Director, Design & Engineering

Job description

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! At SeaWorld, we're passionate about caring for animals. In fact, we've already rescued over 40,000 animals and counting! Join our team and help create memorable experiences for guests while supporting the continued growth and development of our parks. Position Summary The Director of Design & Engineering is responsible for leading the planning, design, and execution of major capital improvement projects across SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica Orlando, and Discovery Cove. This role provides leadership and strategic direction to the Design & Engineering project management team while partnering closely with park and corporate leadership to support attraction development, infrastructure improvements, and long-range capital planning. The Director manages large-scale, complex capital projects from concept development through project closeout, ensuring projects are delivered safely, on schedule, within budget, and in alignment with company standards and operational needs. The ideal candidate has extensive experience leading design and construction projects in a fast-paced, guest-facing environment, strong leadership capabilities, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while building strong partnerships with internal stakeholders, contractors, consultants, vendors, and leadership teams. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Lead, coach, and mentor the Design & Engineering project management team. Provide strategic planning, prioritization, and resource allocation for departmental projects and initiatives. Partner with park and corporate leadership teams to support the strategic planning, concept development, design, and execution of major attractions and capital projects across the Orlando parks. Serve as Project Manager for major capital projects valued at $10 million or greater. Manage external architects, engineers, ride vendors, general contractors, specialty contractors, consultants, and other project partners. Oversee project budgets, schedules, procurement activities, vendor coordination, and overall project execution. Collaborate with park leadership to identify, prioritize, and oversee annual sundry, infrastructure, and capital improvement projects. Support the development and execution of 5-year infrastructure improvement plans. Lead project meetings and communicate project status, risks, budget updates, schedules, and key milestones to stakeholders and senior leadership. Review drawings, specifications, cost estimates, schedules, contracts, bids, and contractor proposals. Support contractor selection, bid reviews, contract administration, change order management, and project closeout activities. Coordinate project activities within an active operating environment while minimizing impacts to guests, Ambassadors, and park operations. Collaborate with park operations, maintenance, safety, environmental, legal, sourcing, finance, and corporate teams to ensure successful project delivery. Ensure compliance with company capital project controls, approval processes, applicable codes, permitting requirements, policies, procedures, and safety regulations. Support capital planning, forecasting, and long-range infrastructure planning as assigned. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related technical field. Minimum 10 years of project management experience across design, engineering, and construction. Minimum 5 years of experience in the 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, consultants, and internal stakeholders. 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. Preferred Qualifications Experience in theme parks, attractions, hospitality, entertainment venues, resorts, or other large-scale guest-facing environments. 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. Physical Requirements Frequent walking throughout the park and construction sites. Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions. Ability to climb stairs, navigate construction areas, and occasionally work at heights. Ability to lift, push, pull, and/or carry up to 35 pounds occasionally. Ability to bend, kneel, squat, and perform site inspections as needed. What You'll Bring A strategic and hands-on approach to project leadership. The ability to lead teams, manage complex projects, and influence cross-functional partners. Confidence interacting directly with contractors, consultants, vendors, stakeholders, and senior leadership. Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities. The ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced operating environment. A commitment to safety, quality, accountability, teamwork, and the guest experience. 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.