Show Systems Specialist

As part of the Entertainment Technical Systems team, this position provides fleet-wide technical support, sustainment, troubleshooting, and lifecycle management for Disney Cruise Line entertainment technology systems. Responsibilities include supporting Show Control systems, E-Games platforms, animatronic entertainment offerings, and related operational technologies that deliver world-class guest experiences.

The role works closely with shipboard teams, Walt Disney Imagineering, Entertainment Operations, IT, Cybersecurity, Safety, and other key partners to maintain system reliability, implement technical solutions, support regulatory and company compliance requirements, and drive continuous improvement initiatives across the fleet. The ideal candidate combines strong technical expertise with effective collaboration skills and the ability to translate operational challenges into practical, sustainable solutions.

Job Responsibilities

• Support the day-to-day operation and maintenance of all Disney Cruise Line Show Control systems fleet-wide as they relate to entertainment offerings.
• Act as on-call support for shipboard team when challenges with Show Control systems arise.
• Maintain and debug software in multiple languages.
• Knowledge and understanding of Real-time Operating Systems.
• Conduct SQS audits of Show Control Systems.
• Work with shipboard teams to assist with ongoing training items from the Sr. Show Systems Specialist and Technical Training Manager.
• Partner with entertainment operations sustainment team to address challenges with/integration of:
• Audio systems
• Video systems
• Stage automation systems
• Special effects systems
• Partner with DCL IT network team to address entertainment VLAN challenges and implement necessary changes.
• Lead the administration, maintenance, troubleshooting, and lifecycle management of fleet-wide E-Games systems, ensuring reliable operation and alignment with Disney Cruise Line technology standards.
• Collaborate with DCL IT and Cybersecurity teams to support fleet-wide entertainment system access, authentication, security, and compliance initiatives.
• Provide technical leadership for the maintenance and sustainment of animatronic entertainment systems, partnering with Walt Disney Imagineering, Entertainment Operations, and shipboard teams to ensure safe, reliable, and exceptional guest experiences.
• Partner with the WDW Simulation team to implement updates to the DCL Training Lab pre-visualization systems.
• Partners with Disney Cruise Line Safety team to ensure compliance with set policies and procedures as well as all maritime and ship safety standards and Flag compliance.
• Partners with Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Entertainment Standards team to ensure company standards compliance.
• Partners with Worldwide Safety team to ensure company safety standards are met.
• Partner with shoreside Entertainment Technical Leadership, Disney Cruise Line Safety partners and the Standards and Sustainment team to ensure Safety Management Systems and Operating Guideline documentation is up to date and in accordance with current safety and regulatory practices.

Basic Qualifications/Experience

• Minimum five years show production experience in a similar role, preferably as a Show Control Systems operator.
• Ability to read, understand and translate multiple software languages (C, C++, C#, Delphi, Node JS)
• Experience operating and maintaining Real-time Operating System software.
• In-depth understanding of network communication and protocols
• Familiarity with different communication methodologies (DMX, TCP/UDP, Serial, etc)

Preferred Qualifications/Experience

• Experience installing and troubleshooting electric motor, hydraulic and pneumatic actuators.
• Familiarity with show controller hardware (AMX, Navigator, Beckhoff TwinCAT, V16, or similar devices).
• Familiarity with "Unreal" preferred.
• Understanding of Ladder Logic.
• Experience with GrandMA lighting consoles, SMPTE time code or MIDI controlled equipment.
• Experience with video projection systems, theatrical special effects
• Knowledge of stage automation systems.
• Knowledge of broadcast video systems 
• Knowledge of robotic animatronics 
• B.S. in Computer Science, or BA in Theatre with focus in technical systems 

Physical Demands

• Available and willing to work weekends, holidays and third shift, as needed.
• Willingness to travel extensively on various domestic and international assignments as needed for Disney Cruise Line and related projects.

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PAY TRANSPARENCY

The hiring range for this position in Celebration, Florida is $83,000 to $111,200 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also 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.

This position is with Magical Cruise Company, Limited, which is part of a business we call Disney Cruise Line.

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Magical Cruise Company, Limited is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or protected veteran status. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.

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