Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the design and development of innovative cruise ship systems from concept to delivery.
- Company: Join Disney Imagineering, a leader in creativity and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and free park entry.
- Why this job: Shape the future of cruise ships while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: Experience in cruise industry and strong technical management skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values integrity, inclusion, and creativity.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
As Senior Manager, Marine & Technical, you will play a critical role in shaping the next generation of large, modern cruise ships from concept through delivery. Reporting to the Executive Marine & Technical, Walt Disney Imagineering, this role leads the technical design, specification and development of marine and engineering systems during the newbuild process, acting as the primary technical interface with our selected shipyards.
You will collaborate closely with shipyard partners and internal stakeholders to ensure every vessel meets operational needs, regulatory requirements, safety standards and Disney’s ambitions for efficiency, sustainability and innovation. From early design through construction, sea trials, delivery and the guarantee period, you will provide expert technical oversight and leadership.
This role will require you to be onsite 4 days a week and will require you to travel frequently. This is a 4-year fixed-term contract.
You’ll join a team grounded in our Disney values — acting with Integrity, welcoming everyone through Inclusion, embracing boundless Creativity, working together through Collaboration, and caring deeply for our Community.
What You Will Do
- Lead the technical specification and design development of ship structure, propulsion, engine room layout, auxiliary machinery, electrical generation and distribution, fuel systems, HVAC (technical components), automation and navigation systems.
- Act as the owner’s technical representative with shipyards, reviewing and approving drawings, plans and technical proposals.
- Ensure full compliance with international maritime regulations including IMO, SOLAS, MARPOL, flag state and classification society requirements.
- Champion the evaluation and integration of emerging technologies supporting efficiency, sustainability and innovation.
- Coordinate multidisciplinary technical reviews, risk assessments and value-engineering activities.
- Support yard selection, contract negotiations and major project milestones.
- Oversee testing, commissioning and sea trial preparation through delivery and the guarantee period.
- Partner with internal teams to embed operational feedback and lessons learned into new designs.
- Monitor technical progress, proactively managing risks and corrective actions.
Required Qualifications & Skills
- Extensive cruise industry experience including service as Chief Engineer on large modern passenger vessels.
- Strong shoreside experience in technical management, fleet engineering or newbuild oversight.
- Deep knowledge of international maritime regulations and classification society requirements.
- Comprehensive understanding of modern cruise ship technical systems.
- Bachelor’s degree in Marine Engineering, Naval Architecture or a related discipline/ equivalent experience.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder management and leadership skills.
- Willingness to travel internationally to shipyards and project sites.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience supporting cruise ship newbuild or major refit projects.
- Exposure to sustainability and decarbonisation technologies.
- Professional engineering certification or advanced degree.
- Additional European language skills.
The Perks
- 25 days annual leave
- Private medical insurance & dental care
- Free Park Entry: You will have the opportunity to enter any of our parks with your family and friends for free
- Disney Discounts: you are entitled to discounts on designated Disney products, resort F&B and ticketing
- Excellent parental and guardian leave
- Employee Resource Groups – WOMEN @ Disney, Disney DIVERSITY, Disney PRIDE, our new disability & neurodiversity focused group - ENABLED, and our Mental Health & Wellbeing Group, TRUST.
The Walt Disney Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We strive to be a diverse workforce that is representative of our audiences, and where all can thrive and belong. Disney is committed to forming a team that includes and respects a variety of voices, identities, backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.
We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Marine & Technical Program Lead – Cruise Ships employer: Walt Disney Imagineering
Contact Detail:
Walt Disney Imagineering Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Marine & Technical Program Lead – Cruise Ships
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend relevant events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their values and recent developments in the cruise industry. We want to show them that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your technical knowledge and be ready to discuss specific systems and regulations related to marine engineering. We need to demonstrate our expertise and confidence in the field, especially when it comes to compliance and innovation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Marine & Technical Program Lead – Cruise Ships
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Marine Engineering: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for marine engineering and cruise ships shine through. We want to see how your experience aligns with our mission to innovate and create the next generation of cruise ships.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your relevant experience in technical management and compliance with maritime regulations, as these are key aspects of the position we’re looking to fill.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity with Disney.
How to prepare for a job interview at Walt Disney Imagineering
✨Know Your Technical Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of marine engineering and the specific systems mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your experience with ship structure, propulsion, and compliance with international maritime regulations. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the concepts but can also apply them practically.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams or projects, especially in technical environments. Highlight how you’ve managed stakeholder relationships and navigated challenges in previous roles.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
Since this role involves working closely with shipyards and internal teams, be ready to discuss how you foster collaboration. Share specific instances where your communication skills helped resolve issues or improve project outcomes. This will illustrate your ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary environment.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Innovation
The role mentions a focus on efficiency, sustainability, and innovation. Think about any emerging technologies or practices you've implemented in your previous roles. Be prepared to discuss how these innovations can be integrated into new builds, showcasing your forward-thinking approach and alignment with Disney's values.