Experienced Senior Ride Development Engineer – Mechanical Ride Systems Design & Engineering

About arenaflex

Welcome to arenaflex, where imagination meets engineering excellence! We are a global leader in creating extraordinary entertainment experiences that captivate millions of visitors worldwide. Our commitment to innovation, creativity, and technical excellence has made us a pioneer in the themed entertainment industry for decades. At arenaflex, we don't just build rides – we craft unforgettable memories that families cherish for generations.

Our engineering teams work at the intersection of creativity and technology, designing mechanical ride systems that push the boundaries of what's possible in entertainment. From thrilling roller coasters to immersive dark rides, our Ride Development division is responsible for bringing imaginative concepts to life through meticulous engineering and innovative design. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative environment where brilliant minds from diverse backgrounds come together to create experiences that inspire wonder and joy.

As we continue to expand our engineering capabilities, we are seeking a talented and experienced Senior Ride Development Engineer to join our prestigious Ride Systems Engineering team. This is a remarkable opportunity to shape the future of entertainment engineering and work on groundbreaking ride systems that will be enjoyed by millions.

Position Overview

We are currently seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Ride Development Engineer to lead the design and development of mechanical ride systems from initial concept through final installation. In this pivotal role, you will serve as a technical leader within our Ride Engineering group, responsible for all aspects of mechanical ride system design and development. You will work on various innovative ride platforms with unique requirements for extreme duty cycles, high reliability, and intrinsic life safety considerations.

The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic, creative environment where scope and requirements evolve frequently. You must be comfortable collaborating in diverse teams comprising both technical and creative professionals, and possess the ability to translate high-level creative visions into precise engineering specifications. This position reports directly to the Executive Ride Development Engineering leadership team.

Key Responsibilities

As a Senior Ride Development Engineer at arenaflex, you will play a critical role in the end-to-end development of our signature ride experiences. Your responsibilities will encompass:

• Concept Design & Engineering: Lead "clean sheet" concept design efforts for new rides that meet creative intent and partner requirements. You will be responsible for developing innovative mechanical solutions that align with the artistic vision while meeting all safety and performance specifications.
• Requirements Translation: Distill and organize technical requirements from high-level concepts, story descriptions, and artwork. You will work closely with creative teams to understand their vision and translate it into detailed engineering specifications and system requirements.
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Collaborate with key stakeholders to define system requirements and interface specifications. This includes working with mechanical, electrical, control systems, and show teams to ensure integrated solutions.
• Team Leadership: Direct the daily activities of an engineering and design team through all phases of work, including planning, mockups, production, installation, testing, turnover, and close-out efforts. Provide technical guidance and mentorship to junior team members.
• Documentation & Reporting: Be responsible for the development of scope, analysis, testing, risk, and report documents. Maintain comprehensive technical documentation throughout the project lifecycle.
• Vendor Management: Oversee contractor and vendor management, including evaluating bids, awarding contracts, and ensuring quality deliverables from external suppliers.
• Design Release: Be accountable for advanced modeling and drawing development and release. Ensure all design documentation meets arenaflex standards and regulatory requirements.
• Prototyping & Testing: Lead large-scale proof of concept model and prototype efforts, including planning, fabrication, testing, and iteration. You will oversee the development of functional prototypes that validate design concepts.
• Procurement Support: Collaborate with the project procurement team to evaluate, bid, and award external vendor contracts. Ensure vendor selections align with technical and budget requirements.
• Installation & Commissioning: Lead or supervise the installation of ride mechanical equipment, provide field support, and oversee testing and commissioning activities to ensure successful project delivery.

