Senior Mechanical Engineer

Position Purpose

The Senior Mechanical Engineer supports the design and validation of complex structures, show action equipment, machinery, and rigging systems primarily for fixed market projects, including theme parks, venues, and theatres. This role performs advanced mechanical and structural analyses, applying core physics and engineering principles to ensure the safety, reliability, performance, and code compliance of static and dynamic systems.

Responsibilities

• Analyze complex static and dynamic systems including show action equipment, animated figures, lifting systems, and moving structural assemblies by applying mechanical and structural engineering fundamentals
• Perform detailed analyses using hand calculations, custom tools, and analysis software and clearly communicate assumptions, methodologies, risks, and results to multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced setting
• Engineer parts, assemblies, and systems to meet client requirements, operational duty cycles, jurisdictional regulations, and applicable safety standards and codes
• Provide independent engineering judgment and validation in support of bid and concept development efforts, including feasibility assessment of custom elements primarily in the fixed market
• Interface independently with clients, vendors, fabricators, installers, inspectors, and external authorities having jurisdiction to support compliance, technical alignment, and project success
• Mentor and coach engineers and designers on attraction-specific engineering topics, including dynamic analysis, safety-critical design, fatigue considerations, and best practices for themed environments
• Initiate, coordinate, and technically manage third-party engineering firms and specialty consultants, ensuring scope alignment, quality, and schedule adherence

Position Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in engineering, mathematics or physics
• Professional Engineer (preferred)
• 8-10+ years of mechanical engineering experience
• 5+ years of entertainment experience (preferred)
• Industry expert in multiple topics of mechanical engineering science and practice (power transmission design and analysis, drive train analysis, exact constraint design, material science, stress analysis, mechanical connection engineering, dynamic analysis, fatigue analysis)
• Expert in finite element analysis (FEA) principles and ANSYS mechanical or equivalent mechanical analysis software
• Willingness to extend working hours when necessary to meet project deadlines
• Willingness to travel infrequently, domestic and international, to project sites or to other TAIT offices

Interest

Interest in the theme parks, performing arts, or live events

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms and talk or hear.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and peripheral vision.
• The employee regularly operates a computer, including typing, using a mouse or keyboard, and viewing the screen for extended periods.

TAIT Benefits

• Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Health Savings Account (HSA) with employer contributions (HDHP plans)
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Medical & Dependent Care)
• Employer-paid life insurance with optional supplemental coverage
• Employer-paid Short-term with optional long-term disability insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match
• Paid vacation and 12 holidays

Equal Opportunity Employer

TAIT is an equal opportunity employer fully committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran or any other protected characteristic as outlined by international, national, state, or local laws.