Special Effects Designer - Project Hire / Internal Assignment

Job Posting Title: Special Effects Designer - Project Hire / Internal Assignment Req ID: 10154353 Job Description: 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 Special Effects Designer is responsible for the development and implementation of practical and visual special effects systems, including fire, lighting, projection, water, air, gas, and illusion-based technologies. This team collaborates across creative and technical disciplines to deliver immersive show environments through innovative design, fabrication, installation, and commissioning.  You will report to the Senior Manager – Special Effects Design.  This is a Project Hire position or Internal Assignment without any guarantee of permanent placement.  This is a full-time position.   What You Will Do:   Support multiple attractions in the development, design, and implementation of practical special effects systems  Lead or support field installation activities, including supervision of contractors and vendors  Provide maintenance and operations training and post-opening support for installed effects systems  Coordinate with creative, technical, and project management teams to ensure design intent is achieved  Participate in mockup construction and prototype fabrication for special effects applications  Troubleshoot and resolve technical challenges related to installation and system performance  Assist in integrating special effects systems into overall show and facility designs  Contribute to documentation and production processes throughout the project lifecycle  Required Qualifications & Skills:   3+ years of experience in themed entertainment special effects or a related technical field  Knowledge of a wide range of special effects systems including fire, projection, water, air, gas, and visual effects technologies  Ability to support multiple projects and manage competing priorities with guidance  Ability to work collaboratively with skilled craftspeople, creative teams, and technical disciplines  Strong communication skills and ability to coordinate across project teams  Experience supporting installation, testing, and system integration activities  Ability to travel domestically and/or internationally required  Preferred Qualifications & Skills:   Experience in mockup construction or prototype fabrication of special effects systems  Theatrical training and knowledge of stagecraft, illusions, or show systems  Experience mentoring or guiding junior team members  Laser safety, flame safety, or pyrotechnic safety training desirable  CAD, Sketchup, SolidWorks  3D modeling  Familiarity with Disney theme park special effects systems and processes  Education:   Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, Theater, Technical Production, or a related field 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 .  The hiring range for this position in Anaheim, CA is $95,500 - $128,000 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. Job Posting Segment: WDI Creative Development Job Posting Primary Business: Global Design Services (WDI) Primary Job Posting Category: Effects Employment Type: Full time Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code: Anaheim, CA, USA Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code: Date Posted: 2026-06-22