Associate Engineer, Controls

JOB SUMMARY:

Responsibilities will encompass a wide range of tasks including downtime recovery, troubleshooting, fault analysis, redesign projects, obsolete part migration, and the integration of control and mechanical hardware ensuring the seamless operation of Ride & Show systems across all attractions. On-call 24/7, carrying the Engineering Duty Phone on a rotational basis, and serving as the primary liaison for the Engineering department, addressing issues across disciplines to support Ride & Show and Operations. All work will adhere strictly to ASTM F24 Committee guidelines and comply with relevant codes, regulations, and standards such as AISC, ASME, ASTM, ANSI, AWS, JIC, NEC, and OSHA, ensuring the highest levels of safety and compliance.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

Troubleshoots electromechanical systems while conducting fault identification and failure analysis to facilitate downtime recovery during the day-to-day operations of Universal Orlando (UO) parks while being the main liaison between Engineering and partners in Ride and Show and Operations. Provides design solutions for Ride & Show systems ranging from basic to moderate levels of complexity to improve safety, operational reliability, show quality, and serviceability of equipment. Places an emphasized focus on improving system diagnostics, technical training of Ride & Show and Engineering Team Members, and Preventive Maintenance improvement. Generates engineering documentation to validate design solutions that have been implemented by the engineer including but not limited to control system hardware analysis, firmware analysis, code comparison documentation, change bulletins, CAD drawing changes, and training procedures. Generates Acceptance Test Procedures to validate all system design changes in accordance with Universal Destinations & Experiences (UDX) standards and procedures. Utilizes project management skills to coordinate project efforts, assigned by Engineering management, with Operations and Ride & Show divisions to make effective use of the venue and Team Member resources to drive projects to completion. Documents project status of assigned tasks to give regular and insightful updates to the appropriate attraction management, both operations and Ride & Show as well as Engineering Management. Maintains configuration management of controls hardware and software (drawings) documentation in accordance with Engineering’s guidelines and procedures for proper archiving and security. Understands and actively participates in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities. Performs other duties as assigned.

EDUCATION:

Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering Technology, Computer Engineering required, or related field preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

0-1 years of experience in control systems and installations utilizing PLCs, ladder logic, variable frequency drives and technical fault analysis/identifications in a theme park or equivalent environment required Or equivalent combination of education and experience.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Preferred Knowledgeable in ASTM and F24 standards. Experience in the design of safety‑critical systems. Experience with servo controls as applied to hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromotive motion control systems. \"Hands‑on\" experience with PLC and automated control systems. Experience with motor control centers, motor starters, and variable speed drives. Knowledge of the generation of control system specifications, and acceptance test procedures. Experience utilizing the following products and networks: Programmable Logic Controllers & Programming Software: Rockwell Automation, Siemens, Beckhoff, Omron and/or Pilz Variable Frequency Drives: Rockwell Automation, ABB, Siemens, and/or Schneider Electric Human Machine Interfaces: Standalone HMIs (PanelView, SIMATIC, and/or Comfort Panel) and SCADA Systems (FactoryTalk View Studio Suite, WinCC, ICONICS and/or Ignition) Industrial Communication Networks: Ethernet I/P, EtherCAT, PROFINET, PROFIBUS, DeviceNet, ControlNet, Data Highway Plus, Remote I/O and/or MODBUS) AC and DC motors and motor control systems.

REQUIRED:

Experience with troubleshooting and problem‑solving of electrical, mechanical, and/or control systems. Experience communicating and collaborating with diverse teams to complete complex tasks. Experience working in diverse teams to accomplish a common goal. Experience communicating effectively across varying skill sets and knowledge bases to define tasks and project status. Experience keeping detailed records through a project lifecycle from initiation to completion Knowledge of a high‑level programming language (\"C\", Visual Basic or JAVA). Knowledge of electrical standards UL 508A, NFPA and NEC. Your talent, skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package. Universal Orlando is an equal opportunity employer. Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2026 Universal Studios. All rights reserved. EOE #J-18808-Ljbffr Universal Studios