Job Summary:

Walt Disney Imagineering makes the impossible possible, by combining innovation and storytelling to bring Disney stories, characters, and worlds to life. Imagineering is the master planning, creative development, design, engineering, production, project management, and R&D arm for Disney’s parks, resorts, and cruise line. The Imagineers are responsible for the creation - from concept initiation through installation - of Disney Resorts, theme parks and attractions, real estate developments, regional entertainment venues, and new media projects. Disney Imagineers are uniquely talented individuals that bring together the best aspects of creativity, collaboration, innovation, and passion.

The WDI Technology Studio is looking for a leader to create, to inspire and to deploy the next generation of technologies and strategies for WDI that will drive our guest experiences to new heights in upcoming attractions and venues. This executive reports to the Imagineering SVP of Technology & Innovation for all Walt Disney Imagineering scope and to the segment EVP, CDTO for the Reference Architecture, Cloud Transformation, Global Platforms, Ecosystems & Product/System Engineering work. The role will be responsible for developing and sustaining platforms that enable the latest innovations in our parks, global attractions, and cruise lines. The team will relocate to Orlando, Florida in late 2024.

Responsibilities:

Works with Product, Engineering, UX Design, Project Management, executive leaders to develop, prioritize, and refine the WDI technology strategy and roadmap

Responsible for WDI functions including but not limited to, attractions software and libraries, WDI tools and processes, R&D productization sustainment, WDI IT and Tech Operations, and Information security

Drives WDI technology enabled workflow transformation via BIM, PLM, & Digital Pipeline Technologies

Supports advanced technology development (computer graphics, robotics, entertainment technology)

Partners with Digital & Technology, Disney Research and Advanced Development to productize new innovations and technology

Oversees the delivery of a wide range of software used in our attractions including: show control software, human safety systems, ride controls software, design and model services tools, interactive games and media projection tools

Ensures computer hardware and software for constructed systems operates reliably over the expected usable life of project

Collaborates and influences executive business leadership to leverage in-house tools and capabilities, delivers attraction technology and digital solutions, and ensures smooth hand-offs to Imagineering projects and parks operational teams. Key business partners include Walt Disney Imagineering, WDI-R&D, Finance, Park Operations and segment Tech and Digital

Continuously ensures appropriate processes, personnel and required technology capabilities are in place to meet business availability and performance service level agreements

Develops strategies to determine build versus buy decisions

Actively works to build and mentor a highly motivated, collaborative, enthusiastic, and skilled teams, communicating career paths, training, and development. Successful candidates have demonstrated the ability to build strong and collaborative teams through transparency and open communication

Basic Qualifications:

10+ years of experience in managing teams delivering large scale solutions across multiple business units and geographies

Demonstrated ability to build innovative teams who work effectively with Creative Content Designers

Recognized technology leader with a history of delivering innovative customer facing Applications and Production Tools for Creative teams

An understanding of network security and communication technologies and architectures

An understanding of integrated hardware/software solutions

Demonstrated track-record of delivering innovative, high-quality solutions on-time and on-budget including annual operating and long-term financial plan detail

Ability to establish executive level relationships across the various business and technology and digital executives within Disney and the ability to operate in matrixed and complex environments

Strong leadership, influence, and negotiation skills with creative, business, and technical groups

A proven leader with the ability to motivate teams to produce quality results within challenging timeframes and ongoing change; leader must be comfortable disrupting the status quo.

Confident and effective communicator who demonstrates deep personal character and optimism

Recognizes and celebrates diverse backgrounds, points of view and culture histories that directly impact the organization’s ability to innovate

Preferred Qualifications:

Demonstrated experience supporting solutions in international regions

Understanding of Realtime and Safety Certified system development

Required Education

Bachelor’s degree in computer science, electrical engineering, computer engineering from accredited college or university. Advanced degrees preferred.

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 https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits.

This role is considered hybrid, which means the employee will work a portion of their time on-site from a Company designated location and the remainder of their time remotely.