Design Engineer, Show Production
About the role
We are seeking a Design Engineer to join our team in Burbank, CA. This role involves designing, engineering, and integrating special effects and illusions for various attractions and immersive experiences. The ideal candidate will have a blend of creative and technical skills, with a background that fuses rigorous training in both areas.
Responsibilities
- Design and engineer integrated show technical specialty elements, including special effects, illusions, show action equipment, animated figures, and interactive elements.
- Work within an assigned budget and schedule, identifying and addressing potential risks proactively.
- Create, maintain, and communicate facility interface data (power, structural, mounting, controls, and other requirements) to other disciplines.
- Coordinate with show set, ride, media, and controls engineering to ensure seamless integration of specialty elements.
- Produce fabrication-ready drawings and models in Fusion for fabricators and other disciplines.
- Program, tune, and cue control systems on-site to ensure elements run correctly and in sync with the show.
- Troubleshoot and resolve problems in the field, often under tight deadlines and with limited resources.
- Document each finished element clearly and hand it off to operations with maintenance instructions.
- Build elements safely, reliably, and with low maintenance under continuous daily operation.
Requirements
- Exceptional ability in both design and engineering, with a background that fuses rigorous creative and technical training.
- Advanced CAD fluency in Fusion; strong proficiency in Adobe Illustrator.
- Strong command of electronic components and circuit design, with the ability to hand-code embedded systems.
- Achieved proficiency in advanced manufacturing techniques (machining, sheet metal forming, extrusion, injection molding, grinding, welding).
- Proficient in rapid manufacturing methods (3D printing and related rapid prototyping techniques).
- Experience working within project budgets and schedules, and clear communication skills with other disciplines.
- Comfortable owning technical communication with other disciplines, including facility and interface requirements.
- Collaborative and effective in working with project teams, vendors, and other technical disciplines.
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering, with Mechatronics coursework preferred.
- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science.
- Skilled in designing and building precision jigs and assembly tooling.
- Experienced in urethane and epoxy casting and finishing.
- Familiarity with lean manufacturing principles to minimize waste and build repeatable processes.
- Detail-oriented and skilled in applying QLab, projection mapping software, or other stage-technology suites.
- Ability to manage through conflict, complexity, and problem-solving issues to resolution.
- Willing and able to travel and work on-site through installation and commissioning.
Desired Qualifications
- Portfolio demonstrating special effects, mechanisms, or other show technical elements personally designed and built.
- Experience with ZBrush, Rhino, or other 3D modeling and sculpting tools.
- Fluency in Python or any C variant.
- Experience with factory or site acceptance test procedures, or with scopes of work and proposals.
- Familiarity with UL508A, permitting, or supporting engineering documentation such as NRTL certification.
Benefits and Culture
At AOA, we offer a robust PTO package, a variety of insurance coverages, and both paid maternity and paternity leave. Additional benefits include health and wellness benefits, commuter benefits, special reimbursements for cell phone use, athletic classes, and more. Our core values emphasize respect, transparency, quality, leadership, teamwork, and balance, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.
About AOA
AOA is a leading design, production, and project management firm that creates memorable and purpose-driven destinations. We handle all aspects of the project life cycle, from concept to completion, and strive to exceed expectations and introduce innovation to novel challenges. Our team is comprised of experts with multifaceted skills that translate across departments, fields, and industries.