Illuminating the Magic: Working as an Electrical Engineer with Facilities Asset Management
Have you ever wondered, “who keeps the lights on” at Walt Disney World? Well, there is a dedicated Electrical Department that has responsibilities extending far beyond illuminating the parks! This department is part of Facilities Asset Management and oversees all aspects of electrical systems, providing technical expertise and proactive problem-solving. Their goal is to ensure that both new and legacy electrical infrastructure operates safely, reliably and efficiently – now and into the future.
And no one knows the impact of this team better than Cyle! He has been an Electrical Engineer on the team since 2023 and is excited to be a part of this bright department at Disney!
What inspires your work?
“Much of our work happens behind the scenes, focused on the technical and operational aspects that keep the parks and resorts running safely and efficiently. Inspiration can sometimes be elusive in these supportive roles, where our day-to-day efforts aren't always visible to guests and we do not directly interact with them.
That said, the greatest sense of fulfillment comes from seeing a project through to completion, knowing we've contributed to reliable infrastructure that supports the overall magic. Even more rewarding is the occasional opportunity to walk through the parks or resorts and observe guests fully immersed in joyful experiences, laughing with their families or creating lifelong memories. It's a powerful reminder that our behind-the-scenes contributions play a vital role in delivering those exceptional moments for visitors.”
How has Disney offered learning opportunities in your role?
“One of the largest learning opportunities came from when I was able to get out of the office and see firsthand how facilities were built and operated. Being provided the opportunity to be out in the field has been one of the greatest learning experiences I could have ever asked for, and I implore early career engineers to search for these opportunities.”
What is your favorite part of the day?
“My favorite part of the day is knowing that every day is not like the last. I may come to work with a plan already laid out for the day and then one phone call comes in that requires a shift in a completely different direction. It may be trying at times, but it certainly does not lead to a boring day at the office!”
What is one of the coolest things about your job?
“Throughout the year, as we are part of a team that performs an annual power test of all our facilities, throughout the parks and resorts. These tests are performed in the middle of the night and are a vital part of Disney’s operational excellence, ensuring our dedication to the guest experience. Since these tests are done at night, we get to experience the parks at night with no guests. We walk around the parks with all the lights on, the background music playing … it’s one of those things that only a Disney cast member can experience. Seeing and hearing Animal Kingdom at night is truly an awe-inspiring experience.”
What is the most challenging and rewarding part of your role?
“The most challenging aspect of my role is purely relationship building. Disney has so many partners, that are spread all over the globe, it can be overwhelming at times to determine exactly who you need to communicate with, so they can help you accomplish your goal.
The most rewarding part of my role is that I have the opportunity to troubleshoot some extremely unique situations that I never even would have dreamed of being able to do. It’s not every day that an engineer gets to have the opportunity to roam the parks at night.”
What has surprised you most about working at Disney?
“The cast members, our cast, no matter what division have a sense of pride and want to help wherever they can. Seeing the number of guests that come and go is just astounding … just thinking about the logistics makes you take a step back.”
What would you say to someone considering working for Disney? Do you have any advice for them?
“Do not doubt yourself, have the confidence to apply for a position where you can improve your skill set and always be in a state of constant learning. Build relationships wherever you can, in and out of Disney, they will become more valuable than you can ever imagine.”
If you are interested in learning more about opportunities at Disney, visit DisneyCareers.com!
