Senior Manager, Illusion Production
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10118141 Location Glendale, California, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Oct. 03, 2025Job 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
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
Education
B.S degree in Manufacturing Engineering or equivalent area
Preferred Qualifications & Skills
PMP (Project Management Professional)
Lean manufacturing 6 Sigma or higher
Experience with Themed Entertainment
Preferred Education
M.S Manufacturing Engineering or related areas
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.
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.
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 Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., which is part of a business we call Walt Disney Imagineering.
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., 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.