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WDI Design and Engineering Operations Intern, Summer/Fall 2026
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10141995 Location Glendale, California, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Feb. 02, 2026Job Summary:
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.
Are you ready to apply your proven business management skills and experience to support the business of design? This is a phenomenal opportunity to be part of the team that creates the next exciting phase of growth at Disney!
The approximate date of this internship is June to December 2026 and will be located in Glendale, CA.
What You Will Do
The WDI Design & Engineering Operations Intern will partner with project leaders to implement project and studio design strategies. The successful candidate will provide Architecture, Design & Engineering (AD&E) project and studio leaders with financial and technical support that maximizes business outcomes. Responsibilities include collaborating and influencing a wide variety of stakeholders, including finance, project managers, architects, engineers, designers, planners, and producers – delivering plans and establishing best practices that achieve short- and long-term AD&E strategic goals. This internship is a hybrid role supporting design and engineering teams through business and operational analysis.
Support the development and maintenance of work plans for internal AD&E initiatives, helping track scope, milestones, resources, and spending.
Assist in translating high-level goals and project priorities into organized, actionable tasks that support efficient project execution.
Contribute to the preparation of status updates, presentation materials, and training resources related to AD&E transformation and improvement initiatives.
Participate in cross-disciplinary coordination efforts by tracking action items, design decisions, staffing needs, and follow-ups across teams.
Collaborate with design managers and functional managers to support alignment between resource plans and project needs.
Analyze historical project data and maintain Excel-based tracking and visualization tools to support planning, forecasting, and decision-making.
Assist in organizing, synthesizing, and summarizing technical and operational information for use in project reviews and leadership discussions.
Support change management and performance-tracking efforts (e.g., Earned Value–related data, scope changes, and impacts) through documentation and analysis.
Required Qualifications & Skills
Demonstrated ability (through coursework, projects, or internships) to translate high-level goals or scope descriptions into organized, actionable work plans.
Working proficiency in Excel (e.g., formulas, basic financial analysis, structured tables).
Comfortable engaging with engineers and designers to understand technical context and project requirements.
Ability to explain financial or operational information in clear, non-financial language to technical audiences.
Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines simultaneously.
Collaborative team player able to build positive working relationships across disciplines, seniority levels, and working styles.
Curious and proactive learner with an interest in expanding knowledge beyond prior experience.
Comfortable working in a creative, fast-paced, and innovation-oriented environment.
Strong analytical skills with the ability to synthesize information and support informed decision-making.
Positive attitude, dependable work ethic, and strong attention to detail.
Experience or interest in themed entertainment, architecture, engineering, or the built environment is a plus.
Education
Currently enrolled as a junior or higher pursuing a degree in Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Engineering Management, Architecture, Construction Management, Business, Finance, or a related field with demonstrated exposure to both technical and business concepts.
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
Able to provide own housing for the duration of the internship in Glendale, CA
The pay rate for this role in Glendale is $31 per hour for undergraduate students and $36 per hour for graduate level students. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits. To learn more about our benefits visit: https://jobs.disneycareers.com/benefits
About Walt Disney Imagineering:
Founded in 1952 as WED Enterprises to design and build the world’s first theme park — Disneyland — Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI) is where imagination and creativity combine with cutting-edge technology to create unforgettable experiences. WDI is the creative force that imagines, designs and builds all Disney theme parks, resorts, attractions and cruise ships worldwide. Imagineering’s unique strength comes from its diverse global team of creative and technical professionals, who build on Disney’s legacy of storytelling to pioneer new forms of entertainment. The Imagineers who practice this unique blend of art and science work in more than 100 disciplines to shepherd an idea all the way from “blue sky” concept phase to opening day.
About The Walt Disney Company:
The Walt Disney Company, together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading diversified international family entertainment and media enterprise that includes three core business segments: Disney Entertainment, ESPN, and Disney Experiences. From humble beginnings as a cartoon studio in the 1920s to its preeminent name in the entertainment industry today, Disney proudly continues its legacy of creating world-class stories and experiences for every member of the family. Disney’s stories, characters and experiences reach consumers and guests from every corner of the globe. With operations in more than 40 countries, our employees and cast members work together to create entertainment experiences that are both universally and locally cherished.
This position is with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc., which is part of a business we call Walt Disney Imagineering.
Walt Disney Parks and Resorts U.S., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, military or veteran status, medical condition, genetic information or disability, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. Disney champions a business environment where ideas and decisions from all people help us grow, innovate, create the best stories and be relevant in a constantly evolving world.