Trusted Industry Leaders — Est. 1994

The Industry Solution to
Safety & Maintenance Challenges

Independent inspection and engineering services for amusement rides and attractions throughout the United States and abroad.

Annual Inspections Commissioning Technical Testing Licensed Engineers
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30+
Years Experience
US+
Multi-Jurisdiction
PE
Licensed Engineers
INTL
Global Reach

Inspection. Testing.
Engineering.

REI provides independent inspection and engineering services for amusement rides and attractions throughout the United States and abroad. Every project is overseen by our engineers — PE-sealed documentation provided where required.

01

Focused. Independent. Accountable.

As a small, American-based firm, REI provides responsive service and direct access to the engineers and inspectors doing the actual work — not a remote corporate office.

02

Licensed. Certified. Industry-Active.

Our staff holds Professional Engineer licensure, NDT Level III, CWI, AIMS, NAARSO, and ETCP credentials, and actively participates in the development of ASTM and PLASA safety standards.

03

United States — International

REI performs inspections and technical services nationwide and has supported projects in multiple international jurisdictions across six continents.

Amusement ride
Engineer-Overseen, Always

Every project is overseen by our engineering team. PE-sealed documentation available for all applicable jurisdictions.

Our Core Services

Comprehensive engineering and safety solutions for the amusement industry — delivered by certified professionals.

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Amusement Rides

Rigid annual inspection programs covering guest and employee safety, equipment condition, maintenance quality, and regulatory compliance.

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Water Parks

Thorough pool and attraction safety inspections including fiberglass, support structures, filtration systems, grounds, queues, and signage.

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Theatrical Rigging

ETCP-certified rigging safety audits for theatres, amphitheaters, and portable stages per PLASA and industry best practices.

⚙️

Engineering

Structural analysis, design review, jurisdictional design approval, and PE-sealed documentation across a wide range of project types.

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Technical Testing

NDT Level III, load testing, non-destructive evaluation, and commissioning services using precision instruments and industry protocols.

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Resort Safety Audits

Comprehensive safety and loss prevention audits for themed resorts including attractions, F&B, retail, housekeeping, and maintenance.

Your Competitive Edge in Safety

Small firm responsiveness. Decades of credentials. Direct engineer access — always.

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Engineer-Led

Every project overseen by our engineering team. PE-stamped where required.

Fast Turnaround

Responsive scheduling and rapid report delivery nationwide.

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Direct Access

Speak directly with the team doing your project — no account managers.

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Standards Development

Active participants in ASTM, NAARSO, AIMS, and USITT standard-setting.

Certifications & Affiliations

Our staff participates in organizations that develop the safety standards governing the amusement and entertainment industries.

ASTM F24 IAAPA PE Licensed NAARSO Level III AIMS Certified NDT Level III CWI ETCP Rigger USITT
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Independent & Unbiased

No manufacturer relationships. Pure independent assessment.

Inspections

Recreation Engineering develops and conducts rigid inspection programs for amusement equipment, water parks, theatrical rigging, resorts, and more. Guest and employee safety is our top priority.

Amusement Rides

🎡 Amusement Rides

Recreation Engineering develops and conducts a rigid inspection program for amusement equipment. Guest and employee safety is the top priority when looking at the condition of equipment. REI also assesses the quality of maintenance and shares maintenance tips learned over decades of experience.

Water Parks

🌊 Water Parks

With decades of experience in outdoor and indoor water park operations, maintenance and inspections, REI has the knowledge and expertise to conduct thorough pool and attraction safety inspections. Specific points of focus include:

  • Fiberglass and support structures
  • Pools, pumps, and filtration systems
  • Water sanitation systems
  • Grounds, queues, and signage
Theatrical Rigging

🎭 Theatrical Rigging

Our ETCP technicians have knowledge of current PLASA standards and industry best practices to perform rigging safety audits within performance spaces like indoor theatres, amphitheaters, and portable stages. Audits verify the rigging is installed correctly, proper maintenance is being completed, and identify potential points of rigging failure.

