Senior Illusion Maker (Project Hire/Internal Assignment)

The Walt Disney Company • Glendale, CA

5d • $87,100 - $116,800 • Onsite

About The Position

Walt Disney Imagineering is the creative force behind Disney's theme parks, resorts, attractions, and cruise ships worldwide. Imagineers combine storytelling, art, science, and technology to create immersive experiences. Innovation is central to Imagineering, with a constant drive to push technological boundaries. The Creative Show Design & Delivery studio is responsible for producing the magic, moving from concept design to full production, assembly, and installation. This role involves working within this team to create world-class attractions, requiring creative problem-solving and a commitment to Disney's quality standards. This is a Project Hire position without a guarantee of permanent placement.

Requirements

• Demonstrated proficiency in SolidWorks for design and engineering tasks
• Minimum of 5 years’ hands-on experience in plastics, mold, and part design and fabrication, with a strong focus on Audio Animatronics
• Familiarity with Design X, Magics, and Rhino software tools
• At least 5 years of specialized experience designing and fabricating Audio Animatronic figure tooling, shells, and skins
• Deep understanding of plastic and skin material properties as they relate to fabrication and durability
• Ability to read, interpret, and evaluate material Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and Technical Data Sheets (TDS)
• Practical experience with 3D printing, including knowledge of various additive manufacturing processes and materials
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and other disciplines
• Exceptional planning and organizational capabilities
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Comprehensive knowledge of Audio Animatronic figures and the end-to-end figure production pipeline
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a talent for creative thinking and innovation
• Experience in operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting 3D printers
• Experience in fabricating and finishing 3D printed parts
• Knowledge of matrix mold fabrication, including tooling processes
• Experience with epoxy mold fabrication and related tooling techniques

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree or trade school preferred, but not required.

Responsibilities

• Be responsible for the digital design of 3D printed shells for complex Audio Animatronic figures, as well as digital design of 3D printed tooling for intricate figure parts.
• Document and archive shell, skin, and tooling digital files according to project requirements.
• Fabricate, assemble, and clean up 3D printed parts, fiberglass components, cast parts, and vacuum-formed pieces.
• Handle the fabrication and clean-up of silicone skins, ensuring all materials meet durability and maintenance standards.
• Troubleshoot, test, evaluate, and modify figure shells, parts, skins, and tooling.
• Problem-solve, mock-up, and test solutions for complex plastic part issues, continually improving designs for longevity and ease of maintenance.
• Partner with Figure Finishing, Mechanical, and Electrical teams to ensure costumes are fully integrated into the overall figure system.
• Collaborate with Walt Disney Imagineering Creative teams—including I.P. partners—to develop figure shells and skins that fulfill creative intent and match the show's look.
• Work closely with Dimensional Design’s digital and physical sculptors to ensure clearances, thickness, shapes, offsets, and other factors are considered during model development.
• Be responsible for developing tooling, shell, and skin estimates, as well as Surface Development design and production schedules.
• Track and adhere to established schedules and budgets, efficiently executing change management as needed.
• Source and order materials and work with vendors and suppliers to ensure quality and timely deliveries.
• Train park maintenance partners in the installation, removal, handling, and care of Audio Animatronic figure shells, skins, props, and related components.
• Develop and author standards and guidelines pertaining to Surface Development products and deliverables.
• Travel, including internationally, to fulfill project needs and support installations and training at various locations.

Benefits

• Full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.
• A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed