Ride Mechanic

Ripley Entertainment Inc•Gatlinburg, TN

11d•Onsite

About The Position

Ripley’s Tennessee Attractions is seeking a skilled and safety‑focused Ride Mechanic to support the proper operation, inspection, and maintenance of our amusement rides, mountain coasters, and attractions. This role plays a critical part in ensuring guest safety, ride reliability, and compliance with all regulatory standards. The ideal candidate has strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting abilities, excellent attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining a safe and efficient ride environment.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Technical or vocational training preferred.
Minimum 2 years of mechanical experience, preferably in amusement rides, coasters, or a similar environment.
Proficiency in mechanical and electrical diagnostics and repairs.
Strong knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
Ability to interpret technical manuals, blueprints, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities.
Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Familiarity with maintenance best practices, part inventory usage, and vendor coordination.
Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, etc.).
Comfortable working at heights, in confined spaces, and around loud machinery.
Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
Physical stamina to climb, stand, bend, and walk for extended periods.
Availability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and be on-call for emergencies.

Nice To Haves

Experience with mountain coasters or small amusement rides is highly desirable.
NAARSO, AIMS, or similar ride safety certifications.
Forklift or aerial lift operation certification.

Responsibilities

Perform all work in accordance with manufacturer specifications, ASTM standards, and local, state, and federal ride safety regulations.
Conduct daily, weekly, monthly, and annual ride inspections and document findings accurately.
Participate in routine safety audits, risk assessments, and emergency response procedures.
Maintain detailed records of inspections, maintenance logs, corrective actions, and compliance documents.
Perform preventative maintenance to minimize downtime and ensure peak ride performance.
Inspect mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems for wear, damage, or irregularities.
Identify potential hazards, worn components, or system failures before they impact operations.
Diagnose, repair, or replace faulty ride components efficiently and safely.
Respond quickly to ride malfunctions, shutdowns, or emergency maintenance needs.
Read and interpret schematics, blueprints, wiring diagrams, and technical service manuals.
Ensure repairs meet or exceed manufacturer and regulatory standards.
Work closely with other mechanics, engineers, and leadership to ensure smooth daily ride operations.
Provide input on equipment upgrades, part replacements, and long-term maintenance planning.
Support inventory tracking of parts, tools, and maintenance supplies.