Technical Designer Position Available In Duval, Florida

Technical Designer Sally Dark Rides 745 West Forsyth Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204 About Sally Dark Rides Sally Dark Rides specializes in crafting attractions that captivate audiences in theme parks across the globe. Established in 1977 as an animatronic production company, Sally has since evolved into the foremost designer and manufacturer of some of the most successful dark rides in the industry. Our comprehensive services encompass custom design, interactive integration, special effects, animatronics, scenic fabrication, media integration, control systems, project management, and installation. Job Description Sally Dark Rides is seeking a Technical Designer who will work with the SDR team in their design and production facility located in downtown Jacksonville, Florida. Their main responsibility will be translating creative vision into safe, high-quality, reliable shows and attractions through project budgeting, vendor selection, procurement, and technology integration. As a key member of Sally’s award-winning design team, the Technical Designer is expected to designate specific technologies used in SDR’s themed attractions, including ride systems, animatronics, special effects, show action elements, audio, video, lighting, and show control systems. Education/Experience 10+ years experience in the themed entertainment field preferred. Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering or other on the job training such as theme park maintenance supervisor/director or military equivalent.

Key Responsibilities Collaboration:

Working directly under the Chief Creative Officer, the Technical Designer will collaborate with fellow Designers, Project Managers, Technical Fabricators, Production Artists, and Customer Service team members to ensure delivery of incredible show experiences within a set budget and schedule, prioritizing reliability and safety.

Estimating:

Create detailed lists of materials and quantities required for a project used for budgeting and ordering. Provide indicative pricing for projects based on conceptual drawings and element lists.

Procurement:

Equipment selection, budget negotiation, and purchasing technical hardware and software for Sally Dark Rides attractions.

Contracts:

Work with Project Manager to secure vendor contracts.

Design:

Using 3D and 2D software, the Technical Designer will help create detailed technical drawings for a wide variety of projects. This includes schematics, floor plans, and equipment lists. Collaborate with the CAD Design team to designate technical aspects of all projects.

Safety:

Performs safety analysis on ride system and AVL during each phase of design, making sure EN and ASTM standards are met.

Vendor Coordination:

Works with ride system suppliers, AVL vendors, and state regulators for inspection and certification of rides.

Research and Development:

Research new technologies and test conceptual ideas that may be used in future attractions.

Scheduling:

Working with the project manager to determine scope of work, timelines, shipping, and installation schedules.

Integration:

Coordinate the integration of various AV components and systems, from concept to installation.

Travel:

Tradeshows, ride installations, and warranty check-ups.

Usability and Accessibility:

Ensure that attraction designs are usable by a wide audience, including those with disabilities.

Documentation:

Coordinate design documentation for all show systems.

Troubleshooting and Support:

Assist with troubleshooting technical issues, providing support for installed systems.

Skills and Qualifications Technical Knowledge:

A strong understanding of AV technologies, including audio processing, video distribution, lighting control, and integration.

Design Skills:

The ability to create detailed technical designs for ride and show systems using CAD, Rhino, Revit, BIM 360, SketchUp, or similar.

Problem-Solving:

The ability to troubleshoot technical issues and find creative solutions.

Communication:

Strong verbal and written communication skills.

Collaboration:

The ability to work effectively with other professionals.

Technologies Associated Audio:

Sound system speakers, amplifiers, media players.

Video:

Projectors, screens, LED displays, digital signage.

Lighting:

Thematic lighting, dynamic programmable lighting, special effects.

Show Control:

Systems that synchronize all show elements for a cohesive experience.

Robotics and Animatronics:

Integration of technologies for robotic performers that are included in SDR’s immersive dark ride attractions.

Interactivity:

Game based, practical, AR, and VR experiences. Physical Requirements Sitting 75%. Standing/walking 25%. Moderate to high noise levels are common. Able to wear proper PPE such as hard hat, hearing protection, eye protection, and safety shoes.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$65,000.00 – $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Flexible schedule Health insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Schedule:

8 hour shift

Experience:

Theme Park:

5 years (Required) Ability to

Commute:

Jacksonville, FL 32204 (Required) Ability to

Relocate:

Jacksonville, FL 32204: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location:

In person