Special Effects Designer

Job Posting Title:

Special Effects Designer

Req ID:

10157108

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.

This position is responsible for assisting with mock-up, design, production, installation, test/adjust and turnover of all special effects deliverables for one or more attraction/project. This entails efforts both as an individual and while working with leaders of Special effects design team and production staff.

This Role will report to the Senior Manager – Special Effects Designer

This is a full time role.

What You Will Do:

• Assist overall project team in scope development from concept stage through turnover.
• Concept, design and delivery of all required mockups.
• Preparation and delivery of documentation to establish FX scope on projects under the guidance of the SPFX Lead/Manager.
• Planning of some design/production strategy.
• Interface with Project disciplines to ensure internal/external requirements are met.
• Field installation.
• Maintenance and operations training & post opening support.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• 3+ years in Entertainment and/or Theme park special effects experience.
• Ability to concept & design special effects required to support the show, using any and all appropriate creative and technical methods, with sustainability focus.
• Ability to design, produce, install, maintain and troubleshoot theme park special effects equipment.
• Able to create effective plans and strategies to achieve the SPFX project needs.
• Ability to track to plan outline by senior designers/project to ensure goals are met.
• Knowledge of installed Disney theme park attractions from a technical and aesthetic show perspective.
• Knowledge of related Entertainment disciplines and their application to the creation of special effects, optics, mechanics, materials processes etc.

• Must be able to travel to all domestic and international sites for 1 week – 6 weeks + at a time.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

• Industrial design, manufacturing, operations and maintenance background with special effects system design experience.
• Ability to communicate with all levels of project and maintenance/operations staff and work with all related parties to ensure the technical and creative aspects of the show Special effects and projection are achieved successfully in terms creative requirements and in the most cost effective and timely fashion.
• Exhibit competency in the job requirements and responsibilities, along with demonstrated ability to manage some budget items, schedule and design deliverables, and the ability to effectively communicate well with peers in other disciplines and report appropriately to various levels of management.

Education:

• B.A./B.S. or equivalent preferred but not required.
• Theatrical training is also desirable.

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.   

This position can be based in Anaheim, CA or Orlando Florida. The hiring range/pay rate for the
Special Effects Designer is $91,000.00 - $128,000.00 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.

Job Posting Segment:

WDI Creative Development

Job Posting Primary Business:

Show Systems (WDI)

Primary Job Posting Category:

Production

Employment Type:

Full time

Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:

Anaheim, CA, USA

Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:

USA - FL - Pointe Orlando/Worldport

Date Posted:

2026-07-28