Manager, Ride & Show Engineering - Controls

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Universal Creative
Job ID: 668299
Category: EngineeringEngineering,
Career Type: Regular (Full-Time)
Location: Orlando, FL

Creative – Engineering

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At Universal Creative, we design, develop, and deliver the most compelling entertainment experiences, innovative attractions, immersive theme parks, and world-class resorts. Our collaborative technical teams fuse art and technology, from cutting-edge ride elements to dynamic audio-visual and special effects, to create new standards in the themed entertainment industry.

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Job Description & Requirements

JOB SUMMARY:

What if your next industrial automation project wasn’t a factory, warehouse, or data center, but one of the biggest and most exciting attraction projects at a Universal park in the U.S.?

We’re looking for a talented Controls Engineer / Controls Engineering professional who knows industrial automation but wants to apply that expertise in an environment that’s anything but ordinary.

This is a Siemens-based controls environment, so Siemens industrial controls experience would be highly valuable. Coming from a Rockwell/Allen-Bradley background? We’re open to that too, particularly if you have the technical foundation and curiosity to transition your expertise into Siemens.

This role provides technical management, inclusive of budget and schedule, for an attraction or attractions under an area of responsibility. Responsible for the successful specification, bid/award, design, production, installation, and acceptance testing of Ride and/or Show systems, to include Ride Control or Show Control Systems.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Manages in-field installation, test and adjustment of scenic systems to ensure compliance with contract specifications. Works with Facility & Construction team and vendors to ensure a clear line of communication regarding installation, test, and adjust activities.
Reviews designs and documentation from vendors, ensuring compliance with contractual requirements and specifications. Oversees vendor’s mock-up, prototype, and acceptance testing efforts to ensure final installed systems meet scope of work and contract specifications.
Creates scope of work documentation and awards contracts to vendors based on quantitative requirements derived from interpreting creative intent and employing Universal Specifications.
Leads design and production reviews at vendor locations, ensuring product quality, specification conformance, and schedule accuracy.
Develops and oversees project schedules and budgetary demands. Produces scopes of work and manages vendor progress from design through installation, ensuring alignment with schedule and budget.
Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities.
Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

3+ Years: Projects experience within the scenic/entertainment/theme park industry required. Any experience in Theme park development, construction, show and ride systems design or fabrication is preferred.

A successful candidate would be able to perform the following to include, but not be limited to:

Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
Ability to organize and manage a complex series of tasks and vendor(s) to develop and implement show and ride systems.
Strength in schedule analysis and contract management required.
Comfortable Influencing decisions of major nature. High degree of tact & diplomacy to obtain favorable decisions or maintain good will.
Comfortable working in a non-routine environment with frequently changing situations.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s Degree in applicable technical field required (examples include, but are not limited to, electrical engineering, computer science, computer programming, software engineering, mechatronics) or equivalent demonstrated skill and experience; Advanced Degree preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

5+ years’ experience in direct theme park-specific technical/engineering roles supporting show control equipment required (examples include, but are not limited to, ladder logic, variable frequency drives, motion control systems, control theory) or similar experience in related technical field.

Your talent, skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package.

Universal is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Universal Orlando via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from Universal Orlando HR/Recruitment will be deemed the sole property of Universal Orlando. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Universal Orlando as a result of the referral or through other means.

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Universal Creative EJDs – ONLY
Brand Pillars

Our Brand Pillars

These pillars are the foundation of Universal Creative and reflect the values we embody every day.

We are Innovative

We innovate the future. We push the envelope by fusing art and technology to create immersive and unforgettable experiences.

We are Empowered

We push ourselves to be our best. We lead change and solve problems, because the next thing we do should always be better than the last thing we did.

We are Authentic

We want you to be you. We believe that the unique and bold spirit of our team is what fuels our unbridled creativity and unparalleled innovation.

