Our story began 75 years ago when the Herschend family discovered wonder deep in an Ozark Mountain cave—and chose to share it with the world. Today, Herschend is the largest family-held themed attractions company, with over 40 leading attractions and immersive experiences that reach audiences worldwide.
While each brand offers something unique, all are united by a shared purpose: Bringing Families Closer Together by Creating Memories Worth Repeating®. Our passionate hosts make this purpose possible through everyday acts of love and service—what we call Heartspitality®—the intersection of heart and hospitality.
As an equal-opportunity employer, we strive to provide environments where every host, guest, and partner feel welcome, valued, and loved. We firmly believe that words and actions matter, which is why all individuals are to be treated equally and with respect.
The Mechanical Engineer – Rides & Attractions is responsible for supporting the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the park's rides, attractions, and associated mechanical systems.
This position provides engineering expertise in the inspection, maintenance, troubleshooting, repair, modification, and continuous improvement of amusement rides and attraction equipment.
Working collaboratively with Maintenance, Operations, Safety, and industry manufacturers, this role ensures that rides and attractions meet applicable regulatory requirements, manufacturer specifications, and established safety standards while maximizing equipment reliability, operational readiness, and the guest experience.
The successful candidate combines strong mechanical engineering knowledge with practical problem-solving skills and a passion for creating safe, memorable experiences for guests.
***Please Note***
This role may be based on location at any Herschend property or at a Herschend Property Support Center office.
We are currently looking for a:
Park Support Center - Mechanical Engineer – Rides & Attractions
Roles & Responsibilities:
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Ride Engineering & Technical Support:
- Provide mechanical engineering support for amusement rides and devices enterprise wide.
- Evaluate ride mechanical systems, including drive systems, braking systems, gearboxes, bearings, hydraulics, pneumatics, structural components, and other mechanical assemblies.
- Review ride performance, identify potential mechanical concerns, and recommend corrective actions and improvements.
- Assist with the evaluation, design, and implementation of ride modifications, upgrades, and equipment replacements.
- Review engineering drawings, technical specifications, equipment manuals, and vendor documentation.
- Support capital improvement projects, new ride installations, and attraction renovations.
- Coordinate with ride manufacturers, contractors, and engineering consultants on technical issues and project requirements.
Maintenance, Reliability & Troubleshooting:
- Partner with Ride Maintenance teams to troubleshoot complex mechanical issues and equipment failures.
- Develop and support preventive and predictive maintenance strategies to improve ride reliability and equipment longevity.
- Analyze recurring equipment issues and identify opportunities to reduce downtime and maintenance costs.
- Assist in establishing maintenance standards, inspection procedures, and equipment performance expectations.
- Evaluate replacement parts, materials, and equipment specifications to ensure reliability and compatibility.
Safety & Regulatory Compliance:
- Promote a culture where safety is the highest priority for hosts, guests, and contractors.
- Support compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, codes, and amusement ride safety standards.
- Maintain awareness of standard applicable to the amusement ride industry, such as ASTM and AWS, as well requirements set by manufacturers.
- Assist with investigations of mechanical failures, equipment abnormalities, and ride-related incidents.
- Ensure engineering recommendations and modifications receive appropriate technical review, approvals, and documentation before implementation.
Project Management & Continuous Improvement:
- Support the planning and execution of ride maintenance projects, equipment upgrades, and capital investments.
- Assist with developing project scopes, technical specifications, cost estimates, and implementation schedules.
- Identify opportunities to improve equipment lifecycle management and long-term asset performance.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to minimize operational disruption during maintenance and project activities.
Collaboration & Leadership:
- Build effective working relationships with Ride Operations, Maintenance, Safety, and Property Leadership.
- Communicate technical information in a clear and practical manner to both technical and nontechnical audiences.
- Provide engineering guidance and technical recommendations to maintenance and operational leaders.
- Support the development of technical capabilities and engineering knowledge across maintenance teams enterprise wide.
Education & Experience:
- Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or a closely related engineering discipline required.
- Professional Engineering license held in field of expertise
- 10+ years of relevant mechanical engineering experience within the amusement ride industry.
- Additional qualifications such AIMS certification and Certified Weld Inspector (CWI) are a bonus.
- Knowledge of mechanical systems, equipment design, troubleshooting, and reliability principles.
- Experience interpreting engineering drawings, schematics, technical specifications, and equipment manuals.
- Experience supporting preventive maintenance programs, equipment inspections, and capital improvement projects preferred.
- Familiarity with applicable amusement ride codes, standards, and regulatory requirements preferred.
Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Strong understanding of mechanical engineering principles and applications.
- Ability to diagnose complex mechanical issues and develop practical solutions.
- Knowledge of mechanical drive systems, hydraulics, pneumatics, bearings, braking systems, and structural components.
- Strong analytical, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to interpret technical drawings and engineering documentation.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and applicable engineering design or maintenance management software.
Physical & Environmental Requirements:
- Ability to access ride structures, maintenance areas, mechanical rooms, and other restricted workspaces as required.
- Ability to climb stairs, ladders, platforms, and ride structures when necessary and authorized.
- Ability to work around moving machinery, elevated structures, and operational attractions while following established safety procedures.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends, evenings, holidays, and during scheduled maintenance periods, as business needs require.
Success Measures:
Success in this position will be demonstrated through:
- Improved ride reliability and reduced unplanned equipment downtime.
- Consistent adherence to ride safety standards and regulatory requirements.
- Effective identification and resolution of mechanical issues.
- Successful completion of engineering projects and equipment improvements.
- Improved preventive maintenance effectiveness and asset longevity.
Team member benefits:
Working at Herschend Family Entertainment is all about creating memories worth repeating! We truly believe that where you work matters and, as a theme park company, we like to think we know a thing or two about what makes people happy.
Herschend Perks & Benefits:
- Competitive compensation
- Management Bonus Plan
- Comprehensive health and wellness package
- 401k Savings and Investment plan
- Free admission to Kennywood, Sandcastle. and Idlewild
- Generous Paid Time Off
When you join Herschend, you do more than simply advance your career. You become part of the Herschend family, a group of talented people who drive innovation, embrace change, and deliver results.
Do not miss the chance to spark your career now!
