equipment recommendations and tooling. Collaborate across Walt Disney Imagineering to share best practices, drive innovation, and scale prototype solutions into full project development. Embrace flexibility and adaptability as the team learns through prototyping and playtesting, adjusting strategy as needed

Requirements

• 3+ years in a machine shop, fabrication environment, or R&D prototyping environment.
• Knowledge of fabrication methods (machining, sheet metal, welding, wood, additive/subtractive manufacturing, 3D printing, rapid prototyping techniques) and shop safety standards.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments at a time, and work individually or with teams of skilled tradespeople, engineers, and technicians.
• Proven track record of delivering prototypes that inform engineering decisions, design intent, and guest experience outcomes.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, iterative environment.
• Ability coordinate and manage vendors and workloads performed outside the R&D Studio

Nice To Haves

• Experience working in themed entertainment, movies/TV SFX, aerospace, automotive, or related industries with a focus on prototyping and innovation.
• Familiarity with Imagineering’s design and engineering process, from blue sky to implementation.
• Ability to inspire creativity while maintaining operational discipline and safety.

Responsibilities

• Help with day-to-day operations of the R&D Machine Shop, including work-cell clean-up, stocking, and general equipment/machine maintenance.
• Ideate and support R&D Imagineers, ride engineers, and show teams, to help translate design intent into physical designs
• Rapid prototyping of ideas into physical mockups using multiple fabrication techniques and materials
• Guide the prototyping process from concept through delivery, balancing speed, testing, quality, and technical feasibility.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, craftsmanship, and creative problem-solving.
• Uphold safe shop practices and ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards.
• Maintain and develop machine shop and woodshop capabilities, including new equipment recommendations and tooling.
• Collaborate across Walt Disney Imagineering to share best practices, drive innovation, and scale prototype solutions into full project development.
• Embrace flexibility and adaptability as the team learns through prototyping and playtesting, adjusting strategy as needed

Benefits

• Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide.
• Learn more about our benefits and perks at https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED