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WDI Ride Development Engineering Intern, Glendale, Summer 2026
Apply Now Apply Later Job ID 10136086 Location Glendale, California, United States Business Walt Disney Imagineering Date posted Jan. 20, 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 May/June 2026 to August/September 2026 and will be located in Glendale, CA.
At Ride Engineering, it is our responsibility to move people through our stories in magical ways that bring these experiences to life! Ride Engineers bring optimism and solutions to design challenges that seem impossible, and partner with diverse creative talent to define and build one-of-a-kind experience that bring fun and joy to millions of people all around the world.
What You Will Do
As a Ride Development Engineering intern, you have the opportunity to work within a Project Engineering team, and be responsible for a wide variety of mechanical design & development tasks on innovative ride platforms that include unique requirements for extreme duty cycles, high reliability, and inherent life safety. Responsibilities may include conceptualizing, designing, analyzing, and/or testing of system components and features. Throughout the internship, a RDEI will be exposed to subject matter experts in a variety of engineering disciplines and experience a diverse environment where scope and requirements change frequently. While an intern is responsible for a variety of engineering activities, emphasis is always placed on learning. You will have the opportunity to:
Creatively apply engineering principals to assist in the design of a wide variety of innovative ride platforms, components, & related equipment for unique (and fun) life safety systems.
Work with teams to distill technical requirements from high level experience/story descriptions & artwork
Conceive and implement elegant solutions to complex design challenges
“Clean sheet” concept design of ride components that meet creative intent and requirements
Implement proof of concept prototype & mock ups: design/fabricate/test
Assist with development of scope, inspection, testing, and report documents
Digital model and drawing development and release
Assist with installation, field support, testing, and standards development
Explore and evaluate new and emerging technologies for practical use
Required Qualifications & Skills
Relevant engineering expertise (eg. machine design, kinematics, stress/strain, power train, materials)
Superior design sensibilities and creative problem solving
Ability to communicate complex technical concepts with non-technical audience.
Work collaboratively within a large and diverse team environment
Highly dependable, strong work ethic, with excellent time management skills.
Willingness to learn new things and continually improve capabilities/skills
Positive and optimistic influence on team, department, and community
Comfortable working in a creative/chaotic environment
Familiarity with design tools (eg. SolidWorks, Navisworks, AutoCAD, SketchUp, ANSYS, FEA, Matlab)
Preferred Qualifications
Experience with life safety design/requirements
Experience with prototype, development, and/or innovative products
Hands on experience with equipment assembly, fabrication, and installation
Proactive, self-sufficient and able to work and add value with minimal oversight
Attention to detail, Optimism and Enthusiasm, Perseverance and grit
Education
Currently enrolled as a Junior or higher attending an accredited college/university earning a BS or higher degree in Mechanical Engineering or an equivalent degree
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
Able to provide own housing for the duration of the internship in Glendale, CA
The pay rate for this role in California is $31 per hour for undergraduate level and $36 per hour for graduate level. 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.