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

Manages and/or supervises a team that provides subject matter expertise on one or more Ride and/or Show and/or Interactive system disciplines, that include but not limited to, Audio, Special Effects, Projection, Lighting, Set/Scenic, Props, Show Action Equipment, Animated Figures, Ride Mechanical Systems, Ride Control, or Show Control Systems. Ensures internal and external specifications are being met. Manages and/or supervises a team that performs research, development, review, approval, and technical analysis under an area of responsibility. The Research and Development Lead Engineer is responsible for advancing prototypes into products and platforms that advance our creative experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts. Role may have multiple direct reports who manage multiple engineering related aspects of an initiative or an entire program or platform. They have a strong collaborative side and must be a change agent who is open to feedback and comfortable handling risk and fluidity. Will provide daily subject matter expertise and guidance to the research & development team.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Responsible for assessing and signing off technical teamwork product quality. Participate in technical reviews for various teams for inputs and to provide guidance for areas of all forms of risk. Works with Internal partners and contractors to ensure a clear line of communication regarding installation, system integration, test, and adjust activities. Oversees and validates engineering analyses, development of technical documents, and technical decision making.
• Determines system level acceptability of research and development team and/or Vendor-provided design review documents. Determines if a hazard analysis is necessary and then ensures one is performed in support of internal development efforts. Includes drawing review, component selection review, calculation review, test plan review, test results review, or review of other deliverable items as specified.
• Makes direct engineering contributions to research and development internal projects as required. Performs Show, Ride and Interactive systems research, contributions to research and development scope, specification, design or analysis, field, mock-up assistance for installation, test, and adjust. Participate with technology development teams (external and internal).
• Works with Core E&S to interpret, enforce, and modify, Universal's specifications, standards, and technical contracting methods. Adopts and/or waives new and current Show and Ride technical specifications for new attractions and systems.
• Assists the research and development team by supporting the portability, maintainability, reliability, operability, serviceability, supportability and safety of systems under development. Performs engineering technical (calculation, design, drafting, research) support to the team and/or overall technology as assigned. Contributes modifications to hardware/software systems as required based upon design and field conditions. Drive technical improvements across all scopes. Defines and verifies systems meet all quality control requirements. Work closely with Creative development teams on creating the concept of the overall experience and ensuring delivery meets all creative requirements.
• 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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Ability to perform the following is required:

• 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 and manage a complex series of tasks and vendor(s) to develop and implement show and ride systems. 
• Strength in schedule analysis and contract management required.
• 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.

EDUCATION

Bachelor’s Degree in applicable technical field required or equivalent demonstrated skill and experience.

EXPERIENCE

8+ years’ experience in direct theme park specific technical/engineering roles required or similar experience in related technical field.

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

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