Resorts

🏨 Resorts

REI inspectors have years of experience working with family-oriented themed resorts with amusement amenities such as water attractions, climbing walls, ropes courses, and interactive games. A comprehensive safety and loss prevention audit has been developed to include:

  • Amusement attractions and facilities
  • Food and beverage operations
  • Retail and housekeeping
  • Maintenance operations
Grandstands at a sporting event

🏟️ Sports & Entertainment Support

REI provides inspection and engineering oversight for temporary structures supporting sporting events and live entertainment — from golf tournament grandstands to event seating, scaffolding, and broadcast platforms. Our experience covers:

  • Grandstands and bleacher systems
  • Temporary platforms and stages
  • Event scaffolding and structures
  • Crowd loading and structural analysis
Special Inspections

🔬 Special Inspections

For situations that don't fit a standard inspection program, REI brings specialized capabilities to assess hard-to-reach or unique conditions:

  • Underwater — SCUBA-certified inspections and underwater NDT
  • Rope Access — climbing and rappelling for difficult areas
  • Operations Audits — live operation review for training and procedure gaps

Have a unique situation? .

Engineering

Amusement industry innovation and engineering begins at Recreation Engineering. Countless engineering projects, from design to testing and operations, trace their success to REI.

Our staff of engineers and inspectors have a broad background in mechanical and industrial engineering. REI holds professional engineering licenses in many states throughout the United States. Every project is overseen by our engineering team — PE-sealed documentation is provided where jurisdictionally required.

REI engineers have specialized experience providing both owner/operators and manufacturers with assistance in achieving jurisdictional design approval for new ride installations from coast-to-coast.

From children's cereal box toys to forklift trucks — we've been consulted on engineering aspects of hundreds of different projects.

Engineering

Project Experience

  • Aerial Tramway Systems Design
  • All-Terrain Vehicles
  • Amusement Ride Design and Design Review
  • Biodynamic Ride Evaluation
  • Boating Safety and Design
  • Design Analysis for Jurisdictional Approval
  • Mechanical Design Review
  • Mechanics of Pool Diving
  • Go Kart Safety and Hazard Evaluation
  • Impact Attenuation in Playground Surfaces
  • Skiing and Sledding Safety
  • Safety Analyses of Equipment
  • Personal Watercraft Design
  • Slip and Fall Characteristics of Walking Surfaces
  • Structural Analysis
  • PE-Sealed Documentation (multi-state)
Engineering project

PE Licensure

REI holds Professional Engineer licenses in multiple states including ID, IL, FL, TX, and NV. PE-sealed reports and documentation available where required by jurisdiction.

IdahoIllinoisFloridaTexasNevada+ More

Technical Testing

Specialized load testing, non-destructive evaluation, and commissioning services. We operate with precision instruments and industry-standard protocols.

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Non-Destructive Testing

NDT Level III certified technicians performing magnetic particle, dye penetrant, ultrasonic, and visual inspection methods on ride components and structures.

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Load Testing

Structural and mechanical load testing to verify that systems meet manufacturer specifications and applicable safety standards before and during operation.

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Commissioning

New ride commissioning inspections to verify systems meet manufacturer specs and applicable safety standards before opening to the public. Nationwide and international.

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Biodynamic Testing

Instrumented ride evaluations measuring forces, accelerations, and dynamics to assess guest safety and verify compliance with applicable standards.

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Welding Inspection

Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credentials on staff for weld quality assessment, procedure review, and documentation on amusement structures.

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Regulatory Compliance

Guidance on federal, state, and international regulatory requirements. We help operators navigate complex compliance landscapes with confidence.

NDT Services Offered

Hover over each method to learn how it's applied to amusement ride inspection and safety.

Visual NDT inspection
Visual

Visual Inspection (VT)

The foundation of any NDT program. Trained inspectors examine ride components for cracks, wear, corrosion, fastener integrity, and signs of fatigue using direct observation and aided tools such as borescopes and mirrors.

