Production Designer

NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies. We create world-class content, which we distribute across our portfolio of film, television, and streaming, and bring to life through our global theme park destinations, consumer products, and experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, and Peacock, our premium ad-supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through our powerhouse film and television studios, including Universal Pictures, DreamWorks Animation, and Focus Features, and the four global television studios under the Universal Studio Group banner, and operate industry-leading theme parks and experiences around the world through Universal Destinations & Experiences, including Universal Orlando Resort, home to Universal Epic Universe, and Universal Studios Hollywood. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. Visit www.nbcuniversal.com for more information.

Our impact is rooted in improving the communities where our employees, customers, and audiences live and work. We have a rich tradition of giving back and ensuring our employees have the opportunity to serve their communities. We champion an inclusive culture and strive to attract and develop a talented workforce to create and deliver a wide range of content reflecting our world.

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. Manage complex schedules and coordinates meetings with internal and external parties utilizing multiple calendars.

• 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.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Basic Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred. (Architecture, Interior Design, Fine Arts, Design, Theater, Graphics, Computer Animation, etc.).
• 6-8 years theatrical design and production experience with field installation experience; 3+ years’ experience schematic phase through install or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 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 proficient in AutoCAD with strong skills in 3D modeling software such as Revit, 3ds Max, etc.

Desired Characteristics:

• A creative, innovative, organized thinker and problem solver.
• 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.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills and ability to work effectively in a team environment.

Additional Requirements:

• Required On-Site: This position is required to be performed full-time from an NBCUniversal-designated worksite.

This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks. Learn more about the benefits offered by NBCUniversal by visiting the Benefits page of the Careers website. Salary range: $80,000-120,000 (bonus eligible)

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal’s policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

NBCUniversal will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories, or arrest or conviction records, in a manner consistent with relevant legal requirements, including the City of Los Angeles’ Fair Chance Initiative For Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, and the California Fair Chance Act, where applicable.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to AccessibilitySupport@nbcuni.com.