Working as an Engineer at Disney

Hi Dena,

Being an engineer at Disney can mean a lot of different things. We work on projects and rides that span across our property, both old and new. 

Typically we get work requests from our partners out in the park, who need to come up with solutions for issues they are having with a specific ride, parade float or other system. This could be due to the fact that the techonology behind the ride is very old (The park is over 40 years old), or standards or processes have changed. We then work with these partners, along with input from maintenance and facilities engineering to deliver solutions.  Right now I am working on projects for about 5 different rides.  There is a lot of design work but there is also a lot of installation work. In December, Haunted Mansion will be closed for a refurbishment and I will be the Lead Engineer on the project. That means I will be out in the field every day with my hard hat on, working with the construction workers on the ride.  It is a great balance of field and computer work.

The other side of the job deals with installing new rides.  The creative brainstorming that you refer to happens at a very high level, and we as the engineers dont usually see it until the idea is flushed out at a much higher level. Typically the "Imagineers" are the creative people behind the rides, and we the engineering departmnet bring the ride to life. I had the unique opportunity to do this for the Festival of Fantasy Parade at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World. We were given artist sketches and renderings of what they visioned, and we had to provide concept developments and work with vendors to bring the floats to life. 

Having artistic talent is definitely a plus for engineers here, but is not a requirement. 

If you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask!

-Kim