Associate 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 project close-out

• Assist with design and delivery of all required feasibility mockups

• Interface with all integrated disciplines to ensure internal/external requirements are met

• Field installation support

• Assist in overall documentation of mock-up’s, design decisions, etc.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Ability to support mock-up’s and design development for special effects leads required to support the show scope.

• Ability to assist in production activities, install support, and assist in troubleshooting of theme park special effects equipment.

• Ability to manage to a timeline and track to plan based on lead designer direction to ensure goals are met.

• Basic knowledge of installed Disney theme park attractions from a technical and aesthetic show perspective.

  Basic knowledge of Entertainment related technical disciplines and their application to the creation of special effects.

• Basic understanding of fabrication principles and processes.

• 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.

• Strong communication skills across all mediums of SPFX staff and work with all related parties to ensure the technical and creative aspects of the show Special effects are achieved successfully.

• Exhibit curiosity, problem solving and a desire to learn SPFX techniques, with a demonstrated ability to adhere to task based on assignment from SPFX leads.

• Basic knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite of products.

• CAD Familiarity

• 1-3 years in Entertainment and/or special effects experience.

• Understanding Entertainment/Special effects/Lighting equipment, materials, processes, etc.

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 Associate Special Effects Designer is $75,700.00 - $106,400.00 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.