Show Set Designer Principal

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.

The Show Set Department turns concepts into reality, supporting the project team in creating the best show in the most effective manner. The Show Set Department crafts documents which express the design intent, coordinates and integrates all show fields within the boundaries of the architecture, and develops that intent into a biddable set of documents for fabrication and installation. The team continues its support of the design intent in vendor shops and through installation in the field.

Areas of direct responsibility include all set walls, scenic flats, platforms, ground rows, murals, set decoration, animated props and artificial foliage. Additionally, the Show Set Designer coordinates the ride system, animated figures, show-action equipment, projection equipment, audio equipment, ride sensors, special effects, rigging elements, facility elements, control rooms, guest egress, sprinklers, electrical boxes, exit signs, catwalks, themed lighting, show lighting, visual intrusion, maintenance access and all other physical entities within the show environment. Through the many artifices of the stage and entertainment medias, it is the mission of the Show Set Department to document highly entertaining environments in which the magic of each Disney story is possible.

You will report to the Executive Show Set Design!

This is a full time position.

What You Will Do

• Responsible for show set design up to the level of a “gated park” including build strategy and implementation of same in the field.

• Assist production designers and dimensional designer in coordinating models with drawings, participate in researching applicable materials and construction techniques, and support mock-ups and presentations.

• The designer advises and assists staff to build Show Set documents following company standards and guidelines.

• Track progress of work and report to upper management.

• Supervision of vendor interfaces and work progress in outside shops and job sites will also be required.

• Provide technical, managerial, and artistic leadership on projects is critical while also developing and participating in functional department initiatives.

• Management of complex negotiations across diverse stakeholder groups is essential to this role.

• Lead others on how to execute against deliverables as related to show set design.

• Direct and assist staff to create Show Set contract documents and support the Manager regarding resources and staffing. Role includes presenting updates to senior executives and leadership of others more than 50% of the time.

• Supervise multiple show set teams during design and installation crews in the field and will be the single point of contact on assignments.

• Willing to travel for extended periods of time.

Basic Qualifications/You Will Have

• Established career in the fields of Scenic Design with current practice in Film, Theater or Theme Park Industry.

• Minimum of 10 years working on related work with Walt Disney Imagineering or equivalent.

• Minimum of 6 years’ experience in CAD design and implementation.

• The designer should have exceptional skills in the development and communication of show set designs and concepts as well as the ability to assist teams in all stages of a project.

• Independent development of work plans, schedule and budgets are required for this role as well as accountability for managing these complex interrelated risks along with quality.

• Ability to supervise and lead vendors.

• Domestic and international travel may be required

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Theatre Design, Film Production, Architecture, with specialty in Scenic Design, Production Design, Interior Design, or Themed Architecture, or equivalent work experience.

Preferred Education

• Advanced graduate degree in a related specialized field

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.

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The hiring range for this position in Glendale, CA location is $112,100.00 - $150,200.00 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.