Magnetic Particle NDT
Magnetic Particle

Magnetic Particle (MT)

Detects surface and near-surface defects in ferromagnetic components such as axles, pins, and shafts. A magnetic field is applied and fine iron particles reveal cracks invisible to the naked eye.

Ultrasonic NDT
Ultrasonic

Ultrasonic Testing (UT)

High-frequency sound waves are sent into a component to detect internal flaws, measure thickness, and verify weld integrity. Especially valuable on critical structural members and weld inspections.

Dye Penetrant NDT
Dye Penetrant

Dye Penetrant (PT)

A liquid penetrant is applied to non-ferrous surfaces, then a developer draws the dye out of any surface-breaking flaws — making cracks visible. Effective on aluminum, stainless steel, and other non-magnetic materials.

Our Story

Established in 1994, Recreation Engineering has led the amusement industry in inspection, testing, and engineering for over 30 years.

Established in 1994 as Recreation Engineering Inc. (REI), the company has employed engineers and inspectors with decades of experience in the amusement and entertainment industries. With extensive industry knowledge and global reach, Recreation Engineering, LLC continues to lead in inspection, testing, and engineering, ensuring safety for guests and employees worldwide.

REI has Professional Engineers licensed in multiple states, including ID, IL, FL, TX, and NV, and is certified or listed to inspect amusement rides in most states, including CA (Qualified Safety Inspector), FL, MO, NV (Clark County and City of Las Vegas), TN, and TX. We are internationally recognized and have completed substantial work abroad, supporting projects across a wide range of regulatory environments and operational settings.

Our team brings a depth of technical expertise unmatched in the industry, holding Nondestructive Testing Level III certifications, Certified Welding Inspector (CWI) credentials, AIMS certifications (Professional Ride Inspector, Certified Ride Inspector, Maintenance I & II, Operations I, and Aquatics I), NAARSO Level III inspector credentials, and ETCP Certified Rigger – Theatre credentials.

REI is an active member of ASTM, NAARSO, AIMS, and USITT, contributing to the development of ASTM and PLASA standards that define best practices across the industry. Our team includes award-winning instructors with AIMS and NAARSO and frequent presenters at leading trade shows and technical seminars.

ASTM F24 NAARSO AIMS USITT IAAPA PLASA

Have We Been to Your Country?

World map showing REI service areas

🟡 Countries serviced by REI

Meet the Team

Hover over a team member to learn about their background and experience.

Fletcher Rydalch
Fletcher Rydalch
Chief Executive Officer

Fletcher Rydalch

Chief Executive Officer

Leads Recreation Engineering, drawing on a U.S. Navy (Nuclear Submarines) background in mechanical design, audits, surveillance programs, regulatory compliance, and project execution. Fletcher oversees all operations, client relationships, and strategic direction for REI's inspection and engineering work.

Brian King
Brian King
Subject Matter Expert

Brian King

Subject Matter Expert

Brings extensive expertise in amusement ride operations and safety. Brian serves as a key technical resource for complex inspection and engineering projects across a wide range of ride types and venues.

Jeff Abendshien
Jeff Abendshien
Subject Matter Expert

Jeff Abendshien

Subject Matter Expert

Decades of hands-on experience in the amusement industry. Jeff contributes deep technical knowledge to inspection programs and training, and is recognized as an award-winning instructor with AIMS and NAARSO.

Kevin Garrison
Kevin Garrison
Field Supervisor

Kevin Garrison

Field Supervisor

Leads field inspection teams across the country. Kevin brings extensive hands-on experience with a broad range of amusement equipment and ensures REI's rigorous inspection standards are consistently applied in the field.

Jesse Monreal
Jesse Monreal
Deputy Field Supervisor

Jesse Monreal

Deputy Field Supervisor

Supports field operations and inspection teams as Deputy Field Supervisor. Jesse brings strong technical skills and field experience to complex inspection assignments across REI's nationwide client base.

