Universal Studios Hollywood
Manager Figure Finishing
Universal Studios Hollywood, California, Missouri, United States, 65018
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 theme parks and consumer experiences. We own and operate leading entertainment and news brands, including NBC, NBC News, MSNBC, CNBC, NBC Sports, Telemundo, NBC Local Stations, Bravo, USA Network and Peacock, our premium ad‑supported streaming service. We produce and distribute premier filmed entertainment and programming through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Universal Studio Group, and have world‑renowned theme parks and attractions through Universal Destinations & Experiences. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.
Job Description The Manager, Animated Figure Team, is responsible for the overall sustainment, show quality, reliability and aesthetic presentation of animatronic figures, animated props and relevant ride vehicle components or structures at Universal Studios Hollywood (USH). This role provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for both the Figure Animations and Figure Finishing teams, ensuring seamless collaboration across technical, creative and operational departments. The Manager oversees day‑to‑day maintenance, refurbishment, finishing processes, capital and sustainment programs, budgeting, staffing, documentation and compliance with department policies, safety standards and labor agreements. This position plays a key role in long‑term planning, program development and technical execution to meet and exceed show quality and reliability standards for USH.
Responsibilities
Manage skilled labour who perform tasks and duties that support the daily operation, long‑term reliability, sustainment and adherence to show quality standards of all animatronic figures and animated props.
Oversee work performed by Figure Animations and Figure Finishing team members, planned and unplanned, which may include short‑ or long‑term maintenance, emergent repairs, refurbishment, fabrication and finishing.
Review maintenance manuals, CAD drawings, finishing specifications and work documentation.
Manage fabrication of mechanical parts, silicone skins, costumes, fiberglass components and other figure elements and materials.
Adopt, develop and implement best practices for mechanical, electrical, show control and figure finishing disciplines.
Participate in strategic planning and program development; develop funding proposals and initiatives for programs to ensure the continuous delivery of services, sustainment and appropriate enhancements.
Ensure proper documentation of program activities; ensure reporting is completed as required; ensure that program activities operate within the policies and procedures of USH.
Serve as primary interface between Figure Animations, Figure Finishing, Rides, Engineering, Controls, Shared Services, Entertainment, Creative, Park Operations and our Safety team.
Communicate all aspects of safety, budget, schedule and issue resolution to appropriate levels of management.
Support the park needs as required which may include working extended hours, nights, holidays and weekends.
Recruit, interview and hire new technicians as needed. Manage and maintain a team of well‑qualified technicians, ensuring access to applicable training, mentorship and guidance.
Provide clear and consistent work direction, counseling and coaching to hourly union staff.
Coaches and motivates hourly union staff to promote safe and efficient operations while also exceeding client expectations of communication, responsiveness, quality of service and technical efficiency.
Provide performance feedback to technicians and address performance concerns in a timely manner.
Participate in reward and recognition, employee events and TSAT action planning.
Ensure that all safety procedures are understood and followed by all employees.
Perform other duties as assigned by Senior Manager or Sr. Leadership.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business Management, Technical Arts or related field; or equivalent experience.
Experience with animatronic figures, animated props, show action equipment and/or figure finishing disciplines.
Working knowledge of hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, electrical and control systems.
Expertise in one or more finishing disciplines: silicone skin fabrication, paints/finishes, fiberglass lay‑up, costume fabrication.
Ability to read, understand and interpret CAD drawings, 3‑D models, maintenance manuals, operating procedures and finishing specifications.
Minimum 7 years of operations management, maintenance planning and team leadership experience.
A strong passion for delivering the highest quality of guest service.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively in a professional environment. Ability to demonstrate creative problem‑solving techniques to resolve issues.
Ability and willingness to work overtime, weekends and holidays with short notice.
Experience working with maintenance/asset management ERP systems (Maximo, SAP etc.).
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Project.
Desired Characteristics
Extensive experience with both mechanical/controls‑based animatronic systems and aesthetic finishing processes, demonstrating a balanced technical and artistic mindset.
Proven ability to build long‑term strategic programmes that improve reliability, show quality and lifecycle management of complex, multidisciplinary assets.
Strong competency in developing technical standards, maintenance guidelines, finishing specifications and cross‑department workflows.
Demonstrated leadership in high‑pressure, fast‑paced operational environments with the ability to prioritize and pivot effectively.
Ability to bridge communication between creative, engineering, operations and production teams, ensuring alignment of artistic intent and technical feasibility.
Advanced understanding of fabrication processes including machining, welding, materials science, silicone and polyurethane casting, coatings and costume construction.
Familiarity with industrial control systems, safety systems and industry best practices for animatronic reliability.
Experience guiding teams through complex diagnostic and troubleshooting procedures, balancing immediate operational needs with long‑term system health.
Strong advocacy for innovation, identifying new materials, technologies and tooling that enhance show quality and reduce sustainment load.
Ability to foster a collaborative, respectful and growth‑oriented culture across diverse technical teams.
