TAIT partners with artists, brands, IP holders and place makers to bring culture-defining, never-before-seen experiences to life.
With a legacy of innovation spanning over 45 years, TAIT has grown from pioneering in rock 'n' roll concert staging to setting the global standard for extraordinary live events and experiences through cutting-edge technology, precision engineering, and creative design. TAIT's 20 global offices have developed iconic productions and experiences in over 30 countries, all seven continents, and even outer space for renowned performers, theme parks, exhibits, and venues across the globe, including partnerships with Taylor Swift, Cirque Du Soleil, Royal Opera House, Nike, NASA, Bloomberg, Google, Beyoncé, and The Olympics
Position Purpose
The Senior Mechanical Engineer supports the design and validation of complex structures, show action equipment, machinery, and rigging systems primarily for fixed market projects, including theme parks, venues, and theatres. This role performs advanced mechanical and structural analyses, applying core physics and engineering principles to ensure the safety, reliability, performance, and code compliance of static and dynamic systems.
The position requires clear communication of analytical methods, assumptions, and results in a fast-paced, highly collaborative setting. Close coordination with project managers, mechanical designers, controls engineers, fabricators, and the end client is essential, as is technical oversight and review of third-party engineering resources. Success in this role depends on a strong engineering foundation, attention to detail, commitment to ethical and safety standards, and the ability to anticipate potential client specific needs and upcoming technical roadblocks, while effectively communicating them to internal business partners.
Responsibilities
Uphold TAIT safety, quality, and ethical standards and proactively identify opportunities for improvement
Analyze complex static and dynamic systems including show action equipment, animated figures, lifting systems, and moving structural assemblies by applying mechanical and structural engineering fundamentals
Perform detailed analyses using hand calculations, custom tools, and analysis software and clearly communicate assumptions, methodologies, risks, and results to multidisciplinary teams in a fast-paced setting
Engineer parts, assemblies, and systems to meet client requirements, operational duty cycles, jurisdictional regulations, and applicable safety standards and codes
Provide independent engineering judgment and validation in support of bid and concept development efforts, including feasibility assessment of custom elements primarily in the fixed market
Interface independently with clients, vendors, fabricators, installers, inspectors, and external authorities having jurisdiction to support compliance, technical alignment, and project success
Mentor and coach engineers and designers on attraction-specific engineering topics, including dynamic analysis, safety-critical design, fatigue considerations, and best practices for themed environments
Initiate, coordinate, and technically manage third-party engineering firms and specialty consultants, ensuring scope alignment, quality, and schedule adherence
Position Requirements
Bachelor's degree in engineering, mathematics or physics
Professional Engineer (preferred)
8-10+ years of mechanical engineering experience
5+ years of entertainment experience (preferred)
Industry expert in multiple topics of mechanical engineering science and practice (power transmission design and analysis, drive train analysis, exact constraint design, material science, stress analysis, mechanical connection engineering, dynamic analysis, fatigue analysis)
Expert in finite element analysis (FEA) principles and ANSYS mechanical or equivalent mechanical analysis software
Willingness to extend working hours when necessary to meet project deadlines
Willingness to travel infrequently, domestic and international, to project sites or to other TAIT offices
Interest in the theme parks, performing arts, or live events
Working Conditions and Physical Effort
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee frequently is required to reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, color vision, and peripheral vision. The employee regularly operates a computer, including typing, using a mouse or keyboard, and viewing the screen for extended periods. While the role does not require regular lifting or physical exertion, there may be occasional onboarding programs or training opportunities that create opportunities for more exposure to physical tasks or new environments (sites, venues, etc.).
Work conditions of the role are:
Work conditions may involve moderate exposure to unusual elements such as dirt, dust, fumes, unpleasant odors, and/or loud noises
Work environment involves some exposure to hazards or physical risks which require following basic safety precautions
Must be able to wear and properly utilize appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) to work within or visit areas where required. This includes, safety glasses, reflective vest, ear plugs, safety toed shoes, and other PPE as required by the location
The company is committed to providing reasonable accommodation for individuals with physical limitations or disabilities. If there are specific physical needs related to lifting, walking, or any other task, candidates are encouraged to discuss their requirements during the hiring process. The organization will make every effort to accommodate these needs to ensure equal opportunities for all employees.
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TAIT is an equal opportunity employer fully committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran or any other protected characteristic as outlined by international, national, state, or local laws.
