Director, Rides & Engineering

SeaWorld is a world-renowned leader in the themed-park and entertainment industry. Our success is built on a passion for caring for animals and a dedication to delivering positive, memorable experiences to people from around the world. Were also committed to helping ambitious people achieve their professional best. We're always seeking exceptionally skilled and knowledgeable individuals to join our team.

Scope:

• Position reports to Corporate Director, Rides & Engineering.
• Position provides support for all phases of amusement ride design, procurement, and installation at all SEA parks.
• Position is accountable for adherence to established project budgets & schedules.
• Position is accountable to SEA operational, maintenance, and safety standards and processes.
• Position requires domestic and international travel.
• Position is based in Orlando, Florida.

What you get to do:

Provide corporate oversight and direction for the design, engineering, performance, operation, and maintenance of Ride and technical systems for all SEA parks. Lead appropriate park disciplines in a collaborative effort to ensure the continuous safe operation of all amusement rides and life support systems. Advance SEA’s interests by developing and maintaining key relationships within the amusement rides industry.

• In support of Corporate Director, Rides & Engineering:Support new product development efforts by researching ride related issues & alternatives, and thematic/special effects elements. Actively participate in concept development, schematic design, and design development for new SEA attractions. Scrutinize specifications & details for ride and special effect systems. Organize and lead the cost estimating, bidding, and negotiating of contracts with ride and specialized system vendors, collaborating with SEA sourcing as required.Oversee installation, commissioning, and evaluation & acceptance process for rides and effects.Collaborate with park and corporate engineering, maintenance, park operations, creative, sourcing, entertainment, IT, and other project stake holders in order to ensure a holistic design and operational approach for SEA attractions.Support project managers and design consultants with coordination, design details, and other technical needs, as required for ride-related projects.
• Support standardization efforts for ride operations, ride maintenance, and ride safety. Provide technical leadership during system troubleshooting. Provide technical leadership for control systems (rides, energy management, life support, building management, etc.) across SEA parks.
• Develop & maintain key industry relationships with amusement ride vendors and specialty consultants (i.e., life support system design consultants, building/energy management providers, control system integrators, etc.). Tour & inspect vendor facilities to assess operations and quality control.
• Provide SEA representation on industry and/or government regulatory panels for amusement park and ride safety. Examples: ASTM Standards, AIMS (Amusement Industry Manufacturers & Suppliers), NAARSO (National Association of Amusement Ride Safety Officials), and others as appropriate.

What it takes to succeed:

• Bachelor of Science degree in Civil, Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, or other related engineering discipline.
• Professional Engineering Licensure or the ability to become licensed as a professional engineer within 5 years of starting in this position.
• Three to five years (minimum) combined experience in engineering, maintenance, and/or project management, ride/system design, preferably in a major theme park environment.
• Experience with industrial or ride/entertainment control systems preferred.
• Excellent communication skills – oral & written.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to analyze complex issues and develop effective plans and strategies.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals at all levels within the organization.
• Technical & functional knowledge of amusement rides and associated systems.
• Technical & functional knowledge of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
• Functional knowledge of specialty systems used within the theme park industry.
• Ability to lead a diverse group of technical and professional individuals, & flourish in a team environment.

The perks of the position:

• Paid Time Off
• Complimentary Park Tickets and Passes
• Park Discounts on Food and Merchandise
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401K Retirement plan
• Voluntary Insurance
• Life Insurance
• Disability Benefits
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Legal Assistance Plan

EEO Employer:

SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.