Manager, R&D Machine Shop
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10133582 Location Glendale, California, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Oct. 16, 2025Job Summary:
About the Role & Team:
Walt Disney Imagineering makes the impossible possible by combining innovation and storytelling to bring Disney stories, characters, and worlds to life. Imagineering is the master planning, creative development, design, engineering, production, project management, and research and development arm of The Walt Disney Company. Its talented Imagineers are responsible for the creation - from concept initiation through installation - of all Disney Resorts, theme parks and attractions, real estate developments, regional entertainment venues, and new media projects. Disney Imagineers are uniquely talented individuals who bring together the best aspects of creativity, innovation, and passion.
At Imagineering Research and Development, our mission is to use technology to build new experiences for our Guests and new tools for Imagineers and the Cast Members who power our parks. R&D is a team of engineers, designers, artists, and scientists who share a passion for solving hard problems and building ground-breaking experiences.
Our R&D Machine Shop Manager will lead our operations, manage a team of driven technicians, and guide our R&D prototyping process.
You will report to the Executive R&D Imagineer, Research and Development.
This is a Full-Time role.
What You Will Do:
Lead day-to-day operations of the R&D Machine Shop, including scheduling, workflow prioritization, and resource allocation.
Manage a team of technicians, fostering a culture of collaboration, craftsmanship, and creative problem-solving.
Partner closely with R&D Imagineers, ride engineers, and show teams to translate design intent into physical prototypes.
Oversee safe shop practices and ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards.
Maintain and develop machine shop and woodshop capabilities, including equipment, tooling, and techniques.
Guide the prototyping process from concept through delivery, balancing speed, testing, quality, and technical feasibility.
Mentor and develop talent, providing technical coaching and supporting career growth.
Collaborate across Walt Disney Imagineering to share best practices, drive innovation, and scale prototype solutions into full project development.
Embrace flexibility and adaptability as the team learns through prototyping and playtesting, adjusting strategy as needed
Required Qualifications & Skills:
Minimum 5 years of supervisory or managerial experience, and 10 years overall experience, in a machine shop, fabrication environment, or R&D prototyping environment.
Deep knowledge of fabrication methods (machining, sheet metal, welding, wood, additive/subtractive manufacturing, 3D printing, rapid prototyping techniques) and shop safety standards.
Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage diverse teams of skilled tradespeople, engineers, and technicians.
Ability to provide clear, direct feedback to other team members
Proven track record of delivering prototypes that inform engineering decisions, design intent, and guest experience outcomes.
Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to thrive in a fast-paced, iterative environment.
Ability to coordinate and manage vendors and workloads performed outside the R&D Studio
Preferred Qualifications & Skills:
Experience working in themed entertainment, movies/TV SFX, aerospace, automotive, or related industries with a focus on prototyping and innovation.
Familiarity with design and engineering processes, from blue sky to implementation.
Ability to inspire creativity while maintaining operational discipline and safety.
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Industrial Design, or related field required, or equivalent professional experience.
Additional Information:
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 is $115,500 to $154,800 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.
About Walt Disney Imagineering:
Founded in 1952 as WED Enterprises to design and build the world’s first theme park — Disneyland — Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is where imagination and creativity combine with cutting-edge technology to create unforgettable experiences. WDI is the creative force that imagines, designs and builds all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions and cruise ships worldwide. Imagineering’s unique strength comes from its diverse global team of creative and technical professionals, who build on Disney’s legacy of storytelling to pioneer new forms of entertainment. The Imagineers who practice this unique blend of art and science work in more than 100 disciplines to shepherd an idea all the way from “blue sky” concept phase to opening day.
About The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with WDI Research & Development, Inc., which is part of a business we call Walt Disney Imagineering.
WDI Research & Development, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.