Principal Technical Director (Project Hire/Internal Assignment)

About the Role & Team:

Through innovative storytelling and a culture of collaboration, Disney Live Entertainment creates, produces, and delivers remarkable and engaging entertainment experiences. From the intimate to the spectacular, our work can be seen at Disney theme parks, resort hotels, cruise ships, and other locations the world over. This diverse team – representing a wide variety of disciplines and talents from technical directors, writers, and lighting designers to choreographers, cosmetologists, and music producers – brings magical worlds to life through technical expertise, performance excellence, incomparable ingenuity, unparalleled spectacle… and a dash of pixie dust.

The Principal Technical Director (Project Hire/Internal Assignment) supporting Disney Cruise Line (DCL) is responsible for leading technical production efforts for the development of live entertainment facilities, shows, and product offerings, including stage shows, deck shows, youth activities, and special events for Disney Cruise Line ships and islands. A Principal Technical Director must demonstrate superior abilities in Technical Direction. This role will be an accountable leader and will provide project direction to other Technical Directors and team members. The Principal Technical Director will ensure compliance with company standards, maritime regulations, and the local authority having jurisdiction related to live entertainment shows and product offerings for Disney Cruise Line Entertainment.

This position will report to the Senior Manager-Entertainment Design & Technical.

This is a Project Hire/Internal Assignment position without any guarantee of permanent placement. 

What You Will Do:

• Lead development, production, and delivery of the technical design elements for live entertainment projects, with a specialized focus on the design, fabrication, installation, and sustainment.

• Lead large-scale, long-term projects, with potential oversight of other team members.

• This individual will serve as a project leader to facilitate and integrate all design disciplines, and maintain project files, design documents, bid packages, schedules, and punch lists.

• Provide leadership and functions as a mentor/developer, promotes company-wide standards and efficiencies, and provides professional guidance to partners and team members.

• Participate in creative development and coordinate/partner with local and government authorities responsible for legal code compliance, including safety, engineering, and ADA.

• Coordinate bid processes and vendor selection with contracts and procurement.

• Managing vendor efforts, including design development, construction, fabrication, integration with other vendors/partners, shipping, installation, and buy-off.

• Partner with shoreside Entertainment Technical Operations to manage scenic and technical planning for projects and facility integration.

• Partner with Disney Cruise Line's Safety team to ensure compliance with set policies and procedures, as well as all maritime and ship safety standards and Flag compliance.

• Partner with Walt Disney Parks & Resorts Entertainment Standards team to ensure compliance with company standards.

• Partner with Worldwide Safety and Design Assurances teams to ensure company safety standards are met.

• Partner with shoreside Entertainment Technical Leadership, Disney Cruise Line Safety partners, and the Standards and Sustainment team to ensure Safety Management Systems and Operating Guideline documentation is up to date and in accordance with current safety and regulatory practices.

Required Qualifications & Skills:

• 10+ years of professional experience within the theatrical or themed entertainment industry, with a focus on Technical Direction, design, fabrication, installation, and operation of shows.

• Outstanding understanding of current technology, theory, and Industry standards for all entertainment disciplines (Audio, Lighting, Video, Special Effects, Scenic, Show Control and Automation), as applied to live show and facility systems.

• Demonstrated functional leadership ability, including problem-solving, influencing abilities, negotiating skills, and experience with continuous improvement processes.

• Proven ability to initiate, coordinate, prioritize, take, and provide direction, complete multiple tasks on time to deliver on specific and measurable targets through a collaborative team environment.

• Experience with facility design, engineering, and construction.

• Experience supporting the creative process by collaborating with other designers, directors, writers, and producers.

• Exceptional troubleshooting, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, often under pressure.

• Demonstrated leadership, partnering, and strategic planning skills.

• Demonstrated robust verbal, written, presentation, and public speaking skills are critical for leading and corresponding with all levels within the organization.

• Solid computer skills (Outlook, Microsoft Suite, AutoCAD).

• Ability to be flexible with work schedule, including nights, weekends, holidays, and frequent extended international travel.

• Ability to travel domestically and/or internationally required. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Prefer a minimum of 7 years’ experience in live show development with The Walt Disney Company.

• Significant experience in technical production for cruise ship live entertainment.

• Significant experience in facility design.

• Experience with live show development with The Walt Disney Company.

• Proven business management experience.

• Proven knowledge and proficiency in some or all of the following engineering disciplines: Structural, Mechanical, Electrical, Software, and Safety.

Education

• Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theater Technology or equivalent work experience is required

• Technical Direction (MFA) is preferred

Additional Information:

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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