Ride Mechanic

Ride Mechanic Location: Gatlinburg / Pigeon Forge, TN Employment Type: Full-Time Company: Ripley’s Tennessee Attractions Ripley Provided Parking *restrictions apply Position Summary Ripley’s Tennessee Attractions is seeking a skilled and safety‑focused Ride Mechanic to support the proper operation, inspection, and maintenance of our amusement rides, mountain coasters, and attractions.

This role plays a critical part in ensuring guest safety, ride reliability, and compliance with all regulatory standards. The ideal candidate has strong mechanical and electrical troubleshooting abilities, excellent attention to detail, and a commitment to maintaining a safe and efficient ride environment.

Key Responsibilities

Safety & Compliance

• Perform all work in accordance with manufacturer specifications, ASTM standards, and local, state, and federal ride safety regulations.
• Conduct daily, weekly, monthly, and annual ride inspections and document findings accurately.
• Participate in routine safety audits, risk assessments, and emergency response procedures.
• Maintain detailed records of inspections, maintenance logs, corrective actions, and compliance documents. Inspection & Preventative Maintenance
• Perform preventative maintenance to minimize downtime and ensure peak ride performance.
• Inspect mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, and pneumatic systems for wear, damage, or irregularities.
• Identify potential hazards, worn components, or system failures before they impact operations. Repairs & Troubleshooting
• Diagnose, repair, or replace faulty ride components efficiently and safely.
• Respond quickly to ride malfunctions, shutdowns, or emergency maintenance needs.
• Read and interpret schematics, blueprints, wiring diagrams, and technical service manuals.
• Ensure repairs meet or exceed manufacturer and regulatory standards. Collaboration & Operational Support
• Work closely with other mechanics, engineers, and leadership to ensure smooth daily ride operations.
• Provide input on equipment upgrades, part replacements, and long-term maintenance planning.
• Support inventory tracking of parts, tools, and maintenance supplies.

Qualifications

Education

& Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Technical or vocational training preferred.
• Minimum 2 years of mechanical experience, preferably in amusement rides, coasters, or a similar environment.
• Experience with mountain coasters or small amusement rides is highly desirable. Skills
• Proficiency in mechanical and electrical diagnostics and repairs.
• Strong knowledge of hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
• Ability to interpret technical manuals, blueprints, schematics, and wiring diagrams.
• Strong problem‑solving and decision‑making abilities.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Familiarity with maintenance best practices, part inventory usage, and vendor coordination. Certifications (Preferred but Not Required)
• NAARSO, AIMS, or similar ride safety certifications.
• Forklift or aerial lift operation certification. Physical Requirements
• Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions (heat, cold, rain, etc.).
• Comfortable working at heights, in confined spaces, and around loud machinery.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs.
• Physical stamina to climb, stand, bend, and walk for extended periods.
• Availability to work nights, weekends, holidays, and be on-call for emergencies.