Special Effects Designer

The Walt Disney Company

Special Effects Designer developing and installing effects for Disney theme-park attractions and immersive entertainment. Supporting mockups, documentation, testing, maintenance training, and post-opening operations.

Posted 8/4/2026full-timeOrlando • California, Florida • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $91,000 - $128,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in designing, producing, and maintaining special effects for theme parks, with a strong focus on sustainability and effective project management. Capable of collaborating with diverse teams to ensure technical and creative requirements are met throughout the project lifecycle.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Special Effects DesignTheme Park ExperienceProject ManagementTechnical CommunicationSustainability Focus

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Concept DevelopmentMockup DesignProduction StrategyInstallation and MaintenanceTroubleshootingBudget ManagementField InstallationDocumentation PreparationCreative MethodsTechnical Methods

Soft Skills

CollaborationCommunicationCoordination

Industry Keywords

EntertainmentTheme ParkSpecial EffectsOpticsMechanicsMaterials ProcessesIndustrial DesignManufacturingOperationsTheatrical Training

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Assist the overall project team in scope development from concept stage through turnover
Concept, design, and deliver required mockups
Prepare and deliver documentation establishing FX scope under the guidance of the SPFX Lead/Manager
Plan some design and production strategy
Interface with project disciplines to ensure internal and external requirements are met
Perform field installation
Provide maintenance and operations training and post-opening support
Assist with mock-up, design, production, installation, testing/adjustment, and turnover of special effects deliverables for attractions/projects
Work individually and with Special Effects Design leaders and production staff

Requirements

What you’ll need

3+ years of entertainment and/or theme park special effects experience
Ability to concept and design special effects using appropriate creative and technical methods, with a sustainability focus
Ability to design, produce, install, maintain, and troubleshoot theme park special effects equipment
Ability to create effective plans and strategies for SPFX project needs
Ability to track plans and outlines established by senior designers/projects
Knowledge of installed Disney theme park attractions from technical and aesthetic show perspectives
Knowledge of related entertainment disciplines and their application to special effects, optics, mechanics, and materials processes
Must be able to travel to domestic and international sites for 1–6+ weeks at a time
Industrial design, manufacturing, operations, and maintenance background with special effects system design experience preferred
Ability to communicate with project and maintenance/operations staff and coordinate technical and creative show requirements
Demonstrated ability to manage some budget items, schedules, and design deliverables
B.A./B.S. or equivalent preferred but not required
Theatrical training desirable

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health and savings benefits
Educational opportunities
Special extras provided by Disney
Bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided
Medical, financial, and/or other benefits may be provided depending on level and position