Senior Manager, Illusion Production

Job Summary:

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 Show Systems team helps to dream and create many of the magical moments that our guests enjoy. Our team is responsible for delivering extraordinary Audio-Animatronic figures, show action equipment and special effects through their full lifecycle. We partner with various teams to help deliver quality products and our processes and tools help to take us from concept design to production and installation.

The Senior Manager, Illusion Production will report to the Executive, Show Systems.

What You Will Do

• Lead the teams responsible for manufacturing of work within the illusions Studio. Areas of responsibility:

  • Surface development

  • Figure finishing

  • Procurement

  • Shipping and receiving

  • Electro-mechanical fabrication & assembly

• Support cost reduction activities and lead activities to develop ideas to generate cost savings

• Support productivity and waste reduction activities

• Support Manufacturing Engineering with all error-proofing activities. Ability to learn about PLC’s, logic, etc.

• Assist production to develop and maintain the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP’s) for production related processes and train operators, lead people, supervisors, and managers as required.

• Work with suppliers and subcontractor to influence schedule plans, mitigations, and acceleration

• Develop schedules and specialty reports as needed to focus on critical items and align team to progress requirements

• Manufacturing process improvements within the building:

  • Communication and report out styles (MS Teams, excel, PowerPoint MS Project, P6)

  • Outside vendor tracking

  • Product Workflow improvements

    • Job plans

    • Trackers

    • Job, Batch or Flow methods

  • Process workflow

    • Manufacturing workflow

  • Ordering and tracking systems

• Working with the Financial team:

  • Forecasting and tracking

  • Earned value of design and manufacturing resources

  • Report out and percent complete

• Change management and effective communication to project.

• Interaction with project teams and great relationship skills.

Required Qualifications & Skills

• Strong manufacturing background in 3D printing, CNC machining, fabrication planning

• 10+ years in manufacturing environment for high end precision mechanical assemblies

• 5+ years’ experience in project management or project engineering

• B.S degree in Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent area

• Extensive experience in reading engineering drawings, SolidWorks, Auto CAD and Part fabrication methods

• Strong leadership skills and the ability to motivate others to meet deadlines

• The ability to work in a logical, systematic manner.

• Planning and organizational skills, ability to run and monitor the production process, and adjust workflows as needed

• Strong understanding of robotic systems, with general knowledge of electrical and programming

• Understanding of QC methods, reports and material tracking

• Strong ability to problem solve and think outside the box

Preferred Education & Experience

• PMP (Project Management Professional)

• Lean manufacturing 6 Sigma or higher

• M.S Manufacturing Engineering or related areas

• Experience with Themed Entertainment

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

The hiring range for this position in California is $124,900.00-$167,500.00 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.