Show Controls Software Developer (Project Hire/Internal Assignment)

Job Summary:

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.

Within the Creative Show Design & Delivery studio is where we produce the magic. Our processes and tool sets take us from concept design or mockups to full production, assembly and installation. You will work as part of the team creating world-class attractions. Thinking outside of the box and creative problem solving is a must. We’re looking for professionals who are thirsty for diverse experiences, who are eager to learn and who are confident they can uphold the Disney quality that our guests expect. If this sounds like you, please apply today!

You will report to the Controls Software Dev Mgr.

This is a Project Hire position without any guarantee of permanent placement.

What You Will Do:

As a Show Controls Software Developer , you will play a critical role in creating and deploying the next generation of show control technologies that power immersive attractions and venues worldwide. You will design, develop, and deliver robust real‑time software systems that integrate hardware and software into cohesive, reliable, and safe show experiences.

This is an individual contributor role focused on deep technical ownership, cross‑discipline collaboration, and lifecycle responsibility from concept through commissioning and long‑term operation.

Technical Leadership & Delivery

• Collaborate with creative, engineering, and project teams to define software technical requirements that support project goals and creative intent.

• Architect, design, develop, and maintain complete software systems or major feature sets, including both guest‑facing and internal tools.

• Collaborate on software estimation, scheduling, planning, implementation, testing, deployment, and closeout for assigned project scope.

System Integration & Reliability

• Work closely with other technical disciplines to ensure integrated hardware and software systems operate cooperatively, reliably, and safely throughout their expected service life.

• Balance evolving technical requirements with fixed budgets and schedules, communicating risks, tradeoffs, and options clearly to project and studio leadership.

Collaboration & Communication

• Partner with project and studio leadership to execute project goals while adhering to industry standards and best practices in software development.

• Provide clear, incremental status updates and technical communication to software peers, leads, and stakeholders.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• 3+ years of experience in industrial automation and/or process control, with a primary focus on software development

• Hands‑on experience programming PLCs such as Beckhoff, Siemens, Rockwell, or similar platforms

• Proficiency with IEC 61131‑3 programming languages

• Experience working within process control or controls engineering development standards and workflows

• Foundational understanding of control hardware and the ability to read and interpret electrical schematics

• Strong technical documentation, writing, and communication skills

• Demonstrated ability to translate creative ideas into real‑world, reliable software solutions

• Familiarity with modern software development practices and tools such as version control, CI/CD pipelines, and workflow management systems (e.g., GitHub, GitLab, Perforce, Jenkins, JIRA, Bamboo)

• Willingness to travel to project sites and support installations, commissioning, and relocations ranging from short business trips to extended project assignments

Preferred Qualifications & Skills:

• Scientific or real‑time programming experience (C, C++, Visual C)

• Experience with mechanical, mechatronic, or robotics systems and software that governs real‑world motion and physical systems.

• Familiarity with technologies such as EtherCAT, ADS, DS‑402, Profibus, DMX/sACN, Python

• Experience with industry tools including Visual Studio, RSLogix, MATLAB, ROS, AutoCAD, Autodesk Maya, or MotionBuilder, Game engine technology

• Knowledge of functional safety standards such as IEC 61508, ISO 13849, IEC 61511, ISO 13855, and IEC 62061

Education:

Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent degree/experience) in an engineering or science discipline is required. Computer Science/Engineering or Electronics Engineering preferred.

The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA is $141,900.00 to $190,300.00 per year based on a 40-hour work week. The number of hours scheduled per week may vary based on business needs. The base pay offered will consider internal equity and 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, depending on the level and position offered.