At least 5 years
This role is STARs-friendly: Skilled Through Alternative Routes.
80% STARs in role.
Job Title: Rides Controls Maintenance Technician
Job Description
The Rides Controls Maintenance Technician supports safe and reliable operation of all rides and attractions by performing expert electrical and controls maintenance across the facility. This role works closely with the Ride Controls Supervisor and the broader maintenance and construction teams to complete work efficiently and safely. The position is safety-focused, guest-facing, and requires strong technical skills, proactive troubleshooting, and a commitment to keeping the park operating smoothly in a fast-paced environment.
Responsibilities
- Perform expert electrical maintenance for all rides, attractions, food stands, stages, and CCTV systems throughout the facility.
- Respond promptly to electrical-related issues, troubleshoot faults, and repair electrical problems in a safe, effective, and timely manner.
- Support ride operations by performing controls-related troubleshooting, adjustments, and repairs to minimize downtime and maintain a safe guest experience.
- Ensure strict compliance with federal, state, and local regulations, as well as company policies, including safety standards established by OSHA and other governing bodies.
- Develop and apply strong practical knowledge in electrical and electronic maintenance and repair, including work with PLCs, motors, drives, switches, and sensors.
- Maintain electrical services to park buildings and other structures, ensuring systems operate reliably and safely.
- Conduct periodic inspections of electrical services and ride control systems to proactively identify and resolve issues before they impact operations.
- Perform preventive maintenance on rides and equipment, including inspections, adjustments, lubrication, and replacement of wear components.
- Troubleshoot and repair control systems, including PLC-based controls, variable frequency drives (VFDs), and related hardware.
- Work with pneumatics and hydraulics systems to diagnose and repair issues affecting ride performance and safety.
- Interpret and work from blueprints, schematics, and technical drawings to install, maintain, and repair electrical and mechanical systems.
- Perform mechanical repairs and adjustments on ride components, including bearings, seals, and structural elements as needed.
- Assist with welding, fabrication, and structural repairs related to rides and associated equipment when required.
- Support HVAC-related maintenance tasks as they relate to ride buildings, control rooms, and support facilities.
- Collaborate closely with other maintenance team members and divisions to coordinate work, share information, and complete tasks efficiently.
- Interact professionally with team members and, when required, guests, while performing maintenance in guest-facing areas.
- Participate in teardown, overhaul, and rebuild activities during the off season, including major repairs, component replacements, and system upgrades.
- Document work performed, issues identified, and repairs completed in accordance with internal maintenance procedures.
- Work flexible hours, including mornings, nights, weekends, and seasonal schedules, to support park operations and maintenance needs.
Essential Skills
- Strong electrical maintenance skills with at least 5+ years of previous work experience in electrical maintenance or as an electrician.
- Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot and repair electrical systems safely and effectively in an operational environment.
- Hands-on experience with PLC troubleshooting and PLC control systems, with 3+ years of control / PLC experience preferred.
- Experience with power distribution systems, with 3+ years of power distribution experience preferred.
- Proficiency in working with motors, drives (including VFDs), switches, and sensors in an industrial or amusement setting.
- Ability to read and interpret blueprints, electrical schematics, and technical documentation.
- Experience with pneumatics and hydraulics, including troubleshooting and repair of related systems.
- Mechanical aptitude with experience in preventive maintenance, repairs, and adjustments on complex machinery.
- Skilled in electrical troubleshooting across a variety of equipment, including rides, attractions, and facility systems.
- High School diploma, GED, or equivalent educational experience.
- Ability to comply with and apply federal, state, local, and company safety regulations, including OSHA standards.
- Capability to work in a fast-paced environment while maintaining a strong focus on safety and quality.
- Effective communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate closely with other maintenance and construction team members.
Additional Skills & Qualifications
- 3+ years of college, trade school, or a technical degree in a related field is highly preferred; equivalent work experience will also be considered.
- Experience with CCTV system maintenance and repair in an industrial or entertainment environment.
- Experience in HVAC-related maintenance within ride buildings or control environments.
- Experience performing welding, fabrication, and structural repairs on mechanical or ride components.
- Prior experience in a theme park, amusement park, or similar entertainment facility is beneficial.
- Comfort working in guest-facing areas while performing maintenance and repairs.
- Ability to adapt to seasonal workload changes and shifting priorities as park operations change throughout the year.
- Strong problem-solving skills and a proactive approach to identifying and addressing potential issues before they impact operations.
Why Work Here?
You will join a small, tight-knit maintenance team that supports one another and works collaboratively in a unique and exciting industry. The environment is fast-paced and offers continuous learning, with exposure to a wide variety of rides, systems, and technologies. Team members enjoy a cool and engaging work setting, along with a free family pass once hired directly, and access to comprehensive benefits including health, dental, vision, and paid time off. The culture emphasizes teamwork, support, and flexibility, including the ability to request occasional weekends off when needed, fostering a healthy balance between work responsibilities and personal life.
Work Environment
The role operates in a dynamic, seasonal park environment with varying schedules throughout the year. During the in-season (approximately May to October), the facility is open seven days a week, and you primarily perform preventive maintenance in the mornings in the park, respond to ride calls and repairs during operating hours, and handle additional repairs and projects in the shop. In the off season, workload often increases as the team prepares for the upcoming year, focusing on teardowns, major repairs, preventive maintenance, new bearings and seals, lubrication, fabrication, and structural repairs. The standard schedule is on 1st shift, with a 7:00 a.m. start time in the off season and a 6:00 a.m. start time in season, including Saturdays and Sundays. Once hired directly, all team members work nights and weekends, with two days off during the week; occasional weekends off are typically possible when requested in advance and when not excessive. Work takes place both indoors and outdoors, including in inclement weather when necessary, particularly as opening season approaches, though the team strives to work smart and mitigate exposure to harsh conditions whenever possible. You will work with electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and hydraulic systems, PLC controls, VFDs, and other industrial equipment in an environment that requires adherence to safety standards and appropriate work attire suitable for a maintenance and industrial setting.
Job Type & LocationThis is a Contract position based out of Altoona, IA.
Pay and BenefitsThe pay range for this position is $34.00 - $34.00/hr.
Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job
classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be
subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits
available for this temporary role may include the following:
• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan – Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)
This is a fully onsite position in Altoona,IA.
Application DeadlineThis position is anticipated to close on Jul 27, 2026.
About Aerotek
Aerotek® Inc. provides staffing and services solutions in manufacturing, logistics, construction, aviation, facilities and maintenance. We provide the expertise, solutions and people required to rise to the challenges of North American industry. Headquartered in Hanover, Md., Aerotek operates a unified network of over 200 offices across North America, supporting more than 18,000 clients each year. Aerotek is an Allegis Group company, the global leader in workforce and business solutions. To learn more, visit: Aerotek.com | 1-888-AEROTEK.
Aerotek offers weekly pay, employee benefits including medical, dental & vision, life insurance, health advocacy and employee assistance programs, a 401(k) plan, and employee discounts.
The company is an equal opportunity employer and will consider all applications without regards to race, sex, age, color, religion, national origin, veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or any characteristic protected by law.
San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance:
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, for all positions located in the city and county of San Francisco, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
Massachusetts Lie Detector:
It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We may use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support parts of our hiring process, including sourcing, screening, and evaluating candidates. AI helps assess applications and qualifications, but final decisions are made by our hiring team. By applying, you acknowledge and agree that your application may be reviewed using AI tools.
Posting ID: JP-006155224