Spice Up Your Career

Looking for not just a job, but a career opportunity? Keeping our kitchens and dishes clean can be just the beginning. Working as a Steward will allow you to work directly with our Chefs and get hands-on experience to grow within our Culinary team. Additional Culinary Team Member perks include:

Work shoes
Opportunity for cross training and working in exciting new venues
Meal vouchers
Opportunities to advance, based on skill and available positions, to a full-time career in Culinary

Internships with Universal Orlando

At Universal Destinations & Experiences (UDX), interns gain real-world learning experiences through meaningful project work, and intentional networking opportunities all while building their professional network within one of the world’s top entertainment destinations. UDX internships provide:

Paid opportunities to grow your career
The chance to learn from talented industry professionals and make a valued impact on our Team Members and guests
Access to exclusive professional development events designed for interns
Eligibility for financial assistance towards housing may be applicable. Specific details about eligibility would be provided at the time of offer

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Love a fast pace? Like serving up fun? If you said “yes,” be sure to check out our Food & Beverage jobs. We’re always hiring for the unique and creative restaurants throughout our theme parks. Find out how we can satisfy your appetite for an opportunity in positions like these:

Quick Service Associate
Food & Beverage Stocker
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Food and Beverage Cash Coordinator
Host/Hostess
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Tipped Food Runner
Barback
Waitperson
Bartender
Steward (Dishwasher)
Line Cook
Senior Cook
Chef Assistant

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Human Resources
Facilities Management
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Community Relations
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Island Overview

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If you love to have fun and thrive in a fast-paced environment, look no further than our opportunities in Quick Service Food and Beverage. From keeping our Food and Beverage carts well stocked to bringing smiles to guests in our Quick Service Restaurants located across our three parks and CityWalk, there is never a dull day. Come satisfy your appetite for opportunity in the following roles:

Quick Service Associate
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A Look at Universal Epic Universe

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Celestial Park is the cosmic heart of Universal Epic Universe, where wondrous discoveries await among the lush greenery, tree-lined walkways and dancing fountains. Begin your cosmic journey of discovery in a world between worlds full of sensory delights for all to enjoy together.

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Universal Creative Internship Video Transcript

[Ariel] The Universal Creative internship program is full of extraordinary opportunities for interns to gain hands-on work experience. [Jeff] Ever since I was a little kid, I always wanted to take part in designing spaces that creates some of the fondest memories for people. [Griffin] The idea of blending technology, engineering, and storytelling really spoke out to me. And I wanted to be an environment where I could learn for those who really know what they're doing. [Ariel] I looked and the job description was amazing. It was literally everything that I've ever wanted out of an internship. [Ana] Some of the cool things that I've been able to do is see a lot of behind the scenes about how the park is run, and just envisioning the future worlds of tomorrow. It's been a really cool experience just to see what's coming up. [Carey] I've done some really cool attraction walkthroughs. I've got to walk through Hulk and Kong Skull Island and Forbidden Journey, and those were really incredible experiences. [Griffin] I think the cool thing about the Universal Creative internship is, you have a lot of opportunities to work with others and do what you want to do. [Jeff] I never expected any sort of company to be like this. [Emily] I really feel like I can be myself here. Everyone's been so opening and welcome. I don't have to put on a mask. I don't have to be somebody that I'm not. I can just be my genuine, authentic self. [Carey] I would say the culture at Creative is really a community and teamwork based. [Ariel] Everyone's so invested into the interns, and that's something unique. [Ana] You can ask a question and you'll always get an answer. [Tyler] Everyone's always happy and I'm willing to help you out when you're trying to learn something new, or you don't know how to do something. [Griffin] And as a student, it's very important to get that career guidance as you go on through more classes, and it's been a really great opportunity to get that in a very open environment. [Carey] For future interns, I would just say network and learn as much as you can. It's a really incredible opportunity and everyone wants to help you out. [Emily] Embrace your time here. Take advantage of your time here because it goes by so fast. [Ana] There's no such thing as you're only doing one job here. [Griffin] You have a lot of opportunities to go outside of your scope of work as an intern. So use it as an opportunity to absorb everything like a sponge. [Ana] Join the Universal Creative team. The possibilities are endless.

