Ride Control Systems Engineer, Senior (Shanghai)

Ride Control Systems Engineers work within WDI’s Ride Studio on one or more ride attraction project teams, and are responsible for ride control engineering activities for ride systems, covering all aspects of ride control system design and implementation, as well as integration of mechanical and electrical systems, from concept to commissioning, for a wide variety of innovative ride platforms that include unique requirements for novel rider experiences, high reliability, and safety.  RCS Engineers perform in a highly collaborative environment on diverse teams that include both technical and creative members, and are comfortable in environments where scope and requirements change frequently. 

Responsibilities:

Manage entire 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.

Conduct systems engineering for ride control systems.

• Define system use cases and user needs.
• Develop and capture requirements and functional specifications in documents, drawings, and models.
• Perform hazard assessments, and failure modes & effects analysis.
• Ensure compliance with control system safety standards.

Perform engineering design and analysis for ride systems, with focus on system engineering and control systems.

• Develop control strategies and algorithms for ride attractions, ride vehicles, and motion systems.
• Design, model, and analyze electrical, data communication, and dynamic systems.
• Define control system and network architectures for ride systems.
• Develop and capture facility interface requirements in documents, drawings, and 3D models.
• Research new products, technologies, and methodologies and conduct trade-off studies.

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 team 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.
• Conduct hazard assessments and failure modes and effects analysis.
• Develop implementation plans and budgets for ride control systems.
• Develop and implement mock-ups and prototypes for proof-of concept efforts.
• 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.

Basic Qualifications:

• At least 5 to 10 years of experience with design, engineering, installation, and commissioning of control systems for electromechanical systems
• Experienced in fail-safe and safety-related controls design, including defensive design techniques, and application of functional safety concepts
• Extensive knowledge of control processors, components, and communication networks used in multi-processing real-time industrial and/or embedded 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
• Knowledge and familiarity with amusement and automation industry standards, including ASTM F2291, GB 8408, EN 13814, ISO 13849, IEC 62061
• Expertise in motor and motion control methods and components
• Solid skills in technical document preparation and presentation
• Extensive knowledge with control system engineering analysis and simulation
• Proficient in developing and reading electrical schematics and one-line diagrams
• 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficient in Rockwell and/or Siemens automation systems architecture and components
• Solid understanding of kinematics as it pertains to ride systems and machines
• Experience in broad application of control system theory (closed-loop control, MIMO systems, positioning and navigation)
• Knowledge of pneumatic controls and devices
• Electrical and troubleshooting skills (voltmeter, oscilloscope, etc.)
• Demonstrated experience in wireless communications for control and monitoring electromechanical system

Required Education:

• As a minimum a Bachelor of Science Degree in an engineering field from an accredited university
• Some Physics Coursework (Motion Equations / Dynamics) required
• Some Computer Engineering coursework preferred
• Some System Engineering coursework preferred
• Control Systems Engineering and/or Control Theory a plus