Senior Ride Development Engineer – Mechanical Ride System Design, Development & Installation

Join arenaflex as a Senior Ride Development Engineer

Are you ready to shape the future of entertainment engineering? At arenaflex, we don't just build rides – we create unforgettable experiences that spark joy, wonder, and lifelong memories for millions of guests around the world. As a Senior Ride Development Engineer, you'll be at the forefront of innovation, transforming creative visions into breathtaking mechanical realities that define the entertainment landscape.

For decades, arenaflex has been the gold standard in themed entertainment, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in ride engineering. Our legacy is built on imagination, technical excellence, and an unwavering commitment to safety. Now, we're looking for a visionary Senior Ride Development Engineer to join our Ride Development team and help us continue our tradition of creating world-class attractions that captivate and inspire.

About the Role

As a Senior Ride Development Engineer at arenaflex, you'll serve as a key leader within our Ride Development Engineering group, taking ownership of every aspect of mechanical ride system design and development – from initial concept through final installation. You'll work on diverse and exciting ride platforms that demand exceptional requirements for extreme duty cycles, high reliability, and intrinsic life safety considerations.

This role offers a unique opportunity to collaborate with talented technical and creative professionals in an environment where scope and requirements evolve dynamically. You'll be challenged to think creatively, solve complex engineering problems, and bring innovative ride experiences to life that will be enjoyed by guests for generations.

Reporting to the Executive Ride Development Engineering leadership, you'll be instrumental in driving our ride development initiatives forward while maintaining the highest standards of engineering excellence and safety.

What You'll Do

As a Senior Ride Development Engineer, your responsibilities will span the entire ride development lifecycle. You'll be involved in "clean sheet" concept design, creating rides that meet both creative intent and partner requirements. Your technical expertise will be essential in distilling and organizing requirements from high-level concepts, stories, and artwork into detailed engineering specifications.

Key responsibilities include:

• Concept Design & Engineering: Lead "clean sheet" concept design rides that meet creative intent and partner requirements, transforming imaginative ideas into functional mechanical systems
• Requirements Translation: Distil and organize technical requirements from high-level concept/story descriptions and artwork, converting creative visions into actionable engineering specifications
• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with key stakeholders to define system requirements and interface specifications, ensuring alignment between creative, engineering, and operational teams
• Team Leadership: Direct the daily activities of an engineering and design team through all phases of work – including planning, mockups, production, installation, testing, turnover, and close-out efforts
• Documentation & Reporting: Be responsible for the development of scope, analysis, testing, risk, and report documentation, maintaining comprehensive records throughout the project lifecycle
• Vendor Management: Oversee contractor and vendor management and supervision, ensuring external partners meet arenaflex standards for quality and safety
• CAD & Drawing Development: Lead 3D modeling and drawing development and release, creating precise technical documentation for manufacturing and installation
• Prototype Oversight: Lead large-scale proof of concept model and prototype efforts – plan, fabricate, and test mechanical systems to validate design concepts
• Procurement Support: Collaborate with the project procurement team to evaluate, bid, and award external vendor contracts
• Installation Leadership: Lead and supervise the installation of ride mechanical equipment, providing field support and testing throughout the commissioning process

What You'll Bring

Essential Qualifications

To succeed in this role, you'll need a strong foundation in mechanical engineering with demonstrated experience in complex mechanical system design. Your expertise should span advanced engineering principles including statics, dynamics, tolerances, kinematics, and stress/strain analysis.

