Patrickson’s Journey from Attractions to Engineering
Patrickson began his Disney journey at Mission: SPACE as an Attractions Host. During his time at EPCOT, he developed a desire to work in an engineering role that helped improved guest experience.
His next role was an internship with the Modeling, Simulation and Training Tools team where he assisted on a variety of projects remotely. Patrickson assisted in creating the Acceptance Test Plan for Spider-Man W.E.B. Adventure at Disneyland Paris and worked on a simulation for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad.
After his internship, Patrickson participated in two rotations of the Early Career Rotational Program. The first rotation was as an Associate Electrical Engineer at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and the second rotation was as a tier III auditor with the Worldwide Safety Assurance team. In this role he worked to ensure the daily operational reliability of the attractions. He also worked on projects to improve their overall reliability. His work on his internship and program gave him valuable experience that helped advance his career.
“Being involved in numerous projects allowed me to gain a deep understanding of ride control systems. Working alongside experienced engineers provided a supportive environment where I could easily seek guidance and improve my problem-solving skills,” said Patrickson.
Patrickson also mentioned that his involvement in a mentorship program helped to enrich his employment experience because it provided tailored guidance, expanded his network and prepared him for long-term success within the company.
Patrickson currently works as an Associate Electrical Engineer on the Global Engineering and Technology team supporting Textile Sustaining Engineering.
This team is project-based and provides him the opportunity to work with projects from initiation through completion. This allows him to focus on innovative engineering solutions. His most significant project has been the development and implementation of the bag overtemperature detection system within the facility.
“My job is to focus on the execution of these projects successfully, as well as supporting Engineering Services and Production on the daily operations of the laundry facility,” Patrickson said.
Patrickson is inspired by the challenges that push him to grow, continuous learning and development, the camaraderie and collaboration with colleagues and his genuine passion for his work.
“I really value the camaraderie and teamwork within my team. Working closely with supportive colleagues who share common goals and values fosters a strong sense of belonging and makes overcoming challenges more fulfilling. Moreover, the chance to exchange expertise and viewpoints enables us to develop innovative solutions and contributes to personal growth,” he said.
Working at Disney revealed the dedication and meticulous attention to detail across all aspects of the company to Patrickson. This dedication to excellence can be seen not only through guest interactions, but also behind-the-scenes in operations that roles like Patrickson’s supports.
