Director, Design & Engineering

Reposted 18 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
Orlando, FL, USA
In-Office
Expert/Leader
News + Entertainment • Sports • Travel • Hospitality
The Role
Lead and oversee design and construction of major capital projects across Orlando parks. Manage project managers and external partners, control budgets/schedules, ensure code and safety compliance, coordinate with cross-functional teams, and deliver multi‑million dollar attractions from concept through closeout while minimizing guest and operational impacts.
Summary Generated by Built In

At SeaWorld, we're passionate about caring for animals. In fact, we've already rescued over 40,000 animals (and counting!). And we can save you from being stuck in just another job. Join us and help bring joy, excitement, and lasting memories to people from around the world. We're seeking enthusiastic, dedicated, and hard-working individuals to become our Ambassadors. Join us and play an important part on our incredible team!

Join Our Design & Engineering Team

At SeaWorld, caring for animals is at the heart of what we do. We've rescued more than 40,000 animals, and we're still counting. As our parks grow, we're looking for an experienced leader to help shape our next generation of attractions, facilities, and guest experiences. You'll use your design, engineering, and construction expertise to turn big ideas into world-class destinations that millions of guests remember.


About the Role


You'll lead capital improvement projects from first idea to final construction, in line with our annual and 5-year capital plans. You'll work with the Corporate Design and Engineering Team on new attractions, facilities, and animal habitats. You'll also guide consultants, architects, engineers, and contractors through every phase. This role reports to the Park Vice President of Design & Engineering.


What You'll Do


Planning and strategy

  • Partner with park and corporate leaders to plan and design major attractions across the Orlando parks.
  • Work with park leadership to identify and prioritize annual sundry and infrastructure projects, plus 5-year infrastructure plans.
  • Take projects from ideation through concept refinement, setting scope, schedule, and budget.

Design and compliance

  • Oversee design and engineering so every project meets corporate standards, park needs, budget, and schedule.
  • Ensure compliance with Capital Projects Controls & Procedures, A&E review processes, EH&S policies, and all applicable codes and standards.
  • Build complete bid packages and contract documents.

Delivery

  • Track construction progress against scope, schedule, cash flow, and budget.
  • Manage risk, procurement, quality, and performance reporting.

Leadership

  • Assign and direct project management work, and oversee outside consultants.
  • Lead, develop, and mentor the Design & Engineering project management team.

What You'll Bring


Education and experience

  • Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Civil, Structural, Mechanical, or Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 10+ years managing capital projects through design and construction.
  • 5+ years in architecture, engineering, or capital project delivery in a theme park or similar environment.

Technical knowledge

  • Deep understanding of the design process and construction means and methods.
  • Working knowledge of:
    • Entertainment media and specialty systems used in theme parks
    • Amusement ride systems, controls, and equipment
    • Building systems: site utilities, MEP, HVAC, water filtration, fire protection, and more

Leadership and working style

  • Creative, strategic thinker who can break down complex problems and build clear plans.
  • Excellent communicator and highly organized.
  • Comfortable managing several major projects at once.
  • Builds strong relationships at every level of the organization.
  • Leads and mentors diverse teams of design, engineering, and technical professionals in a collaborative setting.
  • Able to travel within the U.S.

 

The perks of the position:

  • Paid Floating Holidays
  • Paid Time Off
  • Complimentary Park Tickets and Passes
  • Park Discounts on Food and Merchandise
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401K Retirement plan
  • Voluntary Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Benefits
  • Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Legal Assistance Plan

The perks of the position:

  • Paid Time Off
  • Complimentary Park Tickets and Passes
  • Park Discounts on Food and Merchandise
  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
  • 401K Retirement plan
  • Voluntary Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • Disability Benefits
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • Legal Assistance Plan

EEO Employer:

SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, SEX, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, PREGNANCY, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.

Skills Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related technical field
  • Minimum 10 years of project management experience across design, engineering, and construction
  • Minimum 5 years of experience in theme park, entertainment, hospitality, resort, attraction, or another guest-facing industry
  • Experience leading large-scale capital projects valued at $10 million or greater
  • Experience leading, mentoring, or managing project managers or cross-functional project teams
  • Experience managing external architects, engineers, contractors, vendors, and consultants
  • Strong working knowledge of construction processes, budgeting, scheduling, procurement, permitting, and project delivery methods
  • Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, schedules, cost estimates, and project budgets
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate with senior leadership
  • Strong organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications
  • Experience managing projects in occupied, operating, or high-traffic facilities
  • Experience with ride systems, attraction development, specialty construction, or themed entertainment projects
  • Experience reviewing contracts, scopes of work, bids, and change orders
  • Familiarity with project scheduling and construction management software
  • PMP, CCM, PE, RA, or other related professional certification
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The Company
HQ: Orlando, FL
3,300 Employees
Year Founded: 1964

What We Do

SeaWorld Entertainment, Inc. (now United Parks & Resorts) is a leading theme park and entertainment company that operates a portfolio of destination and regional theme parks across the United States, focusing on animal experiences and conservation.

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