• Mechanical Engineering Experience: Hands-on mechanical engineering experience with a track record of delivering complex mechanical systems from concept to completion
• Advanced Engineering Knowledge: Strong command of engineering fundamentals including statics, dynamics, tolerances, kinematics, and stress/strain analysis
• Technical Expertise: Proficiency in machine design, weldments, power train systems, and materials selection for demanding applications
• Design Tools Proficiency: Capability with industry-standard design tools including SolidWorks, Navisworks, AutoCAD, SketchUp, ANSYS, FEA, and Matlab
• Design Sensibilities: Superior design sensibilities combined with creative problem-solving abilities
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively across diverse teams and present technical information clearly

Preferred Qualifications

While not required, the following experiences and credentials will help you stand out:

• Industry Experience: Prior themed entertainment or amusement park industry experience with advanced knowledge of the sector's unique requirements and guest expectations
• Life Safety Design: Experience with life safety design and requirements, understanding the critical importance of safety in guest-facing attractions
• Prototype Development: Experience with prototype, development, or innovative product development cycles
• Professional Certifications: Technical certifications such as EIT (Engineer in Training), FE (Fundamentals of Engineering), or PE (Professional Engineer) credentials
• Project Leadership: Experience leading cross-functional teams through complete product development cycles

Skills & Competencies

Beyond formal qualifications, success as a Senior Ride Development Engineer at arenaflex requires a unique combination of technical acumen and interpersonal skills:

• Systems Thinking: The ability to understand and integrate multiple mechanical, electrical, and control subsystems into cohesive ride solutions
• Problem-Solving: Creative approach to engineering challenges with the ability to develop innovative solutions under varying constraints
• Adaptability: Comfortable working in environments where scope and requirements change frequently, with the flexibility to pivot as project needs evolve
• Leadership: Capability to mentor junior engineers and lead multidisciplinary teams toward common goals
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous approach to design and documentation, ensuring accuracy across all engineering deliverables
• Safety Focus: Deep commitment to safety principles, understanding that every design decision impacts guest and team member wellbeing

Career Growth & Development

At arenaflex, we invest heavily in the growth and development of our team members. As a Senior Ride Development Engineer, you'll have access to unparalleled opportunities to advance your career in one of the world's most innovative industries.

You'll work alongside industry veterans who have shaped the themed entertainment landscape, learning from their decades of experience while contributing your own fresh perspectives. Our robust professional development programs include advanced technical training, leadership development, and exposure to cutting-edge engineering methodologies.

As you grow in your role, you'll have the opportunity to take on increasingly complex projects, mentor emerging talent, and potentially advance into leadership positions within our engineering organization. The skills you'll develop at arenaflex – from advanced mechanical design to cross-functional collaboration – are highly transferable and valuable across multiple industries.

Work Environment & Culture

arenaflex is more than a workplace – it's a community of passionate professionals united by a shared mission to create joy through innovation. Our culture celebrates creativity, encourages intellectual curiosity, and fosters an environment where every team member's contributions are valued.

You'll find yourself working in state-of-the-art facilities equipped with the latest engineering tools and technology. Our collaborative workspaces encourage cross-pollination of ideas between disciplines, and our team members frequently cite the strong sense of camaraderie and shared purpose as highlights of working at arenaflex.

We understand that great engineering requires balance, and we offer flexible work arrangements, generous time off, and support for wellness. Whether you're deep in a design challenge or celebrating a successful installation, you'll be part of a team that recognizes and celebrates achievements at every level.

Compensation & Benefits

arenaflex offers competitive compensation packages that reflect the value our team members bring to our organization. In addition to competitive salaries, we provide comprehensive benefits including health, dental, and vision coverage, retirement savings plans, tuition assistance, and extensive paid time off.

Our compensation philosophy ensures that top talent is rewarded appropriately, with opportunities for performance-based increases and bonuses. We also offer unique perks specific to the entertainment industry, including exclusive access to our attractions and special events.

Join Our Team

If you're ready to combine your engineering expertise with your passion for creating magical experiences, we want to hear from you. At arenaflex, you'll do more than build rides – you'll create memories that last a lifetime for millions of people around the world.

This is your opportunity to make your mark on the entertainment industry, working with a team that values innovation, safety, and excellence above all else. Apply today and become part of something extraordinary.

arenaflex is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.