What are the responsibilities and job description for the Production Designer (all levels) – International Opportunities Only position at Universal Creative?
Job Summary
This posting includes the requirements for the Production Designer role. Please be advised that the Associate Production Designer and Senior Production Designer roles may have different requirements. The Production Designer, having project design and installation experience, is responsible for leading a multi-disciplined design team in the development, documentation, coordination, and technical execution of the creative intent for all ride and show related elements and areas. Responsible for leading the development of virtual and physical models, drawings and drawing packages depicting design and art direction for all show and scenic components of a project through oversight of vendor efforts and internal resources. Responsible for creating multiple technical and creative approaches and solutions to meet critical design criteria, such as: guest experience, theoretical hourly capacity, show timing, vehicle spacing, etc., while adhering to local building codes.
As directed by the Show Producer, Art Director, and Creative Director, ensures that the project creative vision and design intent is accurately integrated and documented in models and drawing packages, and executed in the field. Coordinates with all Project personnel, departments, and disciplines (e.g., Design, Ride Show Engineering, Facility Architecture & Engineering and Project Management). Responsible for the development of show set drawings & packages, 3d models, animations, and animatics that detail and integrate the various ride & show elements of an attraction. Utilizes various modeling & drafting techniques, 3d modeling/animating & drawing techniques and tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, 3ds Max, Maya, Adobe Graphics software, 3D software, etc.) to create dimensional, scale drawings and models detailing the design intent and the integration of various show elements with each other and the facility. Responsible for designing construct-able projects to project program, creative intent, schedule, and budget requirements.
Major Responsibilities
Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred. (Architecture, Interior Design, Fine Arts, Design, Theater, Graphics, Computer Animation, etc.)
Experience
8 years theatrical design and production experience with field installation experience; 3 years’ experience schematic phase through install 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.
Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2025 Universal Studios. © 2025 Universal Orlando. All rights reserved. EOE
This posting includes the requirements for the Production Designer role. Please be advised that the Associate Production Designer and Senior Production Designer roles may have different requirements. The Production Designer, having project design and installation experience, is responsible for leading a multi-disciplined design team in the development, documentation, coordination, and technical execution of the creative intent for all ride and show related elements and areas. Responsible for leading the development of virtual and physical models, drawings and drawing packages depicting design and art direction for all show and scenic components of a project through oversight of vendor efforts and internal resources. Responsible for creating multiple technical and creative approaches and solutions to meet critical design criteria, such as: guest experience, theoretical hourly capacity, show timing, vehicle spacing, etc., while adhering to local building codes.
As directed by the Show Producer, Art Director, and Creative Director, ensures that the project creative vision and design intent is accurately integrated and documented in models and drawing packages, and executed in the field. Coordinates with all Project personnel, departments, and disciplines (e.g., Design, Ride Show Engineering, Facility Architecture & Engineering and Project Management). Responsible for the development of show set drawings & packages, 3d models, animations, and animatics that detail and integrate the various ride & show elements of an attraction. Utilizes various modeling & drafting techniques, 3d modeling/animating & drawing techniques and tools (e.g., AutoCAD, Revit, 3ds Max, Maya, Adobe Graphics software, 3D software, etc.) to create dimensional, scale drawings and models detailing the design intent and the integration of various show elements with each other and the facility. Responsible for designing construct-able projects to project program, creative intent, schedule, and budget requirements.
Major Responsibilities
- As directed by the Show Producer, and in collaboration with the Art director and Creative Director, responsible for developing and executing the Creative Director’s vision through the production of coordinated design drawings and deliverables. Ensures that projects meet or exceed creative design intent and achieves desired creative guest experience on budget and schedule. Key participant in cost, schedule, technical, integration and other discussions.
- Oversees the design efforts of external resources and vendors ensuring they are capturing the design intent and stakeholder’s needs in the project design through documentation in models and drawings while adhering to Universal standards. Oversees and gives day to day work assignments to the design team during all phases of the project, including production and installation, in a manner that meets the project design intent, schedule and budget. Initiates and organizes design reviews as often as needed during the process.
- Participates in design, cost, schedule, and technical reviews. Responsible for the development of creative design, color boards, sketching, drafting, and models and other creative output that outline solutions to integrate elements into a themed environment. Evaluates sightlines, visual intrusion, and concealment of non-theatrical equipment within an "on-stage" environment. During construction, oversees contractors, develops in-field solutions and follow-up documentation. Ensures project completion of documentation of art and finish specifications, materials specification, and design drawings.
- Mentors and provides guidance and training to staff related to career goals and technical skills. Motivates staff to accomplish assignment goals. Builds bench strength within the staff by identifying training and development opportunities. Leads staff and communicates job expectations, planning, coaching. Develops and implements policies, procedures, and show set design standards.
- Establishes, builds, and maintains positive and productive team relationships based on open communication, trust and teamwork with project partners, departments, disciplines, and personnel. Communicates, inspires, and maintains project intent among all team-members. Acts as project liaison for appropriate internal and external partners, licensors, and intellectual property developers.
- 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.
- Must have completed a full project design and construction cycle with experience in every phase of the process from concept design through construction, fabrication, and installation.
- Must be a creative, innovative, organized thinker and problem solver with strong technical and artistic ability with various design techniques/tools such as show set / scenic design and drafting, 3D modeling, architectural design, and/or others.
- Must have strong communication and collaboration skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.
- Must be proficient in AutoCAD with strong skills in 3D modeling software such as Revit, 3ds Max, etc.
Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred. (Architecture, Interior Design, Fine Arts, Design, Theater, Graphics, Computer Animation, etc.)
Experience
8 years theatrical design and production experience with field installation experience; 3 years’ experience schematic phase through install 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.
Universal elements and all related indicia TM & © 2025 Universal Studios. © 2025 Universal Orlando. All rights reserved. EOE
