Also called: Roller Coaster Engineer, Ride Systems Engineer
Designs and tests the mechanical, electrical, and control systems of rides and roller coasters.
You model g-forces for a new coaster, run computer simulations, and watch test runs with sandbag dummies. You work with manufacturers and safety inspectors. Few jobs let you design the thrills millions will ride.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Bachelor's degree (4-year), about 4 years after high school. Bachelor's in mechanical or electrical engineering; PE license helpful.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics.
Growing much faster than average (about 9% over 10 years). Grouped with mechanical engineers.
Low risk in 5 years, medium in 10. AI speeds simulation and design checks; testing real rides and signing off on safety stay human.
Classes: AP Physics, AP Calculus, CAD/3D design.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-2141.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.