Special Effects Designer

About the Role & Team

The Walt Disney Imagineering team is dedicated to creating immersive experiences, memorable destinations, and innovative entertainment for families worldwide. Imagineers blend storytelling, art, science, and technology to bring unique projects to life. This position involves assisting with mock-ups, design, production, installation, testing, and turnover of special effects for attractions/projects.

What You Will Do

• Assist overall project team in scope development from concept stage through turnover.
• Concept, design, and deliver all required mockups.
• Prepare and deliver documentation to establish FX scope on projects under the guidance of the Special Effects Lead/Manager.
• Plan some design/production strategy.
• Interface with project disciplines to ensure internal/external requirements are met.
• Field installation.
• Maintain and operations training & post-opening support.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• 3+ years in Entertainment and/or Theme park special effects experience.
• Ability to concept & design special effects required to support the show, using any and all appropriate creative and technical methods, with sustainability focus.
• Able to design, produce, install, maintain and troubleshoot theme park special effects equipment.
• Able to create effective plans and strategies to achieve the SPFX project needs.
• Able to track to plan outline by senior designers/project to ensure goals are met.
• Knowledge of installed Disney theme park attractions from a technical and aesthetic show perspective.
• Knowledge of related Entertainment disciplines and their application to the creation of special effects, optics, mechanics, materials processes etc.
• Must be able to travel to all domestic and international sites for 1 week – 6 weeks + at a time.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Industrial design, manufacturing, operations and maintenance background with special effects system design experience.
• Able to communicate with all levels of project and maintenance/operations staff and work with all related parties to ensure the technical and creative aspects of the show special effects and projection are achieved successfully in terms creative requirements and in the most cost effective and timely fashion.
• Exhibit competency in the job requirements and responsibilities, along with demonstrated ability to manage some budget items, schedule and design deliverables, and the ability to effectively communicate well with peers in other disciplines and report appropriately to various levels of management.

Education

B.A./B.S. or equivalent preferred but not required. Theatrical training is also desirable.

Additional Information

Benefits and Perks: Disney offers a comprehensive rewards package including health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras only available at Disney. For more details, visit here.

This position can be based in Anaheim, CA or Orlando, FL. The hiring range/pay rate for the Special Effects Designer is $91,000.00 - $128,000.00 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.