Senior Systems Engineer

Job Description

About the Role and Team

We create happiness. That’s our motto at Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, and it permeates everything we do. At Disney, you’ll help encourage that magic by enabling our company to push the limits and build the never-before-seen! Are you ready to join this team and make an impact?

We are currently looking for a highly motivated and experienced Senior Systems Engineer - Mechanical FEA (Finite Element Analysis) Analyst to join our team of Systems Engineers on the Modeling, Simulation, and Training Tools team at the Walt Disney Company. In this role, you will provide detailed engineering analysis and simulation services for Walt Disney Imagineering, Ride and Show Engineering, Engineering Services, and Entertainment for Ride, Show, and Animatronic Systems.

This is a Full-Time 24-month Project Hire position without any guarantee of permanent placement. The Systems Engineer will report to the Manager-Systems Engineer.

What You Will Do

As a Senior Systems Engineer, you will play a crucial role in the Disney Experiences segment, bringing the magic of Disney stories and franchises to life through theme parks, resorts, cruise ships, and unique vacation experiences. Your expertise will be vital in developing finite element analyses, rigid multi-body dynamic models, and data preparation and analysis. You will also mentor less-experienced engineers, ensuring that all designs comply with appropriate codes and internal standards. This role matters because it ensures the structural integrity and safety of Disney's innovative attractions, requiring strong problem-solving skills and a collaborative mindset.

Build finite element models for static structural analyses using tools like ANSYS, SpaceClaim, Ansys Discovery, and SolidWorks.

Develop rigid body dynamic models for complex systems for structural analysis using ANSYS, Simscape, and SolidWorks.

Perform Second-Set-of-Eyes (SSOE) review of other analysts’ work to ensure requirements are met.

Apply standard engineering techniques and ensure designs comply with appropriate codes and internal standards.

Analyze results for stress, strain, displacement, modes, etc., and provide recommendations based on findings.

Prepare final reports, formal documentation, and presentation materials summarizing analysis results.

Collaborate with Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) and Facilities and Operational Services (FOS) partners to ensure all requirements are included in simulations and analyses.

Track and advise project teams and leadership on project schedule and budget trends.

Support FEA software tool development for automation of analysis processes through testing and validation.

Provide recommendations for new projects or business ventures that fit the organization’s strategic plan.

Required Qualifications & Skills

5+ years working experience in a finite element analysis (FEA) software such as ANSYS (ANSYS is highly preferred).

Experience in a related role in the entertainment or general engineering industries.

Proven ability to lead medium to large analysis or simulations projects overseeing a small team of supporting engineers.

Proven ability to train and mentor less experienced engineering personnel on analysis efforts.

Proven ability to troubleshoot and assess real world problems to develop and implement simulation solutions.

Strong understanding of mechanical design, structural analysis, machine design principles and materials modeling.

Strong physics and mathematics academic background.

Strong interest in system and software design, coding, and debugging.

Experience with dynamics systems modeling and working with linear and non-linear materials solutions in finite element space.

Experience with scripting and programming in software languages such as Python or MATLAB.

Familiarity with GitHub, Smarteam, Upchain or similar version control and documentation revision tool sets.

Preferred Qualifications

Proven Professional Engineer License or equivalent.

Demonstrated understanding of the Software Development process.

Experience in computational fluid dynamics software such as Fluent CFD.

Education

Proven Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering or Equivalent from ABET-certified curriculum (preferred). Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, and Computer Engineering may also be considered.

MSEE, MSME, MSCE, and / or post-graduate work is preferred.

Additional Information

Disney offers a rewards package to help you live your best life. This includes health and savings benefits, educational opportunities, and special extras that only Disney can provide. Learn more about our benefits and perks at

This position will remain open from 10 / 22 / 25 to 11 / 4 / 25.

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