Principal Ride Control Hardware Engineer

Principal Ride Control Hardware Engineer

Requirements

• At least 10 years of experience with design, engineering, installation, and commissioning of control systems for electromechanical systems
• Demonstrated leadership in fail-safe and safety-related controls design, including application of functional safety concepts
• Extensive knowledge of control processors, components, and communication networks used in multi-processing real-time industrial applications
• Highly proficient in industrial control system installation, integration and commissioning
• Solid understanding of communication technologies/protocols: TCP/IP, CAN, serial, ProfiNET, Ethernet/IP, EtherCAT
• Extensive knowledge with electrical design standards and codes, including UL508a and NEC
• Knowledge and familiarity with amusement and automation industry standards, including ASTM F2291
• Expertise in motor and motion control methods and components
• Expertise in designing and implementing closed-loop motion control
• Proficient in developing and reading electrical schematics and one-line diagrams
• Solid skills in technical document/drawing preparation and presentation
• Demonstrated experience in scheduling and estimating control systems development and implementation scope
• Demonstrated experienced in contractor/vendor management and technical contract documents
• Ability to travel and work both domestically and internationally, for varying durations that could be over 1 year
• Ability to handle multiple complex efforts simultaneously, coordinate team efforts, and manage tasks and priorities
• Proficient with engineering design tools, including AutoCAD, Matlab, Simulink, Solidworks

Responsibilities

• Manage programmable, electrical, and electronic hardware scope to conceive, design, & deliver control systems for a wide variety of complex and innovative ride systems and related equipment ensuring operational performance, reliability, and safety.
• Perform engineering design and analysis for ride systems, focusing on electrical control systems.
• Develop control system and network architectures for ride attractions, ride vehicles, and motion systems.
• Design, model, and analyze electrical supply systems, and data communication systems.
• Develop and capture facility interface requirements in documents, drawings, and 3D models.
• Research new products, technologies, and methodologies and conduct trade-off studies.
• Perform “blue sky” brainstorming and new ride concept development.
• Lead a team of ride control engineers and collaborate with other design and engineering professionals to develop and implement ride control systems.
• Collaborate with attraction development teams to define and deliver creative intent.
• Develop and capture electrical and control equipment requirements and specifications in documents, drawings, and models.
• Design operator interfaces and electrical control panels.
• Develop implementation plans and budgets for ride control systems.
• Develop and implement mock-ups and prototypes for proof-of concept efforts.
• Participate in hazard assessments and failure modes and effects analysis.
• Develop test requirements and documents and lead ride installation/commissioning efforts.
• Manage vendors, contractors, and consultants conducting control system design and implementation for ride systems.
• Define and oversee supplier and consultant design and delivery efforts.
• Ensure all delivery and performance requirements have been satisfied.
• Oversee and lead factory test and ride system installation/commissioning efforts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Licensed professional engineer
• Proficient in Rockwell and/or Siemens automation systems architecture and components
• Demonstrated experience in wireless communications for control and monitoring electromechanical systems
• Knowledge of pneumatic controls and devices
• Electrical and troubleshooting skills (voltmeter, oscilloscope, etc.)
• Demonstrated knowledge of international amusement industry standards applicable in France, Hong Kong, or China