Director, Design & Engineering

Busch Gardens is a place of thrills, fun and positive, lasting memories. And that's just what its like to work here! As a key member of our team, you'll play a major role in bringing happiness and excitement to people from around the world. If you're dedicated, dependable and driven to deliver exceptional guest service, this is a place for you!

Director, Design & Engineering

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 in a wide variety of roles. Join us and play an important part on our incredible team!

What you get to do:

Plan and implement all capital improvement projects in accordance with the annual and 5-year capital investment plans for assigned park location. Support Theme Park Development group in the strategic planning of new attractions. Lead project stakeholders and external design professionals in the development and execution of capital projects. Lead the planning and development of capital projects at assigned park location. Administer capital budgets, capital controls, and project reporting for the assigned park location. This position reports to the park VP, Design & Engineering; and the position’s department has dotted line reporting to the corporate Theme Park Development group.

• Work with various senior leaders and teams to collaborate on strategic planning and design development of all major attractions for assigned park location.
• Collaborate with Park Leadership to identify, prioritize, and oversee annual Sundry and Infrastructure capital needs and development, as well as 5-year infrastructure improvement plans.
• Collaborate with Theme Park Development group to effectively manage the budget, schedule, and planning/development processes for major attractions and significant capital projects.
• Manage the overall project development process from the initial stages of ideation though concept development and refinement for park capital projects. Establish, incorporate, and manage prioritized end user criteria.
• Assign SEA project management responsibilities; oversee consultants.
• Oversee the design and engineering of all capital improvements to ensure compliance with corporate design standards and park needs, ensuring adherence to project budgets and schedules.
• Oversee park compliance with Capital Projects Controls & Procedures and SEA Theme Park Development group direction for projects, including the Architectural Review Process, SEA Standardization directives, plus EH&S Polices, and all applicable local or industry codes and standards.
• Oversee the development of comprehensive bid packages, bid process, and contract documents.
• Ensure effective project management. Monitor construction in progress to ensure compliance with established scope, schedule, cash flows, and budget.
• Provide leadership and development to project managers

What it takes to succeed:  

• Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture, Architectural Engineering, Civil, Structural, Mechanical or Electrical Engineering, or other related discipline.
• Minimum five years combined experience in architecture, engineering, project management, and execution of capital projects in a theme park (or related) environment.
• Demonstrates high levels of creativity and strategic thinking. Comprehensive knowledge of the design process and the means & methods of construction.
• Functional knowledge of entertainment media and related specialty systems used within the theme park industry.
• Functional knowledge of amusement ride systems, controls and equipment.
• Functional knowledge of all building systems including; site utility distribution, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, water filtration, fire protection, etc.
• Excellent communication skills – oral & written. Strong organizational skills.
• Ability to analyze complex issues and develop effective plans and strategies.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals at all levels within the organization.
• Ability to effectively lead a diverse group of design, engineering and technical professionals, and flourish in a highly collaborative environment.
• Ability to multi-task and manage multiple major projects and processes simultaneously.
• Ability to lead and mentor park project manager(s)
• Ability to travel domestically.

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

EEO Employer: SEA WORLD 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.

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.