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Orlando Tech Services Video Transcript

[SPEECH] This is where we work. [DESCRIPTION] Man standing above Kong maintenance bay, he waves over it. Jump to shot of two techs walking beside the ride vehicle. [SPEECH] Our maintenance bay, fact that we work on it, all of us as a team to get work on it, it’s pretty amazing. [DESCRIPTION] Two techs walking around the King Kong animatronic. Cut to shot of two techs facing the camera. [SPEECH] Hello my name is Vic and I’m a third shift tech lead. And I’m Felipe and I’m the in ride annual tech here at Skull Island. [DESCRIPTION] Ride vehicles move on the track. [TEXT] Third Shift Team Members like Felipe and Vic work overnight… [DESCRIPTION] Vic and Felipe look over the ride track. [TEXT] As part of Tech Services, their job is to maintain attraction safety and quality. [DESCRIPTION] Felipe stands in front of the Kong animatronic. [SPEECH FELIPE] So, I come in at 10. The park at night is a bit different, usually by the time I come in, you know, the park is shut down the guests have already left. [DESCRIPTION] Vic and Felipe walking the ride track. [SPEECH VIC] So the fun fact about this is that it is actually my handwriting. [DESCRIPTION] Vic motions to a unreadable marking on the track. [SPEECH VIC] Get here about nine o’clock. I do the work flow I see during the day as a lead I come in and delegate the work accordingly along with my techs. [DESCRIPTION] Vic and Felipe walking the ride track. Vic and Felipe standing over track. [TEXT] What is the most rewarding part of your role? [SPEECH VIC] One of the most rewarding things I enjoy about third shift is giving the guests the best show they could possibly get. [DESCRIPTION] Ride vehicles passing the Kong animatronic. Vic standing in front of a wall with a large skull behind him. [SPEECH FELIPE] And by the time I leave at 8:30 in the morning it’s early park admission so you get the accomplishment feeling, you know, because you already see all the people in the line getting ready to see what you just worked on at night. [DESCRIPTION] Felipe in front of the Kong animatronic. Felipe scanning one of the ride’s screens, Felipe walking the catwalk above the ride track. Vic standing in front of a large skull. [SPEECH VIC] We all work hard, we all work safe and efficient. [SPEECH FELIPE] We all made it possible. It’s priceless. [DESCRIPTION] Felipe in front of the Kong animatronic. Vic and Felipe on catwalk about ride track waving at the camera.

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Team Member Journey

“Universal is always finding ways to improve and separate from the rest. A lot of the Chefs here are like family to me. We have a caring culture and a disciplined one as well. We set up systems to ensure we are ready for success no matter what comes our way. I love working here, and as I continue to grow I will never forget the feeling of the teamwork I had when I started here 13 years ago. I carry that everywhere I go.”

Chef Johnathan Restaurant Chef

Johnathan’s Career Journey

2006

Busser
Line Production Cook

2007
2008

1st Cook
Sous Chef

2015
2018

Restaurant Chef

Team Member Journey

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Chloe Barback

Chloe's Career Journey

2017

Service Line
Food Runner

2017
2018

Food and Beverage Cash Coordinator
Barista

2021
2022

Barback

Team Member Journey

“I was always a fan of Universal Orlando Resort and visited the parks frequently growing up, so when I was ready for my first job while in high school, I knew this was the place I wanted to be. But I never imagined that my part-time job would turn into an exciting career! The ability to grow within the organization is one of the things I love most about Universal Orlando. Growth is an important part of the culture and no matter where you begin your journey, there’s opportunity to explore different areas and find your passion. I also love that there’s always something new and exciting happening at our destination for guests, including new attractions, events and more. The constant rollout of innovative new experiences makes it extremely fun and rewarding to be a part of the team!”

Kristen

Director, Public Relations

Kristen's Career Journey

2001

Ride & Show Attendant (The E.T. Adventure)
Public Relations Intern

2006
Spring & Summer 2007

Event Management Temporary Assignment
Corporate Sales Coordinator

Fall 2007
2008

Public Relations Coordinator
Public Relations Representative

2010
2013

Manager, Public Relations
Sr. Manager, Public Relations

2019
2023

Director, Public Relations

Team Member Journey

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Sebby Water Quality Manager

Sebby’s Career Journey

2017

3rd Shift Ride and Show Mech Tech
2nd Shift Animation Control Tech US West

2018
2021

2nd Shift Lead Ride and Show Tech USF East
2nd Shift Ride and Show Supervisor USF West

