WDI Show Mechanical Engineering Intern, Glendale, Spring 2027

About the Role & Program 

Be a part of an innovative team and culture…   

Walt Disney Imagineering is the creative force that imagines, designs and brings to life all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions and cruise ships worldwide. Working across a spectrum of disciplines that range from creative and conceptual to scientific and technical, Imagineers blend an innovative mixture of storytelling, art, science and technology to create immersive experiences, memorable destinations, and innovative entertainment for families around the globe.   

The approximate date of this internship is January 2027 to June 2027 and will be located in Glendale, CA.   

What You Will Do 

We are looking for a Show Mechanical Engineering intern to join the team that helps to dream and create many of the magical moments that our guests enjoy! The Show Systems team is responsible for delivering world class Audio- Animatronic figures, show action equipment and special effects throughout their full lifecycle. We partner with various teams to help deliver quality products, and our processes and tools help to take us from concept design to production and installation. 

An intern with our department focuses on mechanical engineering tasks related to the creation of animatronic figures and show action equipment, where fantastic show, lifelike performance, durability, reliability and safety are a must. We are responsible for bringing the creative intent (look, feel & sound) of our stories into physical reality. The intern will support different phases of the engineering process from concept development through final design, production, test, installation and commissioning for a variety of theme park attractions. Our diverse needs call for many areas of specialization which allow our engineers to learn and grow within the mechanical engineering realm. These areas include design engineering, machine design, mechanical analysis, advanced 3d modeling, 3d printing, production processes, material sciences, and more. Candidates are not expected to have experience in each space but should be passionate about growing their skills in these areas as they relate to themed entertainment. 

We are looking for candidates who are excited to solve hard problems and grow in the mechanical sciences in service to bring the Walt Disney Company’s stories to life! As an intern on the team, you will have the opportunity to: 

• Design mechanical components under the direction of others 

• Create models and drawings in Solidworks 

• Perform calculations for machine designs such as development of loads, stress analysis, and motor and component sizing 

• Provide production support for animated figures and show action equipment 

• Support test and commissioning of animated figures and show action equipment 

• Generate drawings and engineering reports to document engineering designs 

Required Qualifications & Skills 

• Ability to perform basic engineering analysis and calculations 

• Possess a basic knowledge of mechanical components and manufacturing processes 

• Experience with SolidWorks or equivalent 3d modeling tools 

• Availability to work various shifts commensurate with global project requirements (typically 8am – 5 pm) 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Demonstrated/proven strong leadership, technical and interpersonal skills 

• Self-starter with demonstrated initiative - able to handle multiple tasks and priorities 

• Familiar with Finite Element Analysis (FEA) is desired [ANSYS is preferred] 

• Familiar with mechanical system modeling tools [MATLAB or Simulink is preferred] 

Education 

Currently enrolled as a Junior or higher attending an ABET accredited engineering program in Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, or Engineering Mechanics 

Eligibility Requirements & Program Information   

Candidates for this opportunity MUST meet all of the below requirements:   

• Be enrolled in an accredited college/university pursuing a degree taking at least one class at time of application posting OR currently participating in a Disney College Program or Disney Internship    

• Be at least 18 years of age    

• Possess unrestricted work authorization    

• Have not completed one year of continual employment on a Disney internship or program.    

Additional Information   

• Able to provide reliable transportation to/from work  

• Must be fully available for the duration of the internship  

• Must provide own housing