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Senior Manager, Illusion Production

Job ID 10118141 Location Glendale, California, United States / Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Apr. 09, 2025
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Job Summary:

WDI is the master planning, creative development, design, engineering, production, project management, and research and development arm of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products business segment. Representing more than 150 disciplines, its talented corps of Imagineers are responsible for the creation of Disney resorts, theme parks and attractions, hotels, water parks, real estate developments, regional entertainment venues, cruise ships and new media technology projects worldwide which includes other Disney Intellectual Property such as Marvel, Pixar and Lucasfilm.

About the Role & Team

Within the Show Systems studio, we bring magic to life. Our processes and tools transform concept designs or mock-ups into full-fledged production, assembly, and installation. Our show mechanical engineering and production teams are responsible for delivering our world-class Audio-Animatronic figures, show action equipment, and mechanical integration of show elements. They work through design, engineering, simulation, production support, and installation, ensuring that each step aligns with the project’s goals and budget.

We seek professionals who are passionate about diverse experiences, eager to learn, and confident in upholding the Disney quality that our guests expect. If you think you have what it takes, please apply today!



What You Will Do

  • Lead the teams responsible for manufacturing of work within the illusions Studio. Areas of responsibility:

    • Surface development

    • Figure finishing

    • Procurement

    • Shipping and receiving

    • Electro-mechanical fabrication & assembly

  • Support cost reduction activities and lead activities to develop ideas to generate cost savings

  • Support productivity and waste reduction activities

  • Support Manufacturing Engineering with all error-proofing activities. Ability to learn about PLC’s, logic, etc.

  • Assist production to develop and maintain the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) for production related processes and train operators, lead people, supervisors, and managers as required.

  • Work with suppliers and subcontractor to influence schedule plans, mitigations, and acceleration

  • Develop schedules and specialty reports as needed to focus on critical items and align team to progress requirements

  • Manufacturing process improvements within the building:

    • Communication and report out styles (MS Teams, excel, PowerPoint MS Project, P6)

    • Outside vendor tracking

    • Product Workflow improvements

      • Job plans

      • Trackers

      • Job, Batch or Flow methods

    • Process workflow

      • Manufacturing workflow

    • Ordering and tracking systems

  • Working with the Financial team:

    • Forecasting and tracking

    • Earned value of design and manufacturing resources

    • Report out and percent complete

  • Change management and effective communication to project.

  • Interaction with project teams and great relationship skills.

Required Qualifications & Skills

  • Strong manufacturing background in 3D printing, CNC machining, fabrication planning

  • 10+ years in manufacturing environment for high end precision mechanical assemblies

  • 5+ years’ experience in project management or project engineering

  • B.S degree in Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent area

  • Extensive experience in reading engineering drawings, SolidWorks, Auto CAD and Part fabrication methods

  • Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate others to meet deadlines

  • The ability to work in a logical, systematic manner.

  • Planning and organizational skills, ability to run and monitor the production process, and adjust workflows as needed

  • Strong understanding of robotic systems, with general knowledge of electrical and programming

  • Understanding of QC methods, reports and material tracking

  • Strong ability to problem solve and think outside the box

Preferred Education & Experience

  • PMP (Project Management Professional)

  • Lean manufacturing 6 Sigma or higher

  • M.S Manufacturing Engineering or related areas

  • Experience with Themed Entertainment

Additional Information

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.

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The hiring range for this position in California is $151,000.00-$202,500.00 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.

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About Walt Disney Imagineering:

Founded in 1952 as WED Enterprises to design and build the world’s first theme park — Disneyland — Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is where imagination and creativity combine with cutting-edge technology to create unforgettable experiences. WDI is the creative force that imagines, designs and builds all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions and cruise ships worldwide. Imagineering’s unique strength comes from its diverse global team of creative and technical professionals, who build on Disney’s legacy of storytelling to pioneer new forms of entertainment. The Imagineers who practice this unique blend of art and science work in more than 100 disciplines to shepherd an idea all the way from “blue sky” concept phase to opening day.

About The Walt Disney Company:

The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.

This position is with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., which is part of a business we call Walt Disney Imagineering.

Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. 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.

DISABILITY ACCOMMODATION FOR EMPLOYMENT APPLICATIONS

The Walt Disney Company and its Affiliated Companies are Equal Employment Opportunity employers and welcome all job seekers including individuals with disabilities and veterans with disabilities. If you have a disability and believe you need a reasonable accommodation in order to search for a job opening or apply for a position, visit the Disney candidate disability accommodations FAQs. We will only respond to those requests that are related to the accessibility of the online application system due to a disability.

Having technical issues? View the FAQs for help.

Hiring Process

  • Where Does Your Story Begin?

    Explore Disney Careers and the Life at Disney blog to learn about all the amazing opportunities waiting to be discovered at The Walt Disney Company.

  • Be Part of the Story

    There are many different brands and businesses to explore. Once you've found the opportunity that is right for you, take the next step by completing your application.

  • The Next Chapter

    Once you've applied, you will receive an email allowing you to access your candidate dashboard. Create your login and make sure to check your dashboard often to see your application progress.

Explore this Location Glendale, CA

The Los Angeles County city is home to authentic Middle Eastern food, culture, and its very own “Walk of Fame.”

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