2022
2023

3rd Shift Ride and Show Supervisor
Water Quality Manager

2025

Team Member Journey

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LaQuindell Supervisor - Volcano Bay Operations

LaQuindell's Career Journey

2011

Attendant, Park Services-Universal’s Wet n Wild
Supervisor, Park Services-Universal’s Wet n Wild

2012
2017

Supervisor, Park Services-Grand Opening Team Universal’s Volcano Bay
Supervisor, Aquatics/ Park Operations-Universal’s Volcano Bay

2018
2020

Supervisor Park/Operation Services Universal’s Volcano Bay

Team Member Journey

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Anthony

Software Developer, Universal Creative

Anthony's Career Journey

2016

Intern, Engineering
Technical Coordinator

2017
2017

Associate Software Developer
Software Developer

2020

Team Member Journey

"To me, Universal is a community of passionate, knowledgeable people who are driven to create great impact for our guests and Team Members. In an environment like this, the work I do and the people with whom I have the privilege of partnering makes daily work feel interesting and exciting. I always say I could do what I do for a living anywhere, but I am privileged to do this work here. Our culture allows for learning and movement, and I’ve been lucky to grow by learning from a variety of experiences, including internships, mentoring, park shifts, Team Member advocacy and event support, volunteering, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Team Member Resource Groups. When I ask, “Can I learn about your team and what you do?” I am always given an enthusiastic, welcoming response by leaders across our universe. As I’ve grown here, I’ve watched Universal also grow - opening new parks, rides, and restaurants; growing our footprint across the world; and introducing innovative and cool experiences. It feels like it is always an exciting time to be here, and I can’t wait to be a part of the amazing things we’ll do next!”

Anisa

Sr. Manager, Organizational Development (Former UO Intern)

Anisa's Career Journey

2005

Intern in Organizational Development
Assorted work around HR

2006
2007

Talent Acquisition Interviewer
Rep, Org Development

2008
2011

Sr Rep, Org Development
Specialist, Org Development

2013
2016

Manager, Org Development
Sr Manager, Org Development

2019

Team Member Journey

"I first visited Universal as a 6-year-old from New Jersey, and never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that one day I would work here. Universal is more than just a workplace, it’s a place full of opportunity, where you can discover your passion and find your perfect fit. What inspires me the most is being able to turn our guest’s vacations into a real “wow” moment. When your walk to work includes passing roller coasters, dragons, and stilt walkers how could you ever want to leave? Universal has also given me the chance to grow personally and professionally, offering incredible development opportunities that have shaped who I am.”

Amanda

CityWalk Duty Manager

Amanda Career Journey

2009

Pass Sales
Pass Sales Lead

2010
2011

Guest Services Coordinator
Guest Services Sr. Coordinator

2011
2013

Attractions Supervisor
Security Supervisor

2018
2022

Merchandise Assistant Manager
CityONE Manager

2025

Team Member Journey

"Growing up in Florida, Universal was a source of unforgettable memories for me and my family, and I was always drawn to the immersive experiences that we create. I remember watching Poseidon’s Fury for the first time and my immediate desire to be a part of experiences like that when I was older. What has driven me every day at Universal since becoming a Team Member in 2016 is our culture which focuses on supporting Team Members to reach new opportunities and where every moment can make a lasting impact. I value the time I get to walk around and see the impact what we do every day has on both our Guests and our Team Members. Even more than that, I love the time I get to spend with Team Members discussing their growth and career goals and I value getting to guide others and help them feel supported in the same way other leaders did for me”

Dalton

Manager, Entertainment

2016

Attractions Attendant
Temp Coordinator, Marquee Events

2017
2018

Attractions Attendant
Attractions Lead

2019
2020

Team Captain
Temp Attractions Supervisor

2021
2021

Attractions Supervisor
Stage Manager

2022
2023

Venue Manager
Assistant Manager, Entertainment

2023
2023

Manager, Entertainment

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A Universe of Global Opportunities

Universal Orlando Resort is an all-in-one entertainment destination that includes Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, Universal’s Volcano Bay, Universal CityWalk and Universal Orlando Resort hotels. We bring unforgettable experiences alive for our guests, immersing them in legendary stories, fantastic journeys, exciting nightlife and more.