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WDI Prototype Technician Intern, Summer 2026
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10141994 Location Glendale, California, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Jan. 30, 2026Job Summary:
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 June 2026 to August 2026 and will be located in Glendale, CA.
As a Prototype Technician Intern, you will gain invaluable hands-on experience supporting the operations at the WDI campus in Glendale, CA. This role involves assisting with the staging, mock-ups, and delivery of WDI project components within the Show Studio under Project Services. You will have the opportunity to observe and support efforts to meet quality, schedule, and budget expectations while helping develop practical representations of creative show and effects concepts for theme park attractions.
What You Will Do
In this role, you will be responsible for supporting the setup and strike of all WDI mock-ups, applying safe and effective rigging and staging practices, and operating essential equipment in accordance with Disney and industry safety standards. You will also learn to support the technologies used in mock-ups, including system initialization, operation, shutdown, and disassembly, while ensuring equipment is properly managed and returned to Project Services inventory. This role is significant as it provides exposure across multiple WDI disciplines and coordination with various internal and external stakeholders. Success in this role requires curiosity, willingness to learn, and basic technical skills.
- Assist with technical systems setup, operation, and maintenance
- Perform basic theatrical support, including audio, lighting, video, and staging
- Troubleshoot technical issues as they arise
- Support temporary power distribution and mockup area setup/maintenance
- Fabricate and integrate special effects between high and low-tech systems
- Enforce safety practices, including electrical safety, overhead rigging, and fall protection
- Maintain and repair stock inventory of tools and equipment
- Support set-up/installation efforts for project mockups, presentations, and field installations
- Manage the movement of heavy materials during shipping, receiving, and storage
- Interact with outside vendors and providers for equipment and services support
Required Qualifications & Skills
- Proficiency with MS Office products (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Project)
- Knowledge and familiarity with audio, lighting, video, and staging for theatrical setups
- Ability to operate in a collaborative team environment
- Highly organized with the ability to multitask and remain organized under time pressure
- Ability to read architectural, set, and technical drawings
- Ability to operate and work off lifts, ladders, and catwalks
- Basic skills in technical systems setup and operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
- Curiosity and willingness to learn new skills and technologies
- Valid Driver’s License required
Preferred Qualifications
- Shop safety training, carpentry, and machine experience
- Familiarity with 3D design software such as ACAD, Viso, Sketchup, or SolidWorks
- Experience with 3D printing
- Experience with A/V equipment
Education
Currently enrolled as a Junior or higher attending an accredited college/university earning a degree majoring in Technical Theater, Industrial Design, or related field
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 Disney College 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 as an Undergraduate student in CA is $26.50 per hour. The pay rate for this role as a Graduate student is $27.50 per hour. Select benefits may be provided as part of the compensation package, such as medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered. 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.