Design Manager - Project Hire/Internal Assignment
Job ID 10147364
Location Lake Buena Vista, Florida, United States
Business Walt Disney Imagineering
Date posted Apr. 20, 2026
Project Design Manager – Project Hire/Internal Assignment
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.
You will coordinate, plan, and manage the Architecture, Design & Planning disciplines during the course of a specific project, land, or park. This includes coordination of efforts with Creative, Show Design and Production, and Ride studios, with accountability for the financial health of the projects.
In this role, you will report to the Studio Executive, Architecture & Design Management.
This is a Project Hire position without any guarantee of permanent placement.
To view this job and apply, click here.
What You Will Do:
Provide architecture and facilities engineering project management and technical leadership from conceptual design through construction of a single themed entertainment project of critical importance to Imagineering and The Walt Disney Company
Function as the representative of the Architecture, Design & Engineering (AD&E) division on the project core team responsible to the Division Vice President and the Project Manager for the Architecture, Design & Engineering (AD&E) design process and product
Coordinate with functional management on staffing/costing and strategy issues
Direct the activities of in-house staff and outside consultants in the preparation of construction contract document
Ensure coordination of multi-discipline architectural, environment design and engineering scopes of work, including integration of all show and ride system requirements and facility impacts
Assemble and manage design schedules, labor estimates and budgets
Provide technical and administrative directing to maintain project costs within budget with appropriate cost and schedule tracking and reporting
Ensure conformance to all divisional standards and procedures
Oversees design/build consultant as the owner's representative
Make recommendations on bid packages
May function as the Project Architect on venue(s) assigned when we self-perform
Coordinates with Graphics, Themed Lighting, Show Set, and Interiors
Project reporting for status of Architecture, Design & Engineering (AD&E) project risks, budget management (internal/external design disciplines) and issues. Participates in and contributor to weekly project staff meetings
Required Qualifications
5 or more years of professional experience
Working knowledge of Building Information Management (BIM), Integrated Product Delivery (IPD), Design Assist, and Building Specification Design Program
Demonstrated experience in architecture and facilities engineering project management
Proficiency in technical coordination of design documents
Strong financial acumen for managing project budgets
Effective communication and persuasive skills
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in the themed entertainment industry
Previous experience managing a team of professional employees
Familiarity with Disney's design standards and procedures
Education
Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree in engineering or architecture required
Advanced degree desired but not required
Professional license desirable but not required
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.
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The hiring range for this position in Florida is $120,800 to $161,900 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.