Benefits and Compensation 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. Salary range: $80,000 – $105,000 (bonus eligible).
Additional Information 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 is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, colour, 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, arrests or convictions 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.
Seniority level Mid‑Senior level
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Management and Manufacturing
Industries Entertainment
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Job Description The Manager, Animated Figure Team, is responsible for the overall sustainment, show quality, reliability and aesthetic presentation of animatronic figures, animated props and relevant ride vehicle components or structures at Universal Studios Hollywood (USH). This role provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for both the Figure Animations and Figure Finishing teams, ensuring seamless collaboration across technical, creative and operational departments. The Manager oversees day‑to‑day maintenance, refurbishment, finishing processes, capital and sustainment programs, budgeting, staffing, documentation and compliance with department policies, safety standards and labor agreements. This position plays a key role in long‑term planning, program development and technical execution to meet and exceed show quality and reliability standards for USH.
Responsibilities
Manage skilled labour who perform tasks and duties that support the daily operation, long‑term reliability, sustainment and adherence to show quality standards of all animatronic figures and animated props.
Oversee work performed by Figure Animations and Figure Finishing team members, planned and unplanned, which may include short‑ or long‑term maintenance, emergent repairs, refurbishment, fabrication and finishing.
Review maintenance manuals, CAD drawings, finishing specifications and work documentation.
Manage fabrication of mechanical parts, silicone skins, costumes, fiberglass components and other figure elements and materials.
Adopt, develop and implement best practices for mechanical, electrical, show control and figure finishing disciplines.
Participate in strategic planning and program development; develop funding proposals and initiatives for programs to ensure the continuous delivery of services, sustainment and appropriate enhancements.
Ensure proper documentation of program activities; ensure reporting is completed as required; ensure that program activities operate within the policies and procedures of USH.
Serve as primary interface between Figure Animations, Figure Finishing, Rides, Engineering, Controls, Shared Services, Entertainment, Creative, Park Operations and our Safety team.
Communicate all aspects of safety, budget, schedule and issue resolution to appropriate levels of management.
Support the park needs as required which may include working extended hours, nights, holidays and weekends.
Recruit, interview and hire new technicians as needed. Manage and maintain a team of well‑qualified technicians, ensuring access to applicable training, mentorship and guidance.
Provide clear and consistent work direction, counseling and coaching to hourly union staff.
Coaches and motivates hourly union staff to promote safe and efficient operations while also exceeding client expectations of communication, responsiveness, quality of service and technical efficiency.
Provide performance feedback to technicians and address performance concerns in a timely manner.
Participate in reward and recognition, employee events and TSAT action planning.
Ensure that all safety procedures are understood and followed by all employees.
Perform other duties as assigned by Senior Manager or Sr. Leadership.
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in engineering, Business Management, Technical Arts or related field; or equivalent experience.
Experience with animatronic figures, animated props, show action equipment and/or figure finishing disciplines.
Working knowledge of hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, electrical and control systems.
Expertise in one or more finishing disciplines: silicone skin fabrication, paints/finishes, fiberglass lay‑up, costume fabrication.
Ability to read, understand and interpret CAD drawings, 3‑D models, maintenance manuals, operating procedures and finishing specifications.
Minimum 7 years of operations management, maintenance planning and team leadership experience.
A strong passion for delivering the highest quality of guest service.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively in a professional environment. Ability to demonstrate creative problem‑solving techniques to resolve issues.
Ability and willingness to work overtime, weekends and holidays with short notice.
Experience working with maintenance/asset management ERP systems (Maximo, SAP etc.).
Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint and Project.
Desired Characteristics
Extensive experience with both mechanical/controls‑based animatronic systems and aesthetic finishing processes, demonstrating a balanced technical and artistic mindset.
Proven ability to build long‑term strategic programmes that improve reliability, show quality and lifecycle management of complex, multidisciplinary assets.
Strong competency in developing technical standards, maintenance guidelines, finishing specifications and cross‑department workflows.
Demonstrated leadership in high‑pressure, fast‑paced operational environments with the ability to prioritize and pivot effectively.
Ability to bridge communication between creative, engineering, operations and production teams, ensuring alignment of artistic intent and technical feasibility.
Advanced understanding of fabrication processes including machining, welding, materials science, silicone and polyurethane casting, coatings and costume construction.
Familiarity with industrial control systems, safety systems and industry best practices for animatronic reliability.
Experience guiding teams through complex diagnostic and troubleshooting procedures, balancing immediate operational needs with long‑term system health.
Strong advocacy for innovation, identifying new materials, technologies and tooling that enhance show quality and reduce sustainment load.
Ability to foster a collaborative, respectful and growth‑oriented culture across diverse technical teams.
Benefits and Compensation 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. Salary range: $80,000 – $105,000 (bonus eligible).
Additional Information 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 is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, colour, 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, arrests or convictions 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.
Seniority level Mid‑Senior level
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Management and Manufacturing
Industries Entertainment
#J-18808-Ljbffr