Job Description

At Universal Creative, we design, develop and deliver the most compelling entertainment experiences imaginable to drive growth for Universal Parks & Resorts worldwide. Our innovative attractions, immersive theme parks and world-class resorts fuse art and technology to create new standards in the themed entertainment industry.

Our Team Members are the driving force behind Universal Creative. With their diverse skills and forward-thinking ideas, our team pushes us beyond the boundaries of what’s possible to achieve the extraordinary. Together, we’re creating a Universe of fun, always ensuring the next thing we do is better than the last thing we did.

JOB SUMMARY: The Manager, Hardware Development is a key technical contributor for bringing AR/VR Advanced Technologies to Universal Theme Parks. This role is responsible for defining, developing, licensing, purchasing, integrating, testing, analyzing and/or delivering advanced technology hardware for the next generation of Universal attractions and systems. To achieve these responsibilities the Manager, Hardware is expected to be familiar with gaming hardware, perform technical writing, creating specifications, vendor selection, vendor management and coordination with other Universal Creative teams and other various internal NBCU/UPR divisions and external hardware/software vendors. Requires 3+ years of experience with Virtual Reality and/or Augmented Reality systems and wearable technology.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage the hardware development process from conception to final release. Contribute to planning, budgeting and staffing exercises in support of new UC work, including identifying and screening all technical candidates at managerial or higher levels and lower level candidates as required.
• Develop hardware specification that will be bid for internal/external development teams.
• Work with senior management to set project goals. Manage technical interaction with other Project Technical personnel, Vendors, Sub-contractors, Creative and other relevant 3rd parties involved with Show and Ride systems. 
• Responsible for Testing and Commissioning. Manage modifications to hardware systems as required based upon design and field conditions. Drive technical improvements across all attractions. Execute, witness or approve testing and test results as assigned and authorized by Engineering and Safety management. Reduce data and report on test results. 
• Work closely with Creative development teams on creating the concept of the overall experience and ensuring delivery meets all creative requirements. 
• Create mockups and proof-of-concepts. Oversees contractor’s mock-up, prototype and acceptance testing efforts to ensure results reflect the final installed system.
• Manage hardware development teams (external and internal teams). 
• Stay up-to-date with the latest in technology and industry trends and introduce new technology concepts to Universal. 
• Understand and actively participate in Environmental, Health & Safety responsibilities by following established UO policy, procedures, training and team member involvement activities. 
• Performs other duties as assigned.

SCOPE: The Manager, Hardware is a key technical contributor for developing world class, never-been-done-before experiences using many different advanced hardware technologies. This individual is responsible ideating, developing, managing the development of, testing, and commissioning hardware systems.

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree required, Industrial Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science, and/other engineering majors. Advanced degrees preferred.

EXPERIENCE:

• 10+ years managing internal and/or external team delivering hardware components.
• 3+ years of experience within the amusement industry is preferred.
• 3+ years of experience with Virtual Reality and/or Augmented Reality system is preferred.
• 3+ years of experience with Wearable technology is preferred.
• 3+ years of experience with wireless or RFID technology is preferred.
• Significant experience working with offshore manufacturers, delivering large quantities, just-in-time is preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Your talent, skills and experience will be rewarded with a competitive compensation package.

Universal is not accepting unsolicited assistance from search firms for this employment opportunity. All resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at Universal Orlando via-email, the Internet or in any form and/or method without a valid written Statement of Work in place for this position from Universal Orlando HR/Recruitment will be deemed the sole property of Universal Orlando. No fee will be paid in the event the candidate is hired by Universal Orlando as a result of the referral or through other means.

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