At Universal Creative, we design, develop and deliver the most compelling entertainment experiences imaginable to drive growth for Universal Parks & Resorts worldwide. Our innovative attractions, immersive theme parks and world-class resorts fuse art and technology to create new standards in the themed entertainment industry.

Our Team Members are the driving force behind Universal Creative. With their diverse skills and forward-thinking ideas, our team pushes us beyond the boundaries of what’s possible to achieve the extraordinary. Together, we’re creating a Universe of fun, always ensuring the next thing we do is better than the last thing we did.

JOB SUMMARY

The Director, Engineering & Safety provides technical and safety direction, inputs, and approvals for Universal Parks & Resorts Theme Park projects, inclusive of multiple attractions up to and including an entire single gated park. As assigned, responsibilities may, and likely will, further include direct engineering contributions to one or more major development projects. Additional responsibilities and authorities include interpretation, and enforcement of Universal technical requirements, review of technical team performance, interventional technical interface to outside design and production entities, and providing technical input and direction to project risk management/risk reduction activities. Modification and waivers to Universal standards and specifications are authorized pursuant to core engineering team consensus.

A successful candidate would be able to perform the following to include but not be limited to:

• Ability to interpret an extensive variety of technical instructions in mathematical or diagram form and deal with several abstract and concrete variables.
• Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to organize, manage, and analyze a complex series of tasks and/or data to develop and implement show and ride systems.
• Comfortable Influencing decisions of major nature. High degree of tact & diplomacy to obtain favorable decisions or maintain good will.
• Comfortable working in a non-routine environment with frequently changing situations.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensures all Show and Ride equipment maintains the highest level of safety in accordance with Universal Specifications, accepted manufacturing practices and local standards.
• Supervise and guide project technical personnel (indirect or direct reporting relationships).
• Drive safety improvements across all attractions. Exchange safety information across all parks and attractions. Monitor compliance with regulations and internal standards; develop new safety technologies; and ensure that safety protocols reflect theme park best practices and cutting-edge ideas. Track attraction safety.
• Makes direct engineering contributions to projects as required relative to engineering, code and standards compliance, Universal Specification compliance, and technical systems achievement of creative and business goals. Reviews the technical plans and results for UC projects as assigned. Enforces Universal's specifications, standards, and technical contracting methods. Assists with Universal Patent pursuit and defense.
• Interfaces with planning and development groups attached to USJ, USH, UO, and USS operations. May manage UC core technical personnel in existing park expansion and new venue development. Contributes to planning, budgeting, and staffing exercises in support of new UC work, including identifying and screening technical candidates at managerial or higher levels. Advise, review, and approve Project Risk Management for S/R systems related issues.
• Review and approve contract and legal documents related to Show and Ride systems as required for project work and as authorized by Engineering and Safety management.
• Oversee ADA compliance for Shows and Rides. Participate in Access Board meetings and activities. Develop and execute innovations/inventions that provide increased accessibility.
• Contributes to communication of common engineering issues and solutions between all Universal parks. Enhances consolidated use of UPR technical resources.
• Where assigned, will interface with Corporate Risk Management for S/R systems related issues, including providing technical representation for claims avoidance and defense. 
• Act as Universal’s technical representative for claims avoidance and defense. Act as principal interface to Park and Corporate Legal and Risk Management for Show and Ride systems issues.
• Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SCOPE

Complex, major decision making. Deals with sensitive or controversial matters on a frequent and recurring basis.

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering is required. Master’s degree in Mechanical or Electrical Engineering is preferred. 

EXPERIENCE

15 Years: Required Vendor Management experience with significant infield installation related experience.

Minimum 12 years' experience in direct theme park-specific technical/engineering roles supporting ride control equipment required (examples include, but are not limited to, ladder logic, variable frequency drives, motion control systems, control theory) or similar experience in related technical field.

8+ Years: Technical experience within controls engineering. Any experience in Theme Park development, construction, show and ride systems design or fabrication is preferred

Theme Park specific experience is highly preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Your talent, skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package.

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