Senior Special Effects Designer

About the Role & Team

Walt Disney Imagineering is the creative force that imagines, designs, and brings to life all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions, and cruise ships worldwide. Working across a spectrum of disciplines that range from creative and conceptual to scientific and technical, Imagineers blend an innovative mixture of storytelling, art, science, and technology to create immersive experiences, memorable destinations, and innovative entertainment for families around the globe.

Nearly every project at Walt Disney Imagineering includes a first-of-its-kind. Innovation is in our DNA, and Imagineers constantly push the boundaries of technology and invent new goals as well as the solutions to achieve them. As Imagineers, one of our greatest rewards is knowing that the experiences and environments we create inspire others. The diversity of expertise at Imagineering makes us uniquely capable of influencing positive change in our communities and around the world. And knowing that we have helped make a difference is incredibly fulfilling and inspiring for all of us.

This position is responsible for assisting with mock-up, design, production, installation, test/adjust and turnover of all special effects deliverables for one or more attraction/project. This entails efforts both as an individual and while working with leaders of Special effects design team and production staff.

This Role will report to the Senior Manager – Special Effects Designer

This is a full time role.

What You Will Do

• Assist overall project team in scope development from concept stage through close-out
• Concept, design and delivery of all required feasibility mockups
• Knowledge and experience with Disney standards and requirements
• Preparation and delivery of documentation to establish FX scope schedule & budget
• Planning & management of overall design/production strategy
• Interface with all integrated disciplines to ensure internal/external requirements are met
• Oversight and management of all production activities to ensure budget & schedule are met
• Field installation supervision
• Maintenance and operations training & post opening support

Required Qualifications & Skills

• 10+ years in Entertainment and/or Theme park special effects experience.
• Ability to concept & design any level of special effect required to support the show, using all appropriate creative and technical methods. Ability to design, produce, install, maintain and troubleshoot theme park special effects equipment.
• Must be able to derive the most effective strategy to achieve the stated goals.
• Thorough knowledge of installed Disney theme park attractions from a technical and aesthetic show perspective.
• Knowledge of all related technical disciplines and their application to the creation of special effects, optics, mechanics, materials processes etc.
• Must be able to travel to all domestic and international sites for 1 week – 6 weeks + at a time.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills

• Industrial design, manufacturing, operations and maintenance background with special effects and projection system design experience.
• Theatrical training is also desirable. Ability to communicate with all levels of project and maintenance/operations staff and work with all related parties to ensure the technical and creative aspects of the show effects are achieved successfully in terms of creative requirements and in the most cost effective and timely fashion.
• The next level of career progression in this role is Principal Special Effects designer.
• Recommended minimum time in the Senior FX designer position is based on accomplishments and the ability to exhibit competency in the job requirements and responsibilities, along with demonstrated ability to manage budget, schedule and staff, and the ability to effectively lead other Senior staff, communicate well with peers in other disciplines and report appropriately to various levels of management.

Education

• B.A./B.S. or equivalent preferred but not required.
• Theatrical training is also desirable.

Additional Information

• Benefits and Perks: 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 can be based in Anaheim, CA or Orlando Florida. The hiring range/pay rate for the Senior Special Effects Designer is $100,100.00 - $140,900.00 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.