Manager, Ride Maintenance

Description

Circuit of The Americas (COTA) is a 365-entertainment destination for world-class events located in Austin, TX. The sports and entertainment portfolio at COTA is unmatched in the country with Formula 1 US Grand Prix, NASCAR and MotoGP attracting global fans during championship races on the famed Circuit and Live Nation producing over 30 headline concerts every year at the Germania Insurance Amphitheater. COTALAND is an amusement park with over 30 attractions and experiences, including first-of-their-kind roller coasters.

The Ride Maintenance Manager at COTALAND is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of all rides and attractions within the park. This role leads maintenance personnel, ensures strict compliance with ASTM standards and manufacturer requirements, and drives preventive maintenance strategies to support daily operations and long-term asset reliability. This position plays a critical leadership role in ensuring all rides open on time, operate safely throughout the day, and are properly maintained to minimize downtime and extend equipment life.

Requirements

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, supervise, and develop ride maintenance supervisors, leads, and technicians
• Establish daily staffing plans for ride opening (early morning inspections), operational coverage, and closing activities
• Promote a strong safety-first culture and enforce professional workplace standards
• Conduct performance evaluations, coaching, and disciplinary actions as required
• Support hiring, onboarding, and training of maintenance personnel

Ride Maintenance Operations

• Oversee all daily ride inspections to ensure rides are safe and ready for on-time opening
• Ensure execution of preventive maintenance (PM) programs in alignment with manufacturer guidelines and ASTM standards
• Manage corrective maintenance and troubleshoot mechanical, electrical, and controls-related issues
• Monitor ride performance and reliability, implementing improvements to reduce downtime
• Coordinate ride rehabilitations, refurbishments, and new installations

Compliance & Safety

• Ensure compliance with ASTM standards, manufacturer specifications, and applicable state regulations
• Maintain accurate and complete maintenance records using CMMS systems (e.g., Mobaro)
• Coordinate third-party inspections including NDT, annual certifications, and specialty inspections
• Lead incident investigations and ensure proper documentation and corrective actions
• Enforce all safety procedures including LOTO, PPE, and safe work practices

Planning & Scheduling

• Develop and manage staffing schedules
• Ensure adequate staffing for ride opening inspections, in-park coverage, and closing tasks without reliance on overtime
• Plan and execute seasonal maintenance, shutdown work, and capital projects
• Collaborate with Park Operations to align ride availability with daily operational needs

Vendor & Parts Management

• Maintain relationships with ride manufacturers and service vendors (OEMs and third-party providers)
• Manage procurement of spare parts, critical components, and maintenance supplies
• Develop and maintain recommended spare parts inventory for all attractions
• Review and manage vendor scopes, quotes, and service agreements

Qualifications

Required

• Minimum 5 years of experience in maintenance (amusement rides, industrial, or similar field)
• Minimum 2 years of leadership or supervisory experience
• Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems
• Experience with preventive maintenance programs and CMMS platforms
• Working knowledge of safety standards and regulatory compliance

Preferred

• Amusement/theme park maintenance experience
• Familiarity with major ride manufacturers (e.g., Vekoma, S&S, Zamperla, Gerstlauer, etc.)
• NAARSO, AIMS, or equivalent certification (or ability to obtain within 2 years)
• Experience with ride installation, commissioning, or large-scale rehab projects

Work Environment

• Outdoor work in varying weather conditions, including heat and humidity
• Early morning start times and evening coverage as needed
• Availability for weekends, holidays, and peak operating periods
• Ability to stand, sit, use hands to handle, or feel, reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to lift and/ or move up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to squat, bend, twist, push/pull.
• Ability to stand/walk for long periods.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision.
• Work in extreme environments outdoors throughout the year.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate but can be loud during events.

Salary commensurate with experience.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY:

COTA strongly supports equal employment opportunity for all applicants regardless of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, marital status, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by state and federal law.