Required Qualifications & Skills

To be successful in this role, you must possess a strong foundation in mechanical engineering with extensive hands-on experience in ride or similar complex mechanical systems. The ideal candidate will bring:

• Mechanical Engineering Experience: Demonstrated hands-on mechanical engineering experience, preferably in the themed entertainment, amusement ride, or related high-reliability industries.
• Advanced Engineering Knowledge: Strong foundation in advanced engineering principles including statics, dynamics, tolerances, kinematics, stress/strain analysis, and mechanical design. You must be able to apply these concepts to complex ride systems.
• Technical Expertise: Advanced engineering expertise in machine design, weldments, powertrain systems, and materials selection. Understanding of manufacturing processes and their impact on design decisions.
• Design Tools Proficiency: Proficiency with design and analysis tools such as SolidWorks, Navisworks, AutoCAD, SketchUp, ANSYS, FEA, and Matlab. Experience with 3D modeling, simulation, and analysis software is essential.
• Design Sensibility: Superior design sensibilities combined with creative problem-solving abilities. You must be able to balance aesthetic requirements with engineering constraints.
• Industry Knowledge: Prior experience in the themed entertainment or amusement industry with advanced knowledge of industry standards, practices, and regulations. Familiarity with Disney or major theme park operations is highly desirable.
• Life Safety Design: Experience with life safety design and requirements for amusement ride systems. Understanding of safety standards and regulatory compliance is critical.
• Prototyping Experience: Experience with prototype development, testing, and iterative design processes. Hands-on experience with model development and creative products is preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

While the following qualifications are not required, they would be highly valued in a candidate:

• Advanced degree in Mechanical Engineering or related field


• Professional Engineering (PE) license


• Experience with thrill ride mechanical systems


• Background in show action equipment or animatronics


• Knowledge of pneumatic and hydraulic systems for ride applications


• Experience with ride commissioning and acceptance testing


• International theme park industry experience

Skills & Competencies

Beyond technical qualifications, we are looking for candidates who demonstrate:

• Leadership Capabilities: Ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams in a matrixed organization


• Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present technical information to diverse audiences


• Problem-Solving: Creative thinking and analytical problem-solving abilities with a solutions-oriented approach


• Adaptability: Comfortable working in environments where scope and requirements change frequently


• Collaboration: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work effectively with creative and technical professionals


• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to quality and safety considerations


• Project Management: Experience managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously

Career Growth & Development

At arenaflex, we are committed to the professional growth and development of our team members. As a Senior Ride Development Engineer, you will have access to:

• Advanced Training: Comprehensive training programs in ride engineering, safety systems, and emerging technologies


• Career Advancement: Clear pathways for career progression into leadership roles within the engineering organization


• Cross-Functional Exposure: Opportunities to work across different ride platforms and project types


• Industry Leadership: Participation in industry conferences, standards development, and professional organizations


• Mentorship Programs: Both receiving mentorship from senior leadership and mentoring junior engineers

Work Environment & Culture

Working at arenaflex means being part of a vibrant, creative community that celebrates innovation and excellence. Our engineering facilities feature state-of-the-art design studios, prototyping labs, and collaborative workspaces that foster creativity and teamwork. We maintain a culture that values:

• Innovation: Encouragement to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of what's possible


• Collaboration: Cross-functional teamwork that brings together diverse perspectives


• Work-Life Balance: Flexible work arrangements including remote options where position permits


• Inclusivity: A diverse and inclusive environment where all team members can thrive


• Safety First: Uncompromising commitment to safety in everything we do

Compensation & Benefits

arenaflex offers competitive compensation packages that reflect the seniority and expertise required for this role. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

• Competitive salary with performance-based bonuses


• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance


• Retirement savings plan with company matching


• Paid time off and holidays


• Professional development reimbursement


• Employee entertainment passes and exclusive experiences


• Relocation assistance for qualified candidates

Why Join arenaflex?

This is a unique opportunity to be part of something extraordinary. At arenaflex, you won't just have a job – you'll have a career that makes a difference. Every day, millions of people around the world experience the fruits of your engineering creativity. From the first drop of a thrilling coaster to the gentle motion of a dark ride vehicle, your work will create memories that last a lifetime.

We are looking for passionate engineers who share our commitment to excellence and our dedication to creating magical experiences. If you have the skills, experience, and enthusiasm to join our team, we encourage you to apply and become part of the arenaflex family.

Are you ready to engineering the impossible? Join arenaflex today and help us create the future of entertainment!

To apply for this position, please visit our careers portal and submit your application. We look forward to exploring how your expertise can contribute to our continued success and innovation in the themed entertainment industry.