Job Description

JOB SUMMARY
The Vice President, Architecture & Engineering (A&E) shapes the creation of world-class experiences that ignite the thrill of being fully alive. As the functional leader for A&E services, this executive provides strategic vision and expertise across design, engineering, sustainability, compliance, and delivery of immersive theme park venues, attractions, landscapes, back-of-house facilities, and new parks on a global scale. The role drives execution by advancing digital design innovation, establishing global standards, and deploying tools and systems that ensure quality, consistency, and efficiency. Leading the Universal Creative A&E Department, the Vice President champions organizational culture, mentors global teams, and fosters collaboration with portfolio and project leadership, divisional partners, and cross-divisional and Company key stakeholders.
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Set and drive the global Architecture & Engineering (A&E) strategy, ensuring functional integration of facility design, ride/show engineering, and creative vision to deliver world-class guest experiences.
• Provide functional leadership for a global team of A&E leaders, establishing standards and driving consistency, quality, and innovation across all projects and portfolios.
• Develop, implement, and maintain A&E standards, methodologies, scopes of work, and digital platforms to streamline delivery, ensure compliance, and align with long-term strategic objectives.
• Serve as a strategic partner and leader to portfolio and project teams globally, providing guidance on procurement, milestone execution, permitting, and government engagement.
• Oversee quality control and risk management processes, ensuring designs meet cost parameters and projects are delivered on time, on budget, on brand, and on strategy.
• 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.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic and creative environment
• Ability to effectively present information to senior executive leadership.
• Ability to influence decisions with a high degree of tact & diplomacy.
• Ability to make critical decisions in complex, high-pressure situations to drive project success.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret A&E design and construction drawings/specifications, technical drawings/specifications, financial reports, schedules, and legal documents.
• Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals.
• Expertise in A&E procurement, permitting, compliance strategies, and government engagement.
• Expertise with digital design platforms and Virtual Design & Construction workflows.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to earn trust and credibility. Proven ability to work effectively with all levels of the organization and with a wide range of stakeholders, both individually and in groups.
• Knowledge of identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks to ensure project success.
• Passionate and knowledgeable about the themed entertainment industry and committed to delivering exceptional guest experiences.

EDUCATION

• Master of Architecture, Engineering, or Construction strongly preferred; or equivalent, related experience.
• Licensed Architect (NCARB certified)

EXPERIENCE
12+ years of experience successfully managing and delivering complex, large-scale, and high-profile projects, preferably in the areas of resort development, attractions, themed experiences, and destinations. Global experience preferred.
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

Skills Required