Bart Mueller
Bart Mueller
Field Supervisor

Bart Mueller

Field Supervisor

An experienced field supervisor with a strong background in amusement equipment inspection and maintenance. Bart leads inspection assignments across a wide variety of ride types and client environments.

Austin Muff
Austin Muff, P.E.
Engineer, Inspection Specialist

Austin Muff, P.E.

Engineer, Inspection Specialist

Licensed Professional Engineer combining engineering analysis with hands-on inspection expertise. Austin oversees engineering projects requiring PE-sealed documentation and performs technical inspections across REI's service areas.

Esteban Rivera
Esteban Rivera, E.I.
Inspection Specialist

Esteban Rivera, E.I.

Inspection Specialist

Engineer Intern licensed in Massachusetts bringing technical depth to inspection assignments across REI's service areas. Esteban also serves as an instructor with AIMS, sharing his expertise with industry professionals through technical training programs.

Kyler Bautista
Kyler Bautista, E.I.
Inspection Specialist

Kyler Bautista, E.I.

Inspection Specialist

Engineer Intern licensed in Michigan bringing technical depth to inspection assignments. Kyler also serves as an instructor with AIMS, contributing to industry training and the development of the next generation of inspection and engineering professionals.

Cayce Cobaugh
Cayce Cobaugh
Inspection Specialist

Cayce Cobaugh

Inspection Specialist

Inspection specialist contributing to REI's field operations with hands-on technical skills and a strong commitment to safety. Cayce supports inspection assignments across a range of amusement and attraction types.

Simeon Rydalch
Simeon Rydalch
Accountant

Simeon Rydalch

Accountant

Manages REI's financial operations including billing, bookkeeping, and administrative accounting. Simeon ensures the financial health and operational efficiency that allows REI's field teams to focus on delivering excellent service.

Open Positions

We're growing. Help us build a safer amusement industry — from the field to the office.

Full-Time📍 Rexburg, ID / Remote
Mechanical Engineer — Ride Systems and Structural Engineering
$80K–$110K+
About the Role

Join our engineering team performing structural and mechanical analysis on amusement rides, attractions, or rigging installations. You'll oversee engineering projects, contribute to PE-sealed reports where required, conduct field investigations, and participate in safety standard development.

Requirements
  • PE license (or ability to obtain)
  • BSME or BSCE required
  • 3+ years relevant experience
  • Strong technical writing skills
  • Willingness to travel (~40%)
  • Ready to contribute to people having fun
Apply Now ↗Send resume to info@recreationengineering.com
Full-Time📍 Field (Nationwide Travel)
Deputy Field Supervisor (Inspector)
$65K–$85K + Incentive
About the Role

Conduct annual and commissioning inspections on a wide variety of amusement rides across the United States. You'll be the client's primary point of contact in the field, producing detailed inspection reports and recommendations under the engineer's oversight. Will lead teams of inspectors and engineers. Able to conduct inspections independently.

Compensation: $65K–$85K base salary plus incentive pay.

Requirements
  • NAARSO or AIMS certification
  • 5+ years ride inspection experience
  • Strong documentation skills
  • Valid driver's license
  • Travel up to 60% of the time
Apply Now ↗Send resume to info@recreationengineering.com
Full-Time📍 Field / Remote
Inspector / Engineering Technician
$45K–$60K
About the Role

An entry-level opportunity to learn ride inspection and engineering from experienced professionals. You'll assist senior inspectors and engineers in the field, process data, and develop your technical skills in a growing specialty industry.

Requirements
  • Technical degree or equivalent experience
  • Mechanical aptitude required
  • Eagerness to learn and travel
  • Valid driver's license
  • NAARSO certification a plus
Apply Now ↗Send resume to info@recreationengineering.com
No openings in this category right now — check back soon or send a general inquiry to info@recreationengineering.com

Let's Talk About
Your Project

Whether you need an annual inspection, commissioning services, or engineering analysis — we're ready to help.

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Address

565 Pioneer Rd, Unit 138
Rexburg